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Modernization of the Trust
Working together, First Nations, local governments, and the Province are advancing a future governance structure that includes First Nations as partners in decision-making while maintaining the Trust’s strong regional foundation.
This work represents an important step in the evolution of the Trust and reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, regional leadership, and long-term prosperity for coastal communities.
Our Board of Directors
The Trust’s board consists of 13 directors. Eight are appointed by the two Regional Advisory Committees, representing the Central-South Island and North Island-Sunshine Coast regions. The remaining five directors are appointed by B.C.’s Lieutenant Governor in Council.
The board includes Indigenous, business, non-profit, and local government leaders from communities across the region, including rural and urban areas. The combination of locally elected leaders and provincial appointees brings a strong range of competencies and perspectives to the table.
Board Chair
Mayor, City of Duncan
Michelle Staples
Mayor Michelle Staples served seven years on Duncan’s city council before being elected to her first term as mayor in 2018. She is the executive director of Social Planning Cowichan and has been involved in community development in the Cowichan Valley for the past 20 years. She was elected to the Trust's board in 2018. Mayor Staples is currently serving as chair for the Duncan Community Sustainability Advisory Team, and previously served as chair of the Environment, Totem, and Tourism Committee for the City of Duncan. She is also a small business owner, diversity educator, and facilitator for Cultural Connections Cowichan, focused on youth and intergenerational leadership. Michelle holds a BA in applied communications, counselling, and diversity training, and is currently obtaining an MA in integrated studies for community development and administration. She believes in continuing the Trust’s legacy as a partner with communities and catalyst for economic initiatives in the region.
Mayor Michelle Staples served seven years on Duncan’s city council before being elected to her first term as mayor in 2018. She is the executive director of Social Planning Cowichan and has been involved in community development in the Cowichan Valley for the past 20 years. She was elected to the Trust’s board in 2018.
Mayor Staples is currently serving as chair for the Duncan Community Sustainability Advisory Team, and previously served as chair of the Environment, Totem, and Tourism Committee for the City of Duncan. She is also a small business owner, diversity educator, and facilitator for Cultural Connections Cowichan, focused on youth and intergenerational leadership.
Michelle holds a BA in applied communications, counselling, and diversity training, and is currently obtaining an MA in integrated studies for community development and administration. She believes in continuing the Trust’s legacy as a partner with communities and catalyst for economic initiatives in the region.
Board Vice Chair
Chair, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
John Jack
John Alan Jack is the chief councillor for the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, a member-nation of the Maa-nulth Final Agreement which is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. As a modern treaty First Nation, the Huu-ay-aht is also a member of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, where John has been its representative since they joined in 2012. He has served as chief councillor for Huu-ay-aht since 2023, but he has been a member of council for Huu-ay-aht since 2009. He has been chairperson of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District since late 2016, and he has been a member of the board of governors for North Island College since 2024. John has been a member of the Island Coastal Economic Trust's board since 2018, and he currently serves as vice chair. John is passionate about true and meaningful reconciliation with First Nations encompassing political, social and economic aspects. He believes there should be more focus on the advancement of economic reconciliation, specifically how First Nations can be better integrated into the economy as principals and decision-makers. In addition, he believes education and exposure to the wider world is central to the advancement of reconciliation in BC and Canada. John has a Bachelor's Degree with distinction in global studies from what is now Vancouver Island University. He currently lives in the Oceanside area with his patient wife and three young children.
John Alan Jack is the chief councillor for the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, a member-nation of the Maa-nulth Final Agreement which is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. As a modern treaty First Nation, the Huu-ay-aht is also a member of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, where John has been its representative since they joined in 2012. He has served as chief councillor for Huu-ay-aht since 2023, but he has been a member of council for Huu-ay-aht since 2009. He has been chairperson of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District since late 2016, and he has been a member of the board of governors for North Island College since 2024. John has been a member of the Island Coastal Economic Trust’s board since 2018, and he currently serves as vice chair.
John is passionate about true and meaningful reconciliation with First Nations encompassing political, social and economic aspects. He believes there should be more focus on the advancement of economic reconciliation, specifically how First Nations can be better integrated into the economy as principals and decision-makers. In addition, he believes education and exposure to the wider world is central to the advancement of reconciliation in BC and Canada.
John has a Bachelor’s Degree with distinction in global studies from what is now Vancouver Island University. He currently lives in the Oceanside area with his patient wife and three young children.
Board Treasurer
Provincial Appointee
Megan Hanacek
Megan Hanacek was appointed to the Trust's board by the Province of B.C. in 2018. Born on Vancouver Island and raised in Port McNeill, she is a professional biologist and forester, business owner, and TV personality. Megan is the CEO of the non-profit Private Forest Landowners Association and owner of an environmental assessment firm. For over 25 years, she has led project work with the provincial and federal governments, private industry, First Nations, non-governmental organizations, and academia throughout British Columbia. Previously, Megan was a forest stewardship specialist with the Association of BC Forest Professionals, managing director of the Association of Professional Biology of B.C., and planning forester with the Ministry of Forests. Currently residing in Port McNeill with her husband and children, she is a strong voice for rural communities and sustainable resource-sector management and development.
Megan Hanacek was appointed to the Trust’s board by the Province of B.C. in 2018. Born on Vancouver Island and raised in Port McNeill, she is a professional biologist and forester, business owner, and TV personality.
Megan is the CEO of the non-profit Private Forest Landowners Association and owner of an environmental assessment firm. For over 25 years, she has led project work with the provincial and federal governments, private industry, First Nations, non-governmental organizations, and academia throughout British Columbia. Previously, Megan was a forest stewardship specialist with the Association of BC Forest Professionals, managing director of the Association of Professional Biology of B.C., and planning forester with the Ministry of Forests.
Currently residing in Port McNeill with her husband and children, she is a strong voice for rural communities and sustainable resource-sector management and development.
Executive Committee Member
Provincial Appointee
Meaghan Cursons
Meaghan Cursons is a high-energy non-profit and community leader with decades of experience in the arts and culture, heritage, conservation, publishing, festival and event production, and tourism sectors. A resident of the Village of Cumberland, she is executive director of the Cumberland Community Forest Society, a conservation organization purchasing forest land from private timber companies and leading work in watershed protection, collaborative parks planning, and wildfire resilience in the wildland urban interface of eastern Vancouver Island. Meaghan is member of editorial team for the CV Collective Magazine and a sought-after event producer (Elevate, Moonlight & Magic, National Indigenous People’s Day, Cumberland Fungus Fest, Cumberland Home & Garden Tour, to name a few). She is chair of the Cumberland Heritage Commission and vice chair at the Comox Valley Art Gallery. She has previously served as a school trustee and as a board member with the B.C. School Trustees Association and North Island College. Meaghan is a talented facilitator, strategic planner, interpretive guide, event planner, storyteller, and writer who shares stories about the history of the region to build community, connection, inclusion, and resilience. She is passionate about building the capacity for our region to respond to the impacts of climate change. In her spare time, she produces youth climate theatre and sings in the community choir.
Meaghan Cursons is a high-energy non-profit and community leader with decades of experience in the arts and culture, heritage, conservation, publishing, festival and event production, and tourism sectors. A resident of the Village of Cumberland, she is executive director of the Cumberland Community Forest Society, a conservation organization purchasing forest land from private timber companies and leading work in watershed protection, collaborative parks planning, and wildfire resilience in the wildland urban interface of eastern Vancouver Island.
Meaghan is member of editorial team for the CV Collective Magazine and a sought-after event producer (Elevate, Moonlight & Magic, National Indigenous People’s Day, Cumberland Fungus Fest, Cumberland Home & Garden Tour, to name a few). She is chair of the Cumberland Heritage Commission and vice chair at the Comox Valley Art Gallery. She has previously served as a school trustee and as a board member with the B.C. School Trustees Association and North Island College.
Meaghan is a talented facilitator, strategic planner, interpretive guide, event planner, storyteller, and writer who shares stories about the history of the region to build community, connection, inclusion, and resilience. She is passionate about building the capacity for our region to respond to the impacts of climate change. In her spare time, she produces youth climate theatre and sings in the community choir.
Executive Committee Member
Mayor, Village of Cumberland
Vickey Brown
Mayor Vickey Brown was elected to the Trust board in November 2022. She resides in the Village of Cumberland, with her husband and two teenage sons. Vickey was first elected to council in 2018 and was elected as mayor in October 2022. Mayor Brown has an educational background in environmental studies and political science, with a postgraduate diploma in community economic development and a Public Leadership Credential with Harvard Kennedy School. Vickey’s work experience is primarily in non-profit leadership and small business, and she has almost 20 years of experience on non-profit and social enterprise boards. She served a four-year term as school trustee representing the Village of Cumberland and chaired the Cumberland Community School Society Board for four years. Mayor Brown recently retired from her seat as president with the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets, where she sat for the past six years. She is currently serving her second term on the board of First Credit Union where she has completed all three levels of the Credit Union Director Achievement program. Mayor Brown brings a wide skill set to the Trust board, including business development, marketing and promotions, strategic planning, policy development, governance, and human resources.
Mayor Vickey Brown was elected to the Trust board in November 2022. She resides in the Village of Cumberland, with her husband and two teenage sons. Vickey was first elected to council in 2018 and was elected as mayor in October 2022. Mayor Brown has an educational background in environmental studies and political science, with a postgraduate diploma in community economic development and a Public Leadership Credential with Harvard Kennedy School.
Vickey’s work experience is primarily in non-profit leadership and small business, and she has almost 20 years of experience on non-profit and social enterprise boards. She served a four-year term as school trustee representing the Village of Cumberland and chaired the Cumberland Community School Society Board for four years. Mayor Brown recently retired from her seat as president with the B.C. Association of Farmers’ Markets, where she sat for the past six years. She is currently serving her second term on the board of First Credit Union where she has completed all three levels of the Credit Union Director Achievement program.
Mayor Brown brings a wide skill set to the Trust board, including business development, marketing and promotions, strategic planning, policy development, governance, and human resources.
Provincial Appointee
Bob Chamberlin
Bob Chamberlin is a citizen of Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation, where he has previously served as elected chief councillor for multiple terms. He has also served as the vice president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs for 10 years, engaging with and presenting to standing senate committees and various authorities and bodies on a wide range of issues, advocating on behalf of the people he represents. Bob has dedicated his career to raising awareness about the most urgent democratic, environmental, and social issues, with a strong belief that a better way forward is achievable. He is especially proud of the transformation he helped lead for his community Gwa-yas-dums on Gilford Island, during a time when his Nation completely rebuilt the village with new homes, installed a new water system, developed infrastructure, improved the delivery of health services, and strengthened financial management. Through this work, Bob acquired many skills, such as navigating and engaging federal bureaucracy, setting and managing budgets, community engagement, making decisions consistent with community direction, and seeking out opportunities to keep the Nation moving forward. Bob currently resides in qathet (Powell River). His firm, Chamberlin and Associates Consulting, provides negotiation services for First Nations and government. He serves as the chair of the First Nation Wild Salmon Alliance, which brings together like-minded First Nations to work in partnership to identify and explore ways of protecting and enhancing wild Pacific salmon stocks and encouraging recovery and restoration of salmon stocks and habitat. He served as a director of the Royal BC Museum and as a commissioner with the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission. Currently, Bob is co-chair of the provincial government’s Repatriation Steering Committee developing policy framework for repatriation of ancestral remains and other heritage Items held in museums and heritage holding organizations in B.C.
Bob Chamberlin is a citizen of Kwikwasut’inuxw Haxwa’mis First Nation, where he has previously served as elected chief councillor for multiple terms. He has also served as the vice president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs for 10 years, engaging with and presenting to standing senate committees and various authorities and bodies on a wide range of issues, advocating on behalf of the people he represents.
Bob has dedicated his career to raising awareness about the most urgent democratic, environmental, and social issues, with a strong belief that a better way forward is achievable. He is especially proud of the transformation he helped lead for his community Gwa-yas-dums on Gilford Island, during a time when his Nation completely rebuilt the village with new homes, installed a new water system, developed infrastructure, improved the delivery of health services, and strengthened financial management. Through this work, Bob acquired many skills, such as navigating and engaging federal bureaucracy, setting and managing budgets, community engagement, making decisions consistent with community direction, and seeking out opportunities to keep the Nation moving forward.
Bob currently resides in qathet (Powell River). His firm, Chamberlin and Associates Consulting, provides negotiation services for First Nations and government. He serves as the chair of the First Nation Wild Salmon Alliance, which brings together like-minded First Nations to work in partnership to identify and explore ways of protecting and enhancing wild Pacific salmon stocks and encouraging recovery and restoration of salmon stocks and habitat. He served as a director of the Royal BC Museum and as a commissioner with the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission. Currently, Bob is co-chair of the provincial government’s Repatriation Steering Committee developing policy framework for repatriation of ancestral remains and other heritage Items held in museums and heritage holding organizations in B.C.
Provincial Appointee
Colleen Evans
Colleen Evans was appointed to the Trust’s board by the Province of BC in December 2024. She is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) and Certified Marketing Director (CMD) based in Campbell River. Colleen is a senior business and resource development executive with extensive expertise in fund development, community and economic development, and marketing and public relations. She honed her business acumen as president and CEO of Campbell River and District Chamber of Commerce for 12 years. She also served two terms as an electedcouncillor with the City of Campbell River. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. She has previously served on the board with the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities, Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, Museum at Campbell River, and Association of Fundraising Professionals Vancouver Chapter, among other volunteer positions. She is also the co-founder of 100 Women Who Care Campbell River. Throughout her diverse career, she has developed, implemented, and managed multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns, national and international stakeholder relationship programs, and award-winning marketing and advertising campaigns. Her executive management career extends across international health services and arts and culture sectors with a 10-year term in a senior role in post-secondary.
Colleen Evans was appointed to the Trust’s board by the Province of BC in December 2024. She is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) and Certified Marketing Director (CMD) based in Campbell River.
Colleen is a senior business and resource development executive with extensive expertise in fund development, community and economic development, and marketing and public relations. She honed her business acumen as president and CEO of Campbell River and District Chamber of Commerce for 12 years. She also served two terms as an elected
councillor with the City of Campbell River. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. She has previously served on the board with the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities, Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, Museum at Campbell River, and Association of Fundraising Professionals Vancouver Chapter, among other volunteer positions. She is also the co-founder of 100 Women Who Care Campbell River.
Throughout her diverse career, she has developed, implemented, and managed multi-million-dollar fundraising campaigns, national and international stakeholder relationship programs, and award-winning marketing and advertising campaigns. Her executive management career extends across international health services and arts and culture sectors with a 10-year term in a senior role in post-secondary.
Provincial Appointee
Jeraldine Marshall
Jeraldine Marshall was appointed to the Trust's board by the Province of BC in December 2024. She is the director of finance with the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation. Her experience spans various roles within the non-profit sector, both professionally and on boards, shaping her perspective. Jeraldine is a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation. Her career and educational pursuits reflect a commitment to advancing Indigenous economic development initiatives. Graduating with distinction, she holds dual master’s degrees in business and a bachelor's degree in science from Vancouver Island University. Raised in a remote coastal community, Jeraldine has experienced the challenges and opportunities inherent to coastal living. Her strong belief in overcoming challenges and leveraging opportunities to build resilience leads her approach to work. Jeraldine now resides on Vancouver Island with her husband and teenage sons, using her lived experience to advocate for economic resilience in Indigenous communities.
Jeraldine Marshall was appointed to the Trust’s board by the Province of BC in December 2024. She is the director of finance with the Nuu-chah-nulth Economic Development Corporation. Her experience spans various roles within the non-profit sector, both professionally and on boards, shaping her perspective.
Jeraldine is a member of the Heiltsuk First Nation. Her career and educational pursuits reflect a commitment to advancing Indigenous economic development initiatives. Graduating with distinction, she holds dual master’s degrees in business and a bachelor’s degree in science from Vancouver Island University.
Raised in a remote coastal community, Jeraldine has experienced the challenges and opportunities inherent to coastal living. Her strong belief in overcoming challenges and leveraging opportunities to build resilience leads her approach to work. Jeraldine now resides on Vancouver Island with her husband and teenage sons, using her lived experience to advocate for economic resilience in Indigenous communities.
Mayor, City of Nanaimo
Leonard Krog
Mayor Leonard Krog joined the Trust's board in the Spring of 2022. Leonard, who was born in Nanaimo and raised in Coombs, has been the mayor of Nanaimo since 2018. Prior to his election, Mayor Krog served as MLA for Nanaimo. He was first elected to the Provincial Legislature in 1991 and served as the BC Government Caucus Chair. He previously served as the Official Opposition spokesperson for Justice (Attorney General). Leonard is deeply rooted and committed to his community. He was the past director and president of the Mid-Island Consumer Services Co-Operative, chair of the United Way for Nanaimo, and president of numerous other community organizations. Mayor Krog is also an avid and eclectic reader and enjoys reading everything from history and biography to environmental literature. Mayor Krog is a lawyer by profession and was called to the bar in 1980.Leonard believes the benefits of the Trust to the Island cannot simply be measured in mere statistics around jobs and dollars. In Leonard’s view, the lives of people in our varied communities have often been profoundly improved with the help of the Trust and, as he notes, “who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?"
Mayor Leonard Krog joined the Trust’s board in the Spring of 2022. Leonard, who was born in Nanaimo and raised in Coombs, has been the mayor of Nanaimo since 2018. Prior to his election, Mayor Krog served as MLA for Nanaimo. He was first elected to the Provincial Legislature in 1991 and served as the BC Government Caucus Chair. He previously served as the Official Opposition spokesperson for Justice (Attorney General).
Leonard is deeply rooted and committed to his community. He was the past director and president of the Mid-Island Consumer Services Co-Operative, chair of the United Way for Nanaimo, and president of numerous other community organizations. Mayor Krog is also an avid and eclectic reader and enjoys reading everything from history and biography to environmental literature.
Mayor Krog is a lawyer by profession and was called to the bar in 1980.
Leonard believes the benefits of the Trust to the Island cannot simply be measured in mere statistics around jobs and dollars. In Leonard’s view, the lives of people in our varied communities have often been profoundly improved with the help of the Trust and, as he notes, “who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”
Mayor, Village of Tahsis
Martin Davis
Martin Davis has been mayor of Tahsis since 2018, prior to which he served as Village councillor. Elected to the Trust's board in 2021, Martin is also chairman of the Strathcona Regional District Municipal Services Committee, president of the Canadian Cave Conservancy, and coordinator of the Batcaver Program. Martin grew up in Ontario, moving to British Columbia in 1999. He has 40 years of experience in the forest industry and is also a small business owner. A lifelong environmentalist, he has worked with government in developing karst management policy, resulting in the protection of thousands of hectares of rare old-growth karst ecosystems on Vancouver Island. Martin believes the Trust is an excellent high-value mechanism for social and economic progress. He sees the Trust as a flexible and effective regional tool to help advance economic development initiatives, build capacity, and provide financial support for small communities to enhance tourism and other economic opportunities, as well as improve their overall quality of life.
Martin Davis has been mayor of Tahsis since 2018, prior to which he served as Village councillor. Elected to the Trust’s board in 2021, Martin is also chairman of the Strathcona Regional District Municipal Services Committee, president of the Canadian Cave Conservancy, and coordinator of the Batcaver Program.
Martin grew up in Ontario, moving to British Columbia in 1999. He has 40 years of experience in the forest industry and is also a small business owner. A lifelong environmentalist, he has worked with government in developing karst management policy, resulting in the protection of thousands of hectares of rare old-growth karst ecosystems on Vancouver Island.
Martin believes the Trust is an excellent high-value mechanism for social and economic progress. He sees the Trust as a flexible and effective regional tool to help advance economic development initiatives, build capacity, and provide financial support for small communities to enhance tourism and other economic opportunities, as well as improve their overall quality of life.
Mayor, Municipality of North Cowichan
Rob Douglas
Rob Douglas currently serves as mayor of North Cowichan, having been elected in 2022 after spending two terms as a councillor. Rob has also served as a director with the Cowichan Valley Regional District. Prior to his involvement in municipal politics, Rob served on a wide range of community organizations, including the board for the Cowichan Land Trust and Volunteer Cowichan. He has also advocated for co-operatives and credit unions to have a stronger role in economic development. In addition, he wrote for the Cowichan News Leader Pictorial for several years. Rob has nearly two decades of experience working for the Province of British Columbia as a director and policy analyst in the areas of post-secondary education and skills training, Indigenous education, immigration policy, and newcomer settlement. He previously worked in the pulp and paper, forestry, and construction industries. Born and raised in North Cowichan, Rob’s family has deep roots in the Cowichan Valley that go back five generations. He currently lives near Mount Tzouhalem with his wife, two daughters, and several pets, where they enjoy hiking, swimming and playing sports.
Rob Douglas currently serves as mayor of North Cowichan, having been elected in 2022 after spending two terms as a councillor. Rob has also served as a director with the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
Prior to his involvement in municipal politics, Rob served on a wide range of community organizations, including the board for the Cowichan Land Trust and Volunteer Cowichan. He has also advocated for co-operatives and credit unions to have a stronger role in economic development. In addition, he wrote for the Cowichan News Leader Pictorial for several years.
Rob has nearly two decades of experience working for the Province of British Columbia as a director and policy analyst in the areas of post-secondary education and skills training, Indigenous education, immigration policy, and newcomer settlement. He previously worked in the pulp and paper, forestry, and construction industries.
Born and raised in North Cowichan, Rob’s family has deep roots in the Cowichan Valley that go back five generations. He currently lives near Mount Tzouhalem with his wife, two daughters, and several pets, where they enjoy hiking, swimming and playing sports.
Mayor, Town of Gibsons
Silas White
Silas White was elected to the Trust's board in November 2022, shortly after his election as mayor of Gibsons and his appointment, by council, to serve his third year as a director at the Sunshine Coast Regional District. Silas was born and raised on the Sunshine Coast and served as a Sunshine Coast school trustee 2005–2014. In 2014, Silas was elected to Gibsons council. Mayor White holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Victoria and a bachelor’s degree in English literature from UBC. He has worked as a book publisher and editor for leading Canadian publishers Nightwood Editions, Harbour Publishing, and Douglas & McIntyre; a contract negotiator for the provincial government; and a local government consultant in housing, economic development, public engagement, and Indigenous relations. In coastal economic development, Mayor White founded a successful advocacy group for the attraction and retention of young families on the Sunshine Coast, served on the board of Sunshine Coast Community Futures, and helped to start the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Organization (SCREDO) in 2016 and the Island-coastal precursor to the BC Social Procurement Initiative (BCPSI) in 2018. Silas has a lifelong passion for the hard-working history, culture, and character of B.C.’s coastal and island communities and is excited about the Trust's role in the region’s 21st-century economic transition and security.
Silas White was elected to the Trust’s board in November 2022, shortly after his election as mayor of Gibsons and his appointment, by council, to serve his third year as a director at the Sunshine Coast Regional District. Silas was born and raised on the Sunshine Coast and served as a Sunshine Coast school trustee 2005–2014. In 2014, Silas was elected to Gibsons council.
Mayor White holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Victoria and a bachelor’s degree in English literature from UBC. He has worked as a book publisher and editor for leading Canadian publishers Nightwood Editions, Harbour Publishing, and Douglas & McIntyre; a contract negotiator for the provincial government; and a local government consultant in housing, economic development, public engagement, and Indigenous relations.
In coastal economic development, Mayor White founded a successful advocacy group for the attraction and retention of young families on the Sunshine Coast, served on the board of Sunshine Coast Community Futures, and helped to start the Sunshine Coast Regional Economic Development Organization (SCREDO) in 2016 and the Island-coastal precursor to the BC Social Procurement Initiative (BCPSI) in 2018.
Silas has a lifelong passion for the hard-working history, culture, and character of B.C.’s coastal and island communities and is excited about the Trust’s role in the region’s 21st-century economic transition and security.
Director, Regional District of Nanaimo
Vanessa Craig
Vanessa Craig has been a member of the Central South Island Regional Advisory Committee since November 2022 and joined the Trust board in November 2024. She serves as the elected Regional District of Nanaimo Electoral Area B representative for Gabriola, Mudge, and DeCourcy Islands. She is committed to fostering partnerships with First Nations and contributes to the Snuneymuxw First Nation/Regional District of Nanaimo Protocol Agreement Working Group. Within her role as an RDN Board member, she serves on the SD68 Sports Field and Recreation Commission, the RDN/Nanaimo Port Authority Liaison Committee, the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Board and the Fire Services Advisory Committee, and Chairs the Climate Action Technical Advisory Committee, the Solid Waste Management Plan Monitoring Committee, and the Area B Parks and Open Spaces Advisory Committee. She is currently the elected president of the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) after serving on the AVICC executive since 2018 in various roles including the electoral area director representative and 1st and 2nd vice president. Beyond her community-led work, Vanessa holds a PhD in biology and is a Registered Professional Biologist and co-owner of a biological consulting firm. Her professional focus is on small mammals (shrews, mice, and voles) and bats. She volunteered for 12 years as a member of the Council of the College of Applied Biologists, the regulator of professional biologists in the province, serving as president for four years. Vanessa grew up in Port Coquitlam and lived in the Lower Mainland before moving to Sayward for three years, and then subsequently to Gabriola Island. Along with her family, she has lived on Gabriola Island for the past 25 years.
Vanessa Craig has been a member of the Central South Island Regional Advisory Committee since November 2022 and joined the Trust board in November 2024. She serves as the elected Regional District of Nanaimo Electoral Area B representative for Gabriola, Mudge, and DeCourcy Islands.
She is committed to fostering partnerships with First Nations and contributes to the Snuneymuxw First Nation/Regional District of Nanaimo Protocol Agreement Working Group.
Within her role as an RDN Board member, she serves on the SD68 Sports Field and Recreation Commission, the RDN/Nanaimo Port Authority Liaison Committee, the Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Board and the Fire Services Advisory Committee, and Chairs the Climate Action Technical Advisory Committee, the Solid Waste Management Plan Monitoring Committee, and the Area B Parks and Open Spaces Advisory Committee.
She is currently the elected president of the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities (AVICC) after serving on the AVICC executive since 2018 in various roles including the electoral area director representative and 1st and 2nd vice president.
Beyond her community-led work, Vanessa holds a PhD in biology and is a Registered Professional Biologist and co-owner of a biological consulting firm. Her professional focus is on small mammals (shrews, mice, and voles) and bats. She volunteered for 12 years as a member of the Council of the College of Applied Biologists, the regulator of professional biologists in the province, serving as president for four years.
Vanessa grew up in Port Coquitlam and lived in the Lower Mainland before moving to Sayward for three years, and then subsequently to Gabriola Island. Along with her family, she has lived on Gabriola Island for the past 25 years.
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Ex Officio Members
Additionally, the Chair of each Regional Advisory Committee serves on the Trust’s board as an ex officio member
North Island-Sunshine Coast Regional Advisory Committee Chair
Mayor, City of Courtenay
Bob Wells
Mayor Bob Wells was elected chair of the North Island–Sunshine Coast Regional Advisory Committee (NISCRAC) in July 2020. He has been mayor of Courtenay since 2018 and served as chair of the Comox Valley Regional District in 2018-2019. Previously, he served on Courtenay city council from 2014-2018. A resident of the Comox Valley since 2001, Bob has an extensive technology and entrepreneurial background. In the mid ‘90s, Bob worked at the B.C. Ministry of Education and at some dot-com companies, after which he took a job at Shaw Cable in a technical leadership role with Internet and digital TV. In 2006, Bob created My Tech Guys in Courtenay. It was named one of B.C.’s best managed companies and the province’s fastest growing company in 2010. Mayor Wells was also recognized as one of B.C.’s Top 40 under 40 in business, as well as the Comox Valley Chamber Small Business of the Year. Mayor Wells is passionate about his community. Driven by his love for bringing people together to solve difficult problems, he is actively involved as a volunteer in community development and youth initiatives.
Mayor Bob Wells was elected chair of the North Island–Sunshine Coast Regional Advisory Committee (NISCRAC) in July 2020. He has been mayor of Courtenay since 2018 and served as chair of the Comox Valley Regional District in 2018-2019. Previously, he served on Courtenay city council from 2014-2018.
A resident of the Comox Valley since 2001, Bob has an extensive technology and entrepreneurial background. In the mid ‘90s, Bob worked at the B.C. Ministry of Education and at some dot-com companies, after which he took a job at Shaw Cable in a technical leadership role with Internet and digital TV. In 2006, Bob created My Tech Guys in Courtenay. It was named one of B.C.’s best managed companies and the province’s fastest growing company in 2010. Mayor Wells was also recognized as one of B.C.’s Top 40 under 40 in business, as well as the Comox Valley Chamber Small Business of the Year.
Mayor Wells is passionate about his community. Driven by his love for bringing people together to solve difficult problems, he is actively involved as a volunteer in community development and youth initiatives.
Central-South Island Regional Advisory Committee Chair
Mayor, District of Lantzville
Mark Swain
Mayor Mark Swain was elected chair of the Central South Island Regional Advisory Committee (CSIRAC) in July 2020. He has been mayor of the District of Lantzville since 2018. Mark is originally from New Zealand, immigrating to Canada when he was seven years old. He grew up in Campbell River, then lived in Victoria, and then Vancouver, before returning to the Island in 2002, then to Lantzville nine years later. Mayor Swain has a background in science-kinesiology and practices in the functional assessment of injured persons and workplace ergonomics. Mayor Swain has been actively involved in his community, coaching youth and serving on the Regional District of Nanaimo board. He also supports small scale agricultural use of private property in Lantzville. Mark is deeply commitment to helping Lantzville enhance its economic resiliency by developing the village core area for the local community. He believes in the Trust's continued efforts to diversify the economies of central and northern Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast through a community-centred decision-making process.
Mayor Mark Swain was elected chair of the Central South Island Regional Advisory Committee (CSIRAC) in July 2020. He has been mayor of the District of Lantzville since 2018.
Mark is originally from New Zealand, immigrating to Canada when he was seven years old. He grew up in Campbell River, then lived in Victoria, and then Vancouver, before returning to the Island in 2002, then to Lantzville nine years later. Mayor Swain has a background in science-kinesiology and practices in the functional assessment of injured persons and workplace ergonomics.
Mayor Swain has been actively involved in his community, coaching youth and serving on the Regional District of Nanaimo board. He also supports small scale agricultural use of private property in Lantzville.
Mark is deeply commitment to helping Lantzville enhance its economic resiliency by developing the village core area for the local community. He believes in the Trust’s continued efforts to diversify the economies of central and northern Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast through a community-centred decision-making process.
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Regional Advisory Committees
The Regional Advisory Committees of Island Coastal Economic Trust bring together municipal mayors, regional district chairs, and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from across the region. Each committee meets three times per year to review funding applications and provide strategic advice to the board.
The chairperson from each committee attends the Trust’s board meetings as an ex officio member.
The Regional Advisory Committees provide valuable local and regional perspectives that help inform funding recommendations, strategic priorities, and policy discussions.
North Island-Sunshine Coast Regional Advisory Committee
The North Island-Sunshine Coast Regional Advisory Committee includes elected leaders from communities across the North Island, west coast, and central regions of Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, and qathet region.
Bob Wells, Mayor, City of Courtenay – Chair
Stuart McLean, Chair, Regional District of Nanaimo – Vice Chair
Alton Toth, Chair, Sunshine Coast Regional District
Andrew Hory, Chair, Mount Waddington Regional District
Anna Kindy, MLA, North Island
Brennan Day, MLA, Courtenay-Comox
Clay Brander, Chair, qathet Regional District
Dan Law, Mayor, District of Tofino
Dennis Buchanan, Mayor, Village of Alert Bay
James Furney, Mayor, Town of Port McNeill
John Hendersen, Mayor, District of Sechelt
John Jack, Chair, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
Josie Osborne, MLA, Mid Island-Pacific Rim
Julie Colborne, Mayor, Village of Zeballos
Kermit Dahl, Mayor, City of Campbell River
Kevin Cameron, Mayor, Village of Port Alice
Warren Paull, Chief, shíshálh Nation Government District
Marilyn McEwen, Mayor, District of Ucluelet
Mark Baker, Mayor, Village of Sayward and Chair, Strathcona Regional District
Martin Davis, Mayor, Village of Tahsis
Michael Lott, Mayor, Village of Gold River
Nicole Minions, Mayor, Town of Comox
Patricia Corbett-Labatt, Mayor, District of Port Hardy
Randene Neill, MLA, Powell River-Sunshine Coast
Ron Woznow, Mayor, City of Powell River
Sharie Minions, Mayor, City of Port Alberni
Silas White, Mayor, Town of Gibsons
Teunis Westbroek, Mayor, Town of Qualicum Beach
Vickey Brown, Mayor, Village of Cumberland
Will Cole-Hamilton, Chair, Comox Valley Regional District
Terms of Reference — North Island-Sunshine Coast Regional Advisory Committee
Central-South Island Regional Advisory Committee
The Central-South Island Regional Advisory Committee includes elected leaders from communities across the southern and central regions of Vancouver Island.
Mark Swain, Mayor, District of Lantzville – Chair
Rob Douglas, Mayor, Municipality of North Cowichan – Vice Chair
Dana Lajeunesse, MLA, Juan de Fuca-Malahat
Debora Toporowski, MLA, Cowichan Valley
Deena Beeston, Mayor, Town of Ladysmith
Doug O’Brien, Mayor, City of Parksville
George Anderson, MLA, Nanaimo-Lantzville
Kate Segall, Chair, Cowichan Valley Regional District
Leonard Krog, Mayor, City of Nanaimo
Michelle Staples, Mayor, City of Duncan
Paul Brent, Director, Capital Regional District
Robert Botterell, MLA, Saanich North and the Islands
Sheila Malcolmson, MLA, Nanaimo-Gabriola Island
Stephanie Higginson, MLA, Ladysmith-Oceanside
Tim McGonigle, Mayor, Town of Lake Cowichan
Vanessa Craig, Director, Regional District of Nanaimo
Terms of Reference — Central-South Island Regional Advisory Committee
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