Meet the Core Team
Visionaries. Builders. Nation-Shapers.
Canadian ROOTS Farms™ is led by a team of seasoned executives, scientists, and land stewards who combine deep technical acumen with lived experience in building transformational infrastructure.
🌱 Executive Leadership
Richard Leblanc — Founder & CEO
A visionary entrepreneur with decades of leadership in regenerative agriculture, social enterprise, and non-invasive biosensor technology. Richard founded the Woodwynn Farms therapeutic community and leads Canadian ROOTS Farms with a mission to rewrite the nation’s food system through land-based reconciliation and innovation.
Dr. Brian Harper — Chief Technology Officer
A pioneer in biosensing, neuro-immunology, and bio-electrical systems, Dr. Harper has over 35 years of experience translating complex R&D into real-world health and agricultural applications. His work includes the first wearable insulin infusion pump and multiple innovations in nanotech, bioelectrical therapies, and precision farming.
Lauren A. Nickel, ICD.D — Senior Advisor, Governance & Public Strategy
A seasoned corporate strategist with extensive board, business, and public policy experience. Lauren has held roles such as Interim President of Accessible Media Inc., SVP & CFO of Photon Control, and senior planner with the City of Calgary. She brings deep insight into ESG, infrastructure finance, and stakeholder engagement.
Dr. Brian Holl — Director of Plant Science & Agronomy
Professor Emeritus and researcher with a PhD in fungal genetics from Cambridge. A lifelong advocate for sustainable agriculture and curriculum development, Dr. Holl brings wisdom, precision, and vision to ROOTS’ growing protocols and agri-tech pathways.
Growing the Network
ROOTS is also supported by:
- Indigenous Elders and economic development officers
- Advisors in CEA, energy, logistics, and robotics
- Strategic grocer and government partners (in progress)