Board of Directors

Director

Originally from India, Akash moved to London in 2019 to study Business Management program at Fanshawe College. He completed his Bachelors degree from University of Delhi. Akash is keenly interested in arts and music because of their historical importance and social impact on societies around the world. He has served as the President of the Student's Union during his graduation and has organized & funded various cultural events in India at the college level.

Akash is a continuous learner and currently works as a Store Manager at SkipTheDishes Express Lane. Akash loves to meet people and make new friends. His hobbies include volunteering, travelling, and reading about current affairs across the globe.

Director

A proud graduate of Fanshawe College's Music Industry Arts (MIA) program and Bachelor of Music from Queens University, Allie has built a dynamic career at the intersection of arts, education, and philanthropy. With a proven track record as an administrator, fundraiser, and communications and marketing professional, Allie excels in crafting strategies that foster meaningful connections that encourages community engagement. 

Known for their dedication and creativity, Allie has a passion for leveraging their expertise to inspire growth and engagement, whether through compelling storytelling, innovative campaigns, or fostering relationships that empower communities. 

Director

Derrick Beckford is no stranger to Home County, partaking in his first Home County experience in 2012 while attending OIART. Derrick Graduated OIART and quickly jumped into sound and lighting production.

In 2017, Derrick moved back to London with his family to be closer to other family and he quickly jumped in on the local production scene working for many production suppliers, one of them being LAV, where Derrick was reintroduced to Home County and has worked the North stage for 2019, 2021 and 2022. Since 2017, Derrick has also worked part-time as the Production Manager and Technical Director for the Forest City Film Festival.

Derrick's experience gives him knowledge of the funding structure and challenges non-for-profits as well as an awareness of the challenges of returning to in-person events. Derrick now looks to bring this experience to Home County.

Director

Gary and his family moved to London from Toronto in early 2013, and they have attended and supported the Home County Music & Art Festival every year since then.

Gary has an MBA from the University of Toronto and is currently completing the Photography program at Fanshawe College. After a 5-year career at George Weston Ltd, Gary travelled the world to source, import and introduce new products to Canada. Gary transitioned his business into a digital enterprise in 2005, and he currently provides investment capital and management services to other local start-ups.

Director

Jen Heidendheim is a (nearly) life-long Londoner, and is a big supporter of London's local music and culture scene. She's been a volunteer with Home County since 2015 - joining the Festival Organizing Committee in 2020 and the Board of Directors in 2021.

Director

Katherine Fischer is a London based indie-folk singer-songwriter. From coast to coast Katherine has played over 250 shows including festival performances at Winnipeg Folk Festival, Live From The Rock and main stage at Home County.  A Fanshawe Music Industry Arts graduate, Grand Theatre's High School Project alumni and London Arts Live artist Katherine has been involved in the London arts community for two decades. She looks forward to bringing her experience as a touring and recording artist to the Home County board. 

Director

Marcia, a London resident for 25 years, began volunteering with our Festival Organizing Committee in 2022 and later joined the Board of Directors in 2023. A dedicated supporter of the arts with a passion for writing, she is excited to contribute to our nonprofit's mission in promoting and supporting local folk artists.

Director