Effective Immediately
The Ontario Prospectors Association (OPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Lesley Williams to its Board of Directors.
Lesley brings over 15 years of leadership experience in public policy, mineral exploration and mining, sustainability, and Indigenous and multi-stakeholder engagement. Her appointment marks an exciting and strategic step forward in the OPA’s ongoing revitalization. Lesley will be joining the Board as a replacement for Percy Clark who retired from the OPA in March of 2025.
Currently serving as Chief Advisor at Indigenous & Community Engagement, Lesley has held several senior leadership roles in both government and industry, including as Chief of Staff to Ontario’s Minister of Mines and to the Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. Prior to that, she spent over a decade advancing the mineral exploration sector through her work at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), where she led government relations, sustainability initiatives, and Indigenous affairs portfolios.
Lesley is widely recognized for her results-oriented leadership, sound judgement, and ability to navigate complex policy and regulatory frameworks. Her expertise in regulatory regimes, Indigenous consultation, government relations, and responsible exploration practices will be invaluable as the OPA continues its transformation into a strong, credible voice for Ontario’s mineral exploration community.
“Lesley’s appointment signals the beginning of the new OPA,” said Bill MacRae, OPA Interim Executive Director. “Her knowledge of Ontario’s mineral landscape and her deep relationships across industry, government, and Indigenous communities align perfectly with our renewed vision of advocacy, inclusion, and sustainable growth for the province’s exploration sector.”
The OPA is entering a new era—one that champions the next generation of explorers, strengthens our collective voice at Queen’s Park, and fosters responsible Indigenous partnerships across the province. Welcoming Lesley to the Board is a proud and powerful milestone in that journey.
For more information about the OPA and its initiatives, please visit www.ontarioprospectors.com
Media Contact: admin@ontarioprospectors.com