News Release
Saskatoon, SK: Winnipeg, MB – September 16, 2025: Genome Prairie is pleased to formally announce today the appointment of two new members to its board of directors – Ms. Jennifer Cleary and Ms. Marlene Boersch. Both are 3-year appointments, extending to the year 2028.
Ms. Cleary resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is currently the CEO of Research Manitoba. Jennifer was Programs Manager with Research Manitoba from 2019 to 2021, where she developed new programming for the organization, including the Innovation Proof-of-Concept Grant and the COVID-19 Research Fund. Before she was appointed CEO of Research Manitoba, Ms. Cleary was Director of Economic Opportunities and Investments with the Government of Manitoba’s Department of Economic Development, Investment, Trade, and Natural Resources.
Ms. Boersch is the co-founder of Mercantile Consulting Venture, and represents the company and provides services in Canada and internationally, including Europe, Asia and Australia. Before her work at Mercantile, Marlene was a Canadian crop trader, having worked at Cargill Grain and XCSN Grain Ltd. Additionally, Marlene was part of the founding team and served as Executive VP at Berdex Canada Ltd.
Ms. Cleary brings considerable experience and connections with the diverse research community in Manitoba. Her academic background and career path have demonstrated her passion for research and innovation in the prairie region,” said Genome Prairie CEO Mike Cey.
“Ms. Boersch has extensive executive leadership and exceptional expertise in agriculture in Canada. She, as well as Ms. Cleary, will provide the Genome Prairie board and our organization as a whole with invaluable knowledge and insights that will guide our future endeavours.”
Ms. Cleary is an alumnus of the University of Winnipeg, while Ms. Boersch obtained a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Saskatchewan.
Ms. Cleary and Boersch will replace departing Genome Prairie board members Patty Rosher and the Honourable JoAnne Buth.
QUICK FACTS
- Genome Prairie is a Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Winnipeg, Manitoba-based non-profit. Established in 2000, Genome Prairie has supported over $400 million in genomics-based research activities related to agriculture, the environment, and human and animal health.
- The Genome Prairie Board of Directors is a 10-member board comprised of individuals providing equal representation for the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The board has been chaired by Dr. Peter W.B. Phillips since 2023, and co-chaired by Mr. Al Shpyth since 2024.
- Genome Prairie represents one of six independent regional Genome Centres in Canada. This federated model optimizes investments in genomics research and innovation by aligning regional strengths and needs with national priorities—and by mobilizing industry-academic partnerships.
- Genome Prairie has a strong record of success in bringing investment dollars to its region. In recent years, Genome Prairie was awarded lead and co-lead for five of nine large-scale genomics projects totaling over $27 million via the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Systems (CSAFS) initiative
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RELEASE PLEASE CONTACT
Tony Bassett
Director of Communications
Genome Prairie
text/voice: 306.881.0255
email: tbassett@genomeprairie.ca
