Margaret Sutherland, Chair, Appointed Member
Margaret Sutherland retired as executive director of Decoda Literacy Solutions, BC’s provincial non-profit literacy organization. Previously, she worked in her community in communications and as a regional manager for Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy.
Margaret has been active in her community as a member of the Castlegar Library Board, Columbia Basin Trust Social Grants Evaluation Committee, Robson Community Memorial Church and Castlegar Literacy Planning Committee. On her retirement, she was awarded the Premier’s 2022 Council of the Federation Literacy Award in recognition of outstanding achievement in literacy.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts (English and History) from Thompson Rivers University, a Provincial Instructor Diploma from Vancouver Community College and a Certificate in Workplace & Essential Skills from Douglas College.
Margaret enjoys spending time with friends and family, getting outdoors in the garden or on a hike, doing yoga and reading.
Christy Anderson, Vice Chair, Appointed Member
Christy Anderson is Métis. Ms. Anderson is a project manager and consultant living and working as a guest in the beautiful Kootenay region with her husband and two children.
Her work has mainly been in supporting non-profit agencies that, in turn, do so much to support the health and wellness of individuals living in this region. She is an Indigenous learning support advisor for School District 20 Kootenay Columbia, an Aboriginal health researcher and Aboriginal health liaison with Circle of Indigenous Nations Society in support of the newly established Primary Care Network in the Kootenay Boundary.
Previously, Ms. Anderson was the executive director of the Family Action Network in Trail. She held a position as a prevention education leader with the BC Cancer Agency. Active in her community as a volunteer, she was a member of the Talking Little Feet Aboriginal Early Years Council and the Columbia Basin Trust Youth Advisory Committee, a board member of the Kootenay Gallery, a community advisory member for the Take a Hike Program and the Rossland Mountain Film Festival. Ms. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Royal Roads University.
You may meet her out on the trails in this beautiful region enjoying our incredible surroundings by foot, bike and skis.
Debbie Bird, Appointed Member
Debbie Bird was born in Squamish, BC, of Cree ancestry. Ms. Bird was a certified dental assistant and worked at Canada Post in Nelson, retiring in 2017. Active in her community, she is a director and Elder for the Circle of Indigenous Nations Society (COINS) and an Elder for School Districts 8 and 20.
Previously, Ms. Bird was president of the Nelson local of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and was appointed to represent Aboriginal workers on the CUPW National Human Rights Committee for a four-year term. Debbie also served as vice president and president of the West Kootenay Labour Council.
Debbie has been continually proactive in the Nelson community with Girl Guides, sports and recreation organizations, and as a fundraiser for several local and national charities.
Kris Salikin, Appointed Member
Kris Salikin is the executive director of the Circle of Indigenous Nations Society. She was previously the coordinator of the Aboriginal Family Services Development Program with the Castlegar and District Community Services Society.
Kris holds a master's degree in social work (leadership) from the University of Calgary and a bachelor's degree in social work (Indigenous specialization) from the University of Victoria.
John Dutton, Appointed Member
John Dutton was born and raised on Vancouver Island and grew up with a love of the outdoors and a passion for outdoor pursuits. He has a diploma in hospitality management and a Bachelor of Commerce, which he completed at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC.
After working in the hospitality industry for ten years John decided that adventure tourism was more to his taste. In 2010, John started Nelson Whitewater Rafting Company, which expanded to include Nelson Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals in 2015. John is also the manager of the Prestige Marina in Nelson, which serves as the office and base for both of his businesses.
For six years John was on the board of Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism. In the winter he works as a back country ski guide and is certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
Kim Pham, Elected Member (SCFA)
Kim Pham is honored to be an alum of Selkirk College's School of Business, graduating as the valedictorian in 2020. This recognition reflects not only academic dedication but also a sincere commitment to the success of fellow students. Serving as a student representative on the Education Council and the Board of Governors, Kim's intention was simply to voice the concerns and aspirations of peers.
With a genuine passion for fostering connections, Kim humbly believes in the power of linking students with local businesses and organizations—guided by the belief that Selkirk College plays a significant role in the region's socio-economic fabric. Kim's ongoing efforts remain dedicated to enhancing the student journey, fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring that the college continues to be a source of growth for the community.
Ken Wyllie, Appointed Member
Ken Wyllie is a retired lawyer completing his practice with McEwan Law in Castlegar. He is a long-term resident of the Kootenays, where his family has established generational ties with the Sinixt (Lakes Band) and the Doukhobor communities. He has been involved in his community as a member of the Kootenay and Canadian Bar Associations, an elected Director of the Regional District of Central Kootenay (during the creation of the Columbian Basin Trust) and as the Board Chair of the Robson Raspberry Improvement District. Mr. Wyllie holds a Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and a Law degree from New Zealand.
Danny Bradford, Appointed Member
Danny Bradford completed an apprenticeship with Cominco as a Millwright and holds a Red Seal certification. He holds an Instructors Diploma teaching certification from the University of British Columbia and has taught all levels of Millwright apprenticeship training as well as being involved in provincial curriculum development and served as Chair of Selkirk College’s School of Industry and Trades Training.
Danny has been actively involved in Advanced Education System initiatives including serving as Board Chair of the Center for Curriculum, Transfer and Technology of British Columbia, served on the Board of Directors of the Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission as well as serving on many other similar committees. He also served on the Premiers LNG Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of the Canadian Apprentice Forum.
Danny served as a Trustee on the College Pension Board of Trustees from 2001 to 2016 and also served as a Director on the BC Pension Corporation Board from 2006 to 2012.
He is certified in Advanced Trustee Management Standards in Pension Fund Leadership.
Danny was a long-time member of the BCGEU Provincial Executive serving as a Provincial Vice President resulting in extensive experience in the areas of Union/Management Labour Relations.
Amed Naqvi, Appointed Member
Amed (Am) Naqvi is a dedicated resident of the Kootenays, having lived here for 43 years. As a chartered accountant with 38 years of experience, Am has significantly contributed to the accounting profession. Am served as the president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC during its centenary year and completed the Chartered Business Valuators program with CICBV.
Beyond his professional achievements, Am has actively engaged in various community organizations, holding roles such as president of Kootenay Lake General Hospital and chair of Nelson Golf & Recreation Society. Am’s extensive involvement in civic, business and charitable activities reflects his deep commitment to community development and service.
Bronwyn Krause, Elected Member (Support Staff)
Bronwyn Krause is a library technician on the Castlegar Campus and a third-generation employee of the college. She completed the first two years of her bachelor’s degree at Selkirk College, then moved to Victoria to complete her studies in microbiology. After returning home to the Kootenays, she earned a diploma from KSA in the fibre program and then a certificate in fine woodworking. Her family fondly considers her a perpetual student.
In her spare time, she enjoys doing agility and nosework classes with her dog and helping her dad with his honeybees.
Abhilash Bhasin, Elected Member (Student)
A dynamic management graduate, Abhilash Bhasin is a first-year student of the Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management. He is an experienced hospitality professional with over seven years of experience in travel and tourism. The last position he held was assistant manager in a travel agency. He possesses a diploma in event management and a bachelor’s degree in tourism from India and has a keen interest in accommodation management. He has expertise in managing guided tours and camping activities for clients and providing guests a memorable, hassle-free experience. He has successfully completed certification courses in Global Distribution Systems Fare and Ticketing (AMADEUS) and an Airline Reservation Agent course from National Skill Development Corporation (Government of India).
Abhilash is passionate about mountaineering, and he has completed a certification course in mountaineering from a prestigious institute in India. Adventure sports, travelling and digital learning are among his other areas of interest.
Kamalpreet Singh, Elected Member (Student)
Kamalpreet Singh is a second-year Business student from Punjab, North India. After completing high school in his native country, he ventured to Canada last year to pursue his education.
Kamalpreet chose Selkirk College for its diverse offerings and has found the West Kootenay area to be an appealing mix of small-town charm and lively urban life.
Dr. Maggie Matear, Ex-Officio Member
Dr. Maggie Matear joined Selkirk College as the president and CEO in 2022. She brings a background in teaching, economic and community development, strategic planning and post-secondary leadership.
Matear holds a bachelor of science in biology from the University of Waterloo, a bachelor of education from the University of Western Ontario, a master of business administration from Dalhousie University and a PhD in management from Queen’s University. She has taught at Queen’s University, Algoma University and Athabasca University, and has won awards for her teaching and her research, which focuses on social responsibility, sustainability and public policy.
Previously, Matear was the vice president of university services, finance & administration at Yukon University, where she oversaw finance, human resources, mental health and wellness, infrastructure and continuing studies.
Matear has devoted her career to post-secondary, leadership, community development and advancing the goals of reconciliation. She is committed to Selkirk College’s mission of building remarkable futures through a community, access, respect and excellence.
“I really believe in the community dimension of community college,” Matear says. “I think the best colleges are an integral part of their community, so there are fewer barriers between understanding what the community needs and what the college needs to do. We are here to serve the community.”
Sarah Lechthaler, Ex-Officio Member
Sarah Lechthaler joined the world of health care and education at Selkirk College in 2005. Since then, she has worked in several different health care settings and continued on as a lifelong learner. In 2010, she became a licensed practical nurse. She graduated from the Selkirk College Advanced Inter-Disciplinary Gerontology Diploma in 2015 and the Provincial Instructor Diploma with Vancouver Community College in 2021.
Sarah's formal teaching experience began in 2014 when she joined Selkirk College as a clinical instructor for the HCA program and has evolved into a new way to empower others to find and utilize their full potential.
Lifetime Members
- Ron Anderson
- Dr. Jack Colbert
- Elizabeth Fleet
- Rick Georgetti
- John Higginson
- Audrey Moore
- Bruce Morrison
- Maxine Ruzicka
- Christian Schadendorf
- Sharel Wallace