Endorsements
Kelly has spent a lifetime working with local citizens, community leaders, partners, and businesses to create a Woodstock and Oxford County where everyone can thrive. She has developed strong relationships across private, public and non-profit sectors. Below are some individuals who have worked closely with Kelly throughout the years and have first-hand knowledge of her skills, integrity, knowledge, commitment and passion to serve. She is grateful for their kind words, willingness to share their experience of working or volunteering with her, and for endorsing her for the Woodstock City-County Councillor position.
Cheryl Micacchi
Former United Way Oxford Board Member
“I have been involved with United Way Oxford for the past 12 years and have seen, firsthand, Kelly Gilson’s dedication and passion for the Oxford County community. Through meeting and talking with residents, sitting on countless committees and working with social service agencies across Oxford, Kelly has developed a deep understanding of what matters to the people who live in Oxford County. She has the ability to bring ideas and people together in order to find innovative solutions to community issues. She is a hard worker, knows the community and asks the right questions. I believe Kelly would be an excellent City-County Councillor.”
“I have known and worked with Kelly during her career at United Way Oxford. I have witnessed her strong leadership, and effective public engagement skills countless times over. Kelly has habitually demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Oxford County; she is always ready to collaborate with the appropriate community partner and advocate for Oxford’s citizens. Kelly has a strong desire to serve and would be a dedicated, knowledgeable Woodstock City/County Councillor ready to work towards a better tomorrow.”
Lynda Bartlett
Mike Van Boekel
Retired Plant Chair UNIFOR Local 88, CAMI Assembly Plant
For the past 20 years I have been the Plant Chair of the CAMI plant. During those years, I had the absolute pleasure to work with Kelly on our annual United Way campaigns. Kelly has led the United Way Oxford team and really helped teach us what our members can do for the community. Through her efforts, GM and our team members raised well over $10 million dollars during our annual campaigns. Kelly is a ball of energy and her enthusiasm lights up any room. She is professional and extremely organized. Kelly truly cares about our community and is a voice for so many who cannot be heard. She leads by example and is always ready to jump right in and help in any area needed. Kelly is a hard worker, and simply does not back down from any challenge or issues that arise. She is a leader and also has a great ability to encourage others to give that extra effort, to show you how truly fortunate most of us, and to always look for ways to help those less fortunate. When Kelly spoke about the United Way, she spoke from her heart. She challenged us to gain new heights each year, to think beyond what you could do, to what may be possible, she made us all stronger, together.
Randy Peltz
Retired Executive Director, Oxford County Community Health Centre
“Kelly has repeatedly demonstrated, professionally and personally, that she strongly believes in the capacity and future of Woodstock & Oxford County. More importantly, she believes in the natural potential of people to create change - small or large. She seeks out a variety of viewpoints based on facts and experiences, listening very carefully. In turn, she is intentional in what she says, and what needs to be done - always with a focus on the outcome. Kelly brings a unique knowledge of the social and economic issues challenging communities across Oxford, based on years of building productive relationships with the public and a wide range of sectors. Quite simply - she gets it! And this goes a very long way in today's political climate.”
“I have had the opportunity to see firsthand the impact that Kelly has on our community. She is a true community leader whose commitment to improving our city and county is evident in everything she does. What sets Kelly apart is her vision. She doesn’t simply react to challenges—she looks ahead, recognizes opportunities, brings people together and works to create meaningful, lasting change. She has an exceptional understanding of the issues affecting our community and is deeply connected to the people, organizations, and partnerships that can help create positive change. Kelly is willing to ask difficult questions, advocate for what she believes is right, and challenge the status quo when it serves the community’s best interests. Her leadership is guided by a genuine commitment to improving residents’ lives and ensuring our region reaches its full potential. Our community needs leaders who are informed, engaged, and prepared to make thoughtful decisions. Kelly brings those qualities, along with integrity, passion, and a clear vision for the future. I believe she would be an outstanding representative for our city and county, and I am proud to support her.”
MSW, RSW
Giselle Lutfallah
Mary Reid
MA, MBA, Former Director and Curator of the Woodstock Art Gallery
“What has always impressed me most about Kelly is her drive and tenacity. She is not content simply to identify challenges; she is determined to find solutions. Her ability to unite individuals and organizations behind shared goals has led to tangible results that have improved the lives of countless people throughout Oxford County”.
Tami Murray
CYW, BSW, MSW, RSW.
“Kelly is dedicated, intelligent and a strong community advocate for all! It has been an honor to work work her as a community partner over the past decade. A vote for Kelly is a win for the community of Oxford County!”
Doug Marsh
Owner, The Record Works
“I’ve known Kelly for a long time, both personally and through work. As Woodstock’s BIA Manager, Kelly was always thorough and accountable. She ran meetings and always had the big picture in mind. In a world where everyone seems eager to talk, Kelly listens.”
Dave Hewitt
Retired Owner, Canada Stampings; Partner Canada Tubeform Inc.
As a manufacturing business owner/operator, I know how important strong financial management is to the success of any organization. For a charity, that bar is extremely high - donors, partners and community must feel confident that campaign dollars are managed properly, invested prudently and well spent in a transparent and accountable way. My family and I have a long history of supporting and volunteering with United Way Oxford, and I spent 6 years on the Board as Treasurer. I saw firsthand how, under Kelly’s leadership, the organization grew and transformed to maximize impact for people across Oxford. Kelly increased corporate and workplace support, inspired payroll giving, assisted agencies, and strived for continuous organizational improvement. She managed a lean operation very well and successfully adapted through economic good times and bad because she had created a strong foundation and has the persistence to get things done. I know she will use her people skills, business experience and community knowledge to be a strong Woodstock City-County Councillor. Vote for her, you’ll be glad that you did.”
Glen McDonald
“When I retired from my career in education in 1994, I chose to volunteer with the United Way of Woodstock. When Kelly Gilson became the Executive Director at United Way, I continued to proudly volunteer under her caring leadership, vision, skills and development which resulted in the United Way of Woodstock/Oxford serving much wider community needs and services. A read of her resume outlines Kelly's ability to see and serve what needs to be done; the same skills that will serve her well as a City-County Councillor. I will be voting for Kelly.”
Clancey and Culley Gilson
Mini Goldendoodles
“Our Mom is the best and if we could vote, we would vote for her. She gives us a snack every day (sometimes two), she gives great belly rubs, and she lets us sleep on the bed. She’s not quite as punctual as Dad, so if she is on dinner duty we know that she will not be home in time for our 6:30 meal…and we notice! But we don’t hold that against her. She works very hard, and her job is more than a job to her; it is who she is and what she does. She loves people and dogs and serving our city. As Woodstock City-County Councillor, she would work hard for the entire community. A little tip – we suggest that you avoid her at Halloween. We try, but it doesn’t work, and we end up all dressed up; maybe you’ll be luckier. We think she is pretty special, and if you got to know her, you would think so too. Please vote for our Mom, Kelly Gilson, because she really cares (and she always picks up after us on walks!).”