A drummer/songwriter, Doug studied music at both Trebas and Harris Institutes, as well as Ryerson University in Marketing and Public Relations. His career has led him down many paths, including a management position at A&A Music. More recently Doug has been a drum teacher and has played with The Mark Hanson Band, Garage Dog and others. Doug also sits as President on the Board of the Musicians Incubator Association.
After the tragic loss of his daughter, Kaitlyn, Doug dealt with his grief by starting the Kaitlyn Bates Foundation, focusing on improving self esteem in young people. Continuing that mission, the foundation incorporated in 2016 as the Kaitlyn Bates Association for Personal Development and Self Esteem (The Kaitlyn Bates Initiative).

Dean is a proud member of the Mi'kmaq Pictou Landing First Nation. He has taught with Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board for over 25 years in subject areas such as Indigenous Studies, French Immersion, History, English and Library Specialist. At his current school, Cobourg Collegiate Institute, he has been the wrestling and rugby coach for the last 14 years. Dean is the co-initiator of the "Way of the Wolves/E-yanendmowaad Ma'iinganag" walking program which supports staff and students’ mental, physical and emotional health.

Robin has a background in healthcare as an Executive Director, and builds Primary Care Models that are new and innovative to fill gaps in the Canadian healthcare system. She is also deeply rooted and collaborative with Children’s Aid Society and has been a foster parent for 7 years. Currently Assistant Secretary to the Kaitlyn Bates Initiative, she has a passion for her community and for the development of our children – our future.

Matt is the current co-owner of CMF Inc., A&R Consultant with Inside Music Publishing, and a serial entrepreneur. He has an extensive background in the music industry. He is a locally renowned musician and now splits his time between Cobourg and Nashville.  Born and raised in Cobourg, Matt has a passion for giving back to the community and first teamed up with Doug Bates through various charity functions. He is honored to serve as Treasurer for the Kaitlyn Bates Initiative.

Gillian is a Canadian photographic artist who specializes in environmental portraits, wildlife and nature. Inspired by humanist photographers such as Robert Doisneau and Dorothea Lange, her portraits are recognizable by their unique blend of freshness and warmth, combined with a freedom of pose that embodies the natural surroundings of her subjects.  Smith-Clark recently published Beautiful, a coffee-table book of portraits of women and girls, aged 0 to 103. Visit her website at: www.amodernportrait.com

For over thirteen years, York has been an on-air personality with local radio stations. Over the years York has been involved with many different community organizations including the Board of Directors for Hospice Northumberland, and as Vice-Chair of the Port Hope Civic Awards Committee. Joining the Board of Directors for the Kaitlyn Bates Initiative was an easy decision to make. Raising an eight-year-old son and eight-year-old foster child, York wants to make a real difference to the lives of future generations.

Born in Kingston, Ontario, Andrew studied Graphic Design and Arts at both St. Lawrence and Niagara Colleges. Settling his family in Grafton, Ontario, he and his wife continue to live in the rural community where they’ve raised their two boys. He has committed himself to both his family and his community, volunteering in several capacities.  As former Manager of the Cobourg Downtown Business Improvement Area, he worked closely with small businesses for several years, developing marketing campaigns, assisting business owners and running community events. Today, Andrew co-owns three different business ventures including Cobourg Music Festivals Inc., comGo, and Brown Bag Tour Co. He also sits on several directing Boards including the Musicians Incubator Association, and the Cobourg Santa Claus Parade Committee. Andrew has a passion for new music, marketing, and business.