Second-term Revelstoke mayor David Raven is one of three new members on the Columbia Basin Trust board of directors. Raven made the announcement two weeks ago at a Revelstoke city council meeting. Today, the CBT sent out a media release updating residents on changes to the board, including three new members. In their own words, here's that announcement:
Three new directors join Columbia Basin Trust Board
Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) welcomes three new members to its Board this year and would like to also recognize the continued contribution of nine of its current members.
The new Directors, who are appointed for a two-year term, are:
* Andru McCracken from Valemount;
* David Raven from Revelstoke; and
* Gord DeRosa from Trail.
"We are fortunate to have these new members who have strong ties to the region, are passionate about serving their region and communities and have valuable experience to offer CBT," said Garry Merkel, CBT Board Chair. "We also need to thank and recognize the commendable contributions of departing members Bill Trewhella, Ron Oszust and Bob Smith."
With the addition of three other Directors appointed in January, Merkel said CBT's Board is undergoing a positive rejuvenation, with fresh perspectives and ideas.
David Raven had a 35-year forestry career in Revelstoke, is serving his second term as Mayor of Revelstoke and volunteers on several boards and community organizations.
"I am excited to join the Board and look forward to working with Columbia Basin Trust and all of the residents and communities across the Basin," Raven said. "I was born here, grew up here and continue to have my family and career here. Being part of an organization that is helping to strengthen my home is an honour and I intend to support its efforts to make the Basin a better place for all."
Andru McCracken has lived in Valemount for 11 years and is serving his first term as Mayor of Valemount.
"Joining Columbia Basin Trust is daunting because it's unique and its work is vital," McCracken said. "This is a transformative organization. The Board and its work speak to possession of spirit and a love of the Basin and its people, and, more critically, a vision. My goal is to become as knowledgeable as Valemount's past representatives. I hope to serve with the same integrity on behalf of the whole Basin."
Gord DeRosa is a long-time resident of Trail and has been a councillor for the City of Trail for over 25 years.
"It is with a sense of pride I receive my appointment to CBT's Board," DeRosa said. "I recognize the virtuous contributions by those who have gone before me, and will diligently endeavour to complement and contribute to the Board. My immigrant father told me to dedicate myself to building my community; to do less would leave me unfulfilled at life's end. Accordingly, I now serve my Columbia River Basin community."
Denise Birdstone, from Ktunaxa Nation Council, was also reappointed, with her term ending December 31, 2014.
Existing members include Wendy Booth (Fairmont Hot Springs), Kim Deane (Rossland), Greg Deck (Radium Hot Springs), Cindy Gallinger (Elkford), Garry Merkel (Kimberley), Am Naqvi (Nelson), Laurie Page (Nakusp) and Paul Peterson (Burton).
CBT's 12-member Board consists of qualified individuals appointed by the provincial government: six from among the nominees of the five regional districts and the Ktunaxa Nation Council and six others. All directors must be residents of the Basin.
The Board meets six times a year in communities around the Basin. The public is invited to attend in order to meet CBTís Board and ask questions about CBTís work in the Basin. The next meeting is:
* May 25 at 4 pm at the Columbia Basin Trust building in Castlegar.
For more information about the Board, and to read highlights and minutes from Board meetings, visit www.cbt.org/board.
NEW DIRECTORS
Gord DeRosa: Trail
Gord DeRosa left a family baking business to start his career with Cominco Ltd. as an electrician/motor winder. He finished his employment with Cominco functioning as a senior industrial relations officer supervising their WCB Claims and Rehabilitation departments. He also worked for the union as a health and safety coordinator and substance abuse counsellor. Gord has served as a councillor for the City of Trail for 25 years and has chaired both the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments. Throughout his career, he has been involved with many environmentally focused associations. He is presently on the Board of the Southern Interior Development Trust and is a member of the Canadian Columbia River Forum.
Andru McCracken: Valemount
Andru McCracken spent five years at the University of Alberta studying engineering. Later, he worked under scholar and thinker David Goa at the Provincial Museum of Alberta in Edmonton as researcher, intern and photographer for three years. In 2001, McCracken landed a job in the tiny forestry community of Valemount. He spent six months as a journalist at the established newspaper before starting the Robson Valley Times, an independent community newspaper. He joined the Valemount Community Television Station (VCTV) in 2007 and continues to be involved in this community-run organization. McCracken is currently serving his first term as the Mayor of the Village of Valemount.
David Raven: Revelstoke
David Raven was born in Trail and raised in Nakusp, where his father was the local forest ranger. He pursued a degree in Forestry from the University of British Columbia, and is a registered professional forester. David had a 35-year career with the British Columbia Forest Service, the last 22 as District Manager of the Columbia Forest District, based in Revelstoke. In addition to his commitments to his career and family, David has served as a volunteer on several boards and community organizations. These include: director of the Revelstoke Chamber of Commerce; executive member of the Revelstoke Ski Club and Society; member of the Revelstoke Rotary Club, including as past President and Paul Harris Fellow; director of the Revelstoke Credit Union for 12 years, including seven years as the Chair; past President and councillor with the Association of British Columbia Forest Professionals; and councillor of the City of Revelstoke. He is currently serving his second term as Mayor of Revelstoke.
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CBT supports efforts to deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1-800-505-8998.