Four new members welcomed, one re-appointed
College of the Rockies’ Board of Governors is pleased to announce the appointment of four new board members, effective July 31, 2020.
Joining the Board are Jared Basil, Amber van Drielen, Nicolas Milligan, and Darlene Trach. Returning Board member Elaine Eccleston was also reappointed.
Jared Basil:
Basil is a Ktunaxa Nation member from the community of Lower Kootenay. His work spans both the Economic and Social Sectors at the Ktunaxa Nation Council where he is also the Chair of the Education and Employment Sector.
Amber van Drielen:
van Drielen is owner and lawyer with One World Law Group as well as a lead lawyer – Family LawLINE with Legal Aid BC. She has previously worked as a legal advocate and lawyer with Seniors First BC. Residing in Golden, van Drielen has volunteered at the Women’s Resource Society of Golden, fundraised for Golden Opportunities for Refugees, and was a local lead and outreach for Fair Vote Canada (BC).
Nicolas Milligan:
Milligan recently retired from his role as Manager of Social Responsibility with the Coal Business Unit of Teck Resources. He previously held the positions of Manager, Aboriginal Affairs for Teck Resources and Superintendent, Human Resources of Elk Valley Coal Operation. Active in his community of Fernie, Milligan has been a Board Member with Community Futures East Kootenay, the Fernie Arts Station, and the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce.
Darlene Trach:
Trach has worked with the Ktunaxa Nation Council for the past 23 years in a range of positions, most recently as Self-Government Readiness Coordinator. She served two terms as a Councillor for the Tobacco Plains Band and was the Chairperson of the Education and Employment Sector with the Ktunaxa Nation Council.
College of the Rockies’ Board represents the public, oversees the affairs of the College, and determines and demands appropriate institutional performance. The Board’s primary responsibility is to oversee the strategic direction and management of the College, and to ensure it carries out its Mission in concert with its Vision and Values. Board members are appointed by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.
“The Board of Governors plays an important role at the College,” said Paul Vogt, College of the Rockies President and CEO. “I congratulate Jared, Amber, Nicolas and Darlene on their appointments, and welcome Elaine back for another term. I look forward to working with them, and the entire Board, throughout the year.”
Retiring from the Board after fulfilling their mandates are Jesse Nicholas, Krys Sikora, Steen Jorgensen, and Wilda Schab,
“Thank you to Jesse, Krys, Steen and Wilda for their many contributions to the Board and outstanding service to the College over the past six years,” said Randal Macnair, Board Chair. “With four new members, the Board will have a renewed vision and energy for the upcoming year. I welcome the contributions Amber, Darlene, Jared and Nicholas will bring.”
Learn more about College of the Rockies’ Board of Governors.
About College of the Rockies
For more than 40 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industry and businesses of our region. Each year, we welcome more than 10,000 full-time and part-time students into a full range of programs, including: skilled trades, university studies, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism, hospitality, recreation, fire services, continuing education and contract training. Through smaller class sizes, highly-personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.
Media Contact:
Deb Carty
Executive Director, Communications and Marketing
College of the Rockies
dcarty@cotr.bc.ca