Board Members

Term:  July 31, 2020 – July 31, 2026

Jared Basil is a Ktunaxa Nation member from the community of Lower Kootenay. His work spans both the Economic Sector as well as the Social Sector at the Ktunaxa Nation Council. He is an elected leader and is currently the Chair of the Education & Employment Sector at the Ktunaxa Nation Council.

Term: July 31, 2019 – July 31, 2025

Lainee Eccleston retired in 2016 after 14 years as an instructor in the Business Administration department at COTR. She started her career with 15 years in public practice; the last 5 as audit manager for BDO. She then was CFO for the Ktunaxa Tribal Council and for the City of Kimberley.

She has earned the following designations: FCPA, FCMA, MBA, CAFM and a Provincial Instructor’s Diploma. 

Elaine became involved with the First Nation’s financial literacy in 1993 and was a founder of the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association. She has been active with AFOABC since 1993 and is an honorary lifetime member. Elaine currently presents workshops for AFOABC in communities and virtually.  She was the CMABC board for 9 years; until the formation of CPABC.

She was an appointed member of the Accounting Policy Advisory Committee for the Province of BC and was part of the process of bringing the Province’s financial statements to comply with GAAP in 2005.

Term: July 15, 2024 – July 31, 2025

Elizabeth has held executive management positions in commodities trading and renewable energy generation as well as in the financial sector focused on compliance with applicable laws and regulations as well as corporate ethics and compliance policy.

Having retired from corporate life in 2023, Elizabeth currently acts as a Managing Partner with commercial and residential real estate holdings in the East Kootenay region. She has served on a number of public and private boards including The Groundswell Network Society and Columbia Condominium Association.

Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s of Commerce from the University of Calgary and a Masters of Science in Business Compliance and Ethics from the New England College of Business. 

She lives in Radium Hot Springs and is active in the community as a member of the local Rotary Club Chapter.

Term:   July 31, 2021 – July 31, 2026

Anne Glassford is a retired Capital Accountant and Business Consultant for Interior Health.  Previously Ms. Glassford was Hospitality Controller and Lodging Revenue Manager for Radium Golf Group, The Resort at Copper Point and Panorama Mountain Village.  She carries over 25 years of business experience within multiple industries including financial management roles in healthcare, hospitality, local government and education. Active in her community, Ms. Glassford is an appointed Director and the Finance Committee Chair for the Columbia Valley Community Foundation. Previously she was a Member of the Board of Directors for the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC East Kootenay Chapter and Chair of the Communications Committee. Ms. Glassford also was Treasurer for the Panorama Foundation and the Columbia Valley Greenways Alliance.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Waterloo. Ms. Glassford is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Director. 

Term: July 15, 2024 – July 31, 2025

Megan Lohmann has been living and working in Fernie, BC for almost two decades – originally landing in the community as a result of her partner’s enrolment in the College of the Rockies Mountain Activity Skills Training program. Since then, Megan has been dedicated to supporting the community and the region through her work in the climate and energy sector, and her volunteerism with sport and environmental organizations. 

Megan is passionate about implementing high-impact initiatives through effective collaboration between the public and private sectors. Recently assuming the role of CEO at the Community Energy Association (CEA), Megan supports a staff of passionate individuals seeking to address climate change through initiatives at the local government, Indigenous community and public scale. Over the last 16 years with CEA, Megan has facilitated impactful projects in the transportation, building and waste sectors, including an award winning rural electric vehicle network in the Kootenay region. 

Preparing the workforce for a transition to net-zero requires a focus on skills development and market transformation. Megan feels strongly about the opportunity to equip learners with the skills the future requires of them and brings that lens to her involvement with the College of the Rockies Board. 

With a keen interest in learning and building skills around governance and leadership, Megan also sits at the Vice-Chair of Electric Mobility Canada, is a representative on the BC Energy Step Code Council, is President of the Fernie Nordic Society and advises on numerous committees and councils. 

Term: July 15, 2024 – July 31, 2025

Kris Murray is a Métis woman, living in the community of K̓ukamaʔnam, known now to visitors as Kimberley, on ?ama?kis Ktunaxa. Kris is the Corporate Director of Indigenous Health & Wellness with Interior Health, leading partnerships and engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations and working across the health system to create change and improve health equity, access, and cultural safety for First Nations and Métis peoples in the Interior. 

Kris has a background in policy, previously working at the Ministry of Health in Alberta in Strategic and Indigenous Health Policy, moving back to her hometown over six years ago to continue policy and systems transformation work with Interior Health. Kris has Masters of Science in Human Nutrition and Metabolism where her research focused on decolonizing First Nation school health policies and an Bachelors of Science in Biological Sciences. 

In her spare time, Kris spends time with her family and friends and enjoys running, cycling, cross-country skiing, hiking, and backpacking. Kris serves as a Director on the Board of the Kimberley Nordic Club, a Governor on the Board of the College of the Rockies, and enjoys both volunteering and participating in running and cycling races. She has a passion for education and growth and learning across the lifespan, community development and belonging, and connection. 

Term: July 15, 2024 – July 31, 2025

Faye O’Neil was born on her homelands of ʔamaʔkis Ktunaxa at the beginning of the headwaters of the miȼ̓ qaqas akinmituk (Chickadee River/Columbia River) where she played in the water and on the land.

She shares Ktunaxa and European ancestry, is a community member of the ʔaq̓ am and resides in Cranbrook, BC. She is a mother of three adult children and a fur-mom to Daisy.

She is an Indigenous Education Coordinator in School District #5 (Southeast Kootenay) and has been working in the public education sector for 25 years promoting and braiding Indigenous worldviews and perspectives into the classrooms.

When not volunteering on committees and boards, you can find her out on the land exploring and following the footprints of her ancestors, kayaking the many lakes in the area, and gathering plants and berries. Recently Faye was awarded an EE Excellence from CBEEN.

Term: July 31, 2020 – July 31, 2027

Amber van Drielen is a lawyer in Golden who works primarily on family law contracts with Legal Aid BC.   Previously she was a Legal Advocate and a Lawyer with what is now Seniors First BC. Active in her community, Ms. van Drielen volunteered at the Women’s Resource Society of Golden, Fundraiser for Golden Opportunities for Refugees and a Local Lead and Outreach for Fair Vote Canada (BC). She holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Civil Law from McGill University. Ms. van Drielen also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography with a minor in Social Anthropology from Simon Fraser University.  

Term: July 15, 2024 – July 31, 2025

Ryan Watmough has been supporting community economic development (CED), community leaders, organizations and communities across Canada from his home in Invermere.

He is passionate about supporting natural resource-dependent and resort communities to achieve their long-term sustainability goals. He shares his skills in strategy, process alignment, evidence-based decision-making, community resource allocation (leveraging UN SDGs and indicators) and community engagement. He also mentors and coaches, develops learning resources and events, and fosters a national SFU CED alumni network.

Ryan has studied neuroscience (Brock U and Keele U), business administration (WLU), project management (MRU) and community economic development (SFU) and is very excited about the future transformation of interdisciplinary studies in education.

He strives to give back to his community, volunteering with Lake Windermere Ambassadors, serving as a director on Kenpesq’t Holdings Ltd., a Shuswap Band-owned company that provides economic opportunities and benefits for the Shuswap Band and its members, and on the Canadian CED Network (CCEDNet) board, supporting CED practitioners across Canada. Ryan truly appreciates all that the shared, unceded home of the Secwépemc and Ktunaxa peoples, and the chosen homeland of the Columbia Valley Metis has to offer year-round – from paddling on lakes in the warmer months, to hiking, snowboarding, plogging and photographing it’s beauty 365 days a year.

Term: July 15, 2024 – July 31, 2025

Everett Willier, a proud member of the Cree Nation from Sucker Creek First Nation in Treaty 8 Territory, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to cultural preservation and education. Currently residing in Cranbrook, British Columbia, with his wife Erin and their four children, Everett has planted strong familial and cultural roots in both Northern Alberta and Ktunaxa territory in southeastern British Columbia.

With an impending graduation in June 2024, Everett is pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work degree at Vancouver Island University. This educational pursuit is complemented by his role as the Aboriginal Patient Navigator at East Kootenay Regional Hospital, where he actively advocates for the integration of Indigenous perspectives in healthcare, reflecting his dedication to holistic well-being.

Everett’s passion for bridging the gap between Indigenous knowledge and mainstream academia is evident in his collaboration with Vancouver Island University. His involvement in reshaping academic courses to incorporate Indigenous perspectives showcases his commitment to fostering cultural relevance and accuracy within educational frameworks. This initiative not only empowers Indigenous students but also contributes to a broader understanding and respect for diverse perspectives in academic settings.

Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Everett has been an instrumental advocate for community initiatives. His dedication to helping establish a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and an Oncology/Renal unit at East Kootenay Regional Hospital underscores his commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for Indigenous families. Drawing on cultural values and understanding, he emphasizes the significance of community presence around newborns and families, echoing the importance of love, support, and cultural connection

Term: October 2022 – October 2025

Sharon Demaine is an instructor in the Office Administration program at College of the Rockies. Sharon started her career teaching in northern Alberta after earning a B.Ed. from the University of Alberta. After nearly a decade, she switched gears to attend Mount Royal College in Calgary and became a licensed funeral director/embalmer in Edmonton. She worked in funeral service until she moved to the East Kootenays in 2011. As part of starting a new business, Sharon attended College of the Rockies to earn the Office Administration and Bookkeeping Specialty certificates. She was encouraged to apply for an auxiliary instructor position, and that led to her becoming regular faculty.

Sharon was elected to the Education Council in 2017 and held the position of Chair. Sharon is also active with the College of the Rockies Faculty Association, as a volunteer. She is a member of the Wasa Historical Society and volunteers for local events, including the annual Winter Festival.

In her spare time, Sharon enjoys being a homebody or going on adventures outdoors.

Term: October 2020 – October 2026

Jenn Smith is currently the Co-op and Employment Services Coordinator at College of the Rockies. She has worked at the College since 2017 in both Student Services and Continuing Education. She holds a Bachelor of Sociology from Mount Saint Vincent University.

Jenn moved to Cranbrook in 2007 from Vancouver and couldn’t be happier with small city living, surrounded by the mountains. She spent several years working and volunteering in the non-profit sector. 

When not out on a road trip or at a concert with her husband, she can be found walking the dog in the forest, reading or quilting. 

Term: December 2022 – December 2024

Nathan Dueck is an Instructor of English and Creative Writing at the College of the Rockies. He regularly teaches introductory courses in academic composition, and second-year courses in various literary genres and forms.

Nathan holds Bachelor’s (Hons) and Master’s of Arts degrees in English Literature from the University of Manitoba and a Ph.D. with a focus on Canadian Literature from the University of Calgary.

Nathan was elected to the Education Council in 2019 and was recently acclaimed as its Chair. When he’s not in the classroom or a boardroom, he’s at his desk grading. When the grading is done, he’s back at the desk producing both creative and scholarly work. He’s published articles about Canadian writing and delivered papers at conferences across North America. He’s has also written three poetry collections and has a memoir forthcoming. He likes to spend every moment of his spare time indoors.

Term: October 2024 – October 2025

I was born in India where I completed my high school, and then moved to Canada for higher studies and for better opportunities. I have done a lots of volunteer work back in India within my school time as well as with some religious institutions as well.

During my schooling in India, I majored Math’s, Economics and Computer Science, and right now I’m in Associate of Arts program in the College.

I have been elected as a president two times in my school time which makes me little experienced in that field. I know what students are mainly looking for, what assistance they need from the college or the other students.

Outside from my political professional life, I love cooking different cuisines, playing different games like Cricket and badminton. I also love listening to music while cooking as it helps me to feel energetic at that time. The main reason why I choose to sit on the Board of Governors for the College to serve the college and help bring some positive changes that will make students more comfortable and ensure a better future for all the students.

Term: October 2024 – October 2025

Hi, my name is Grace Deptuck. I just turned 21 and I love pasta, photography, my dog, long car rides, iced coffee and music. I’m a home-grown prairie girl originally from a small town in the southeast corner of Saskatchewan. But I recently moved out west to pursue a career in nursing. I’m in my second year of the LPN program here at the College of the Rockies. In my free time you will find me doing things like photography, painting, hiking and finding new ways to volunteer and help people.

I’m an avid member of the Canadian Nurses Student Association and The British Columbia Nurses Union here at the school. I love being an active part of this community and I hope to be a voice for this school and the needs of the students. I’m always an advocate for kindness and equity for all. I strive to be a voice and a stand for, the students at this school. Your education matters, you came here for a reason, which means you deserve to be heard!

Paul Vogt joins the College with a long career in public administration, including eight years as head of the Manitoba public service and seven years of teaching at the post-secondary level. He previously held the role of president of Red River College in Winnipeg, where he had a successful track record of building industry engagement through applied research partnerships, attracting federal research grants and creating a robust institutional culture for the college and community.

Holding a Master of Philosophy from Oxford University and Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Political Science from the University of Manitoba, Vogt is a Rhodes Scholar and a recipient of several graduate fellowships and public service awards.