I am Tsq’escenemc (from Canim Lake Band) on my maternal side and I have been on a journey to learn more about my culture and family history. I am proud to take that journey alongside my kids: Ryan, Ian, Finnegan and Margaret. As you can imagine, four kids under 11 is a bit of an adventure at times, but they are truly my motivation and inspiration. As I talk about my family, I must recognize and celebrate my wife, Carli, who sacrifices so much in support of my service to the community.

In my spare time I like to explore Prince George with my family and dog Bentley, golfing, and scrolling social media with an iced coffee close by.

MY EXPERIENCE

In 2023 I started a new career as the Executive Director, Commercial Ventures with Scouts Canada. This is an exciting new challenge that will allow me the opportunity to give back to an organization that gave me so much growing up. Prior to joining the team at Scouts I spent almost 17 years working with Big Brothers Big Sisters here in Prince George.

I spent the first part of my time there coordinating fundraising and marketing campaigns, and in 2013, I was named Executive Director. Since taking over that role, the organization has grown by 3x in organizational size and 4x in the number of children served. Before working with Big Brothers Big Sisters, I ran a youth drop-in program and summer camp for Active Support Against Poverty and worked at Exploration Place in their galleries and child care programs.

In 2011 I was elected to represent our region as a Trustee for School District 57. I served as Vice Chair from 2012-2016 and Chairperson from 2016-2020. In addition to my Trustee duties, I chaired numerous committees, including Management and Finance and Policy and Governance. I served as President of the Northern Interior Branch of the BC School Trustee Association (BCSTA) from 2015-2017.

In 2018 I was elected as a Director of BCSTA and became Vice President in 2022. My term will be complete following the 2022 general election. Through my work on BCSTA, I have had the opportunity to sit on numerous provincial committees, including the Ministry’s committee on equity and inclusion, K-12 Aboriginal Education Partners Council and the Ministry’s COVID-19 Health and Safety Committee.

I am currently a Director with Integris Credit Union and excited to give back to an organization that does so much for our community and region.

In addition to these responsibilities, I want to give back to the community that has given me so much. I was the Public Relations Co-Chair for the 2022 BC Summer Games. I also served as President of Volunteer Prince George for six years. I volunteered with numerous local non-profits helping with policy development, graphic design or helping execute their special events. I also work with a team of volunteers to run Hell Yeah Prince George and the HYPG social media feeds. Some of you may also recognize me from my teenage years when I coordinated the HEARTS Christmas dinner for seniors living independently.

In 2021 I went back to school to start my Executive Masters of Business Administration at the University of Fredericton. My specialty and concentration is Social Enterprising and allows me to look at how public and nonprofit organizations can combine best business practices while creating a social change within their community. I graduated with my MBA in September 2023.

In 2022 I was given the opportunity to serve the community until 2026 as a City Councillor. I am so honoured and privellged for the opportunity to continue my journey of public service.