The BC Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome two new Directors to its Board of Directors, Korah DeWalt-Gagnon and George Casimir, both from Kamloops, BC.
“I am delighted George and Korah have joined the Board of the BC Chamber of Commerce. I am excited to work with them and believe their backgrounds and experiences will provide strength and broader perspectives to our Board and member Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade,” said Joelle Westlund, Board Chair. “We have advanced gender parity on the Board over the years, and with our commitment to continued improvements, we recognize the need for diversity of thought and experience that contribute to more strategic, collaborative, and effective decision making.”
Strengthening the inclusion practices of the Board of Directors has been a commitment and area of focus since early 2020 when the Board launched its Inclusion and Diversity Task Force. Over the last year and a half, the Task Force has evolved into a standing committee of the Board and has helped identify opportunities to further its work in collaboration with the network and by committing to the 50-30 Challenge.
“As the largest and most broadly based business organization in the province, the addition of Ms. DeWalt-Gagnon and Mr. Casimir further enhances the Board composition with representatives from different regions, backgrounds, and industries,” added Fiona Famulak, President and CEO of the BC Chamber of Commerce. “I know the new Directors have ideas and perspectives that will help the BC Chamber of Commerce approach and address matters relating to diversity, inclusion and reconciliation in thoughtful ways that will help us make steady progress.”
More information about the new Directors:
Ms. DeWalt-Gagnon is currently First Nations Coordinator for New Gold’s New Afton Mine and has spent over 10 years with the company in a variety of capacities. She is a proud member of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and is a voice for diversity and inclusion in all that she does. Read Korah DeWalt-Gagnon’s Bio.
Since 2018, Mr. Casimir has served as General Manager for Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN). He has been an entrepreneur his entire life, owning a variety of businesses including a small-scale farm. He is a member of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and has previously served his community as a councillor. Read George Casimir’s Bio.
The new appointees fill vacancies on the Board of Directors for positions previously held by Manpreet Dhillon and Al Hasham. The BC Chamber of Commerce sincerely thanks Ms. Dhillon and Mr. Hasham for their generous contributions of time, expertise and perspective.
