CFTC is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors (generally 10 – 12) drawn from the community-at-large and representing a wide range of interests including banking, labour, business, professional, and government services. Many have economic sector connections and represent the geographic area of our region including Clearwater, Barriere, Chase and Kamloops to ensure that the needs of our communities are met.
Bill Kershaw joined the Board of CFTC in 2004 representing the region of Barriere. For most of this period Bill has been an active member of the Executive Committee serving as Vice Chair. In January 2009 Bill was elected Chair. He has plied his mechanical expertise for many years as a business owner in Barriere. He is a member of the Barriere Chamber of Commerce and formerly held the President’s position. Bill was an elected Director of the Thompson Nicola Regional District previous to 2005. He and his wife operate a popular restaurant in Barriere serving home-made food.
Chuck Wyld joined the Board in 1995 representing the area of Chase. Chuck has been very active with the CFTC and served as the Chair from 2001 – 2007. He was the Manager of the Chase Employment Centre until to his retirement in 2008. He also was a member of the Chase Chamber of Commerce. He is recognized for several youth service projects through the Chase Lions Club but Chuck’s favorite activity is his involvement with the Chase Hamper Fund. In 2008 more than 230 hampers were given out during the Christmas season. As well, more than 100 marginalized families have benefited from Chuck’s hobby and expertise in refurbishing old computers and donating them to individuals and families in greatest need.
Ken White is a founding Board Member of the Community Futures movement since 1988. Ken served as the CFTC Chair from 1996 – 2001 and Chair of Community Futures British Columbia from 2004 – 2007. He has served as the Pan Canadian Chair from 2007 – 2009. CF’s across Canada have relied on Ken’s interest, expertise, and leadership he has provided. Ken has provided in excess of 10,000 volunteer hours to the CF movement. He supports community driven endeavors that promote economic, social, cultural and environmental diversity. In 2002 after a long and stellar career in the financial services industry, Ken retired from the BDC but continues to provide expertise. When not working for CF’s Ken can be found on the golf course.
Jack Kerssens joined the CFTC Board in 1990. Following his immigration to Canada from Holland, he found employment in the forest industry where he nurtured an interest in worker’s rights by becoming involved in the IWA. Jack was the business agent of the IWA until his retirement in 1989. In 2001, he retired after 30 years, as Secretary/Treasurer for the Kamloops and District Labour Council. He has served on various boards including the Thompson Savings Credit Union, Kamloops YMCA and continues to serve on the Board of Kamloops Hospice Association. Jack particularly enjoys his wife of 54 years, children and grandchildren.
Earl G. Tomyn was appointed to the Board of CFTC in 2005 as a recommendation by the community of Clearwater. Earl was employed 42 years in the forest industry until his retirement in 2005. He is a long time dedicated member of the Elks Club in Clearwater and particularly enjoys working with the Clearwater Challengers Group, a program for adults with disabilities. Most recently he has enjoyed a subcontracting role in the telecommunications industry.
Ken Hood joined the Board of CFTC in 2004 and quickly became involved with the Self Employment Program. A graduate from UBC in elementary education, Ken spent many years in the Lillooet area as an elementary school educator. He was actively involved in the community of Lillooet as an Alderman and Councillor for the Village for 15 years. Upon his retirement in 1995, he and his wife moved to Kamloops. He and with his wife enjoy travelling.
Mary Doonan joined the Board of CFTC in 2006. From 1969 – 1996 she was the co-owner of a small business in residential construction. In 2001 she joined the staff of the Salvation Army as the Community Services Coordinator in Kamloops. During 2003 she was promoted to Community Outreach Worker a position which she holds today. She is a strong supporter of small business and self employment and believes that CF’s give a ‘hand up’ by providing support and the necessary tools to assist individuals to reach their goals. In her spare time she treasures her children and grandchildren.
Julie Kimmel-Lee joined the Board in 2006 following 5 years on the Self Employment Committee. Julie became involved in CFTC as a staff Youth Business Coordinator from 1997 to 2000. In 2001 Julie was involved with the Raven Program which provides alcohol and other drug counseling and additional services to people under 25 yrs of age and their families. Julie is a Realtor for Royal LePage Kamloops Realty known as “Kamloops Family Realtor”. She often is seen supporting and sponsoring speaker series in the community. In her spare time, along with raising her two children, she and her husband renovate homes for resale.
Randy Sunderman joined the CFTC Board in 2007. Randy is a private consultant who assists organizations and communities in conducting economic development plans, strategic plans and assessments particularly related to economic issues. He has consulted to the provincial government on a number of community issues. Randy is a member of Venture Kamloops Business Adivosry Committee, FORREX Community Advisory Committee and is a past Board member of the Economic Development Association of BC. Randy and his family particularly enjoy the outdoors.
Patricia Wallace was appointed to the Board of CFTC in 2009 following a short term on the Self Employment Committee. She has served on a multitude of Boards over the decades including Tribunal Chair for the Ministry of Social Development, Kamloops Exhibition Association, Overlander Extended Care, United Way, Fraser Basin Council, Canadian Cancer Society, and Miss Kamloops Pageant. She served as the President of the Union of BC Municipalities in 1996 along with her long and current affiliation as an elected official of the City of Kamloops and Thompson Nicola Regional District.
Paul Ross joined the Board in 2009 while continuing his involvement in the Self Employment and Loan Committees since 2005. Paul is an Accredited Insurance Broker and Certified Financial Planner. He joined a local insurance company in 2007 following two years with TD Canada Trust. Paul graduated from UBC on the Dean’s Honor Roll in 2003 with a degree in commerce. Paul’s greatest interests are his wife and two small children.
