Board and Leadership

Owen Torgerson (Valemount) is a life-long resident of Valemount and currently serving as its Mayor. He also leads operations in the civil construction sector, particularly earth works, and oversees Crown tenure permits, land-use planning, mapping, 3D-modelling, emergency response, Indigenous relations and provides multi-organizational logistics on larger projects.

Beyond the telling of many fishing stories, Owen is very well-versed with Kinbasket Reservoir and its operations. Since 2011, Owen continues to volunteer on the Kinbasket Debris Management Committee and now relaxes as Past-President of the Valemount Marina Association, a non-profit organization that manages Canoe Reach Marina.

He has been actively involved with local government since 2011, volunteering at first with the Village of Valemount Advisory Planning Commission, their Integrated Sustainable Community Planning Team and the Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives Adjudication Committee. In 2014 he was elected municipal Councillor where he focused on recreational development and tourism, forestry, municipal infrastructure asset management and emergency planning. In 2018, Owen was elected Mayor of his hometown, where he and wife Korie live, work and play.

His term expires December 31, 2026.

chair@ourtrust.org

Susan Clovechok (Fairmont Hot Springs), a resident of Fairmont Hot Springs since 2007, is serving her second term as Electoral Area F Director and Vice-Chair for the Regional District of East Kootenay. Her career spans leadership roles in national corporations and non-profits, with expertise in sales, marketing, communications and organizational development. She has also owned a small business and served as Executive Director of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. Susan has served on numerous boards and committees at the national, provincial and regional levels, including the BC Rural Advisory Council, BC Chamber Executive Society (as President), Columbia Valley Community Economic Development Commission (as Chair), Union of BC Municipalities, and ETSI-BC.

Her term expires December 31, 2027.

Jared Basil (Yaqan Nuʔkiy) is an educator, facilitator and governance leader from the Yaqan Nuʔkiy (Lower Kootenay Band) of the Ktunaxa Nation. As the Ktunaxa Cultural Framework Ambassador, he delivers culturally safe education and facilitation that supports organizations and communities in navigating reconciliation, strengthening leadership and building respectful relationships. Jared brings extensive governance experience at the regional and provincial levels. He currently serves as Chair of the College of the Rockies Board of Governors and has also served as Chair of the provincial Indigenous Education Council, as well as a board member for multiple Nation-owned enterprises. His work supports sound governance practices that align cultural values with long-term strategy. Jared also shares cultural teachings through grass dance instruction in schools and communities, connecting education with tradition.

His term expires December 31, 2027.

Katrine Conroy (Pass Creek) brings extensive public-sector leadership and deep regional knowledge to the Trust board. She served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 2005 to 2024, representing West Kootenay-Boundary and later Kootenay West. During her time in government, she held several senior cabinet roles, including Minister of Finance, Minister of Forests and Minister of Children and Family Development. She also served as the minister responsible for the Columbia River Treaty, Columbia Basin Trust and Columbia Power Corporation. Before entering elected office, Katrine built a diverse career as one of British Columbia’s first female power engineers, an early childhood educator, a non-profit executive director, a college instructor and a small business owner. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to rural communities, regional development and public service. A long-time resident of Pass Creek, Katrine and her late husband Ed Conroy raised four children and are grandparents to nine grandchildren.

Her term expires December 31, 2027.

Angus Graeme (Nelson) is from Nelson. He retired from an 11-year term as President and CEO of Selkirk College in 2022. Angus’ 30-year career at Selkirk College included terms in various senior management roles and as faculty in the School of Environment and Geomatics. Angus has degrees in Forestry and Educational Leadership. He is a BC Registered Professional Forester (retired) and a Certified Executive Coach. He has previously served on the boards of BC Colleges, Trades Training BC, the Post Secondary Employers Association of BC, and the Selkirk College Foundation. He currently is the appointed Co-Chair of the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer. Angus is a Volunteer Advisor for the Canadian NGO Catalyste+ with assignments internationally and in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Angus is married to Alison and has three amazing adult children.

His term expires December 31, 2029.

Karen Hamling (Nakusp) moved to Nakusp in 1971 from New Westminster. She worked at Arrow Lakes Hospital for 30 years as Health Record Administrator and casual Licensed Practical Nurse. Karen served on Nakusp Village Council as a councillor for 11 years and Mayor for 13 years serving on a multitude of committees including vice-chair of the Columbia Basin Treaty Local Governments Committee working on community values for 11 years. She was the first female elected chair of the Regional District of Central Kootenay and held that position for four years until her retirement in 2018. Karen and her husband John are the proud parents of two, grandparents to six and great-grandparents to four.

Her term expires December 31, 2029.

Suzan Hewat (Kaslo) has proudly lived in the Basin for most of her life. She was raised in Nakusp and has been in business for herself in the finance field for over 22 years, a field she loves and is committed to. She is passionate about her community and has a long history of volunteering including with the Kaslo Daycare Society, 1st Kaslo Scout Group, Kaslo Minor Hockey, Kaslo Jazz Society and Kaslo Community Forest; serving for multiple years in each organization. She was a Village councillor for 10 years before becoming Mayor in 2014; a position she continues to serve in. She also sits on the Regional District of Central Kootenay board and sits as a Board member on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. She resides in Kaslo with her husband Len, and has three children and two granddaughters.

Her term expires December 31, 2027.

Christine Hoechsmann (Cranbrook) has been a member of the Cranbrook community since 2003 and was raised on the coast of British Columbia. After completing her Bachelor of Science Degree from UBC, Christine ventured into the business world with her partner and took over the family furniture enterprise, expanding operations to multiple locations and different businesses. Christine has served on the Cranbrook Chamber board including two years as president, the East Kootenay Foundation for Health, Kimberley Ski Team and the Cranbrook Lacrosse Association. She spends her time with her husband and two children chasing adventure and staying active.

Her term expires December 31, 2029.

Melanie Jeannotte (Fernie) is a business leader, entrepreneur and community advocate with deep roots in the Columbia Basin. Over the past 20 years, she has built and led organizations that prioritize people, purpose and long-term impact. As CEO of Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada), she guided the company through rapid growth and national expansion while championing inclusive leadership and client-centred innovation. She also co-founded Vital Benefits Inc., a firm known for its values-driven consulting approach, and now co-owns Polar Peek Books, an independent bookstore that fosters literacy and local connection in Fernie. Melanie’s board experience spans economic development, food security and small business advocacy. She has been recognized with a Women of Distinction Award from Insurance Business Canada and named one of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40. A former varsity wrestler and wildland firefighter, she brings grit, empathy and a strong sense of regional stewardship to her work.

Her term expires December 31, 2027.

Betty Anne Marino (Trail) was born and raised in Trail and the Kootenays has been home to Betty Anne’s family since the late 1800s. She attended Washington State University, which marked the beginning of a diverse career. Betty Anne has provided leadership across a wide spectrum of community engagement, health care, corporate and volunteer initiatives. As an experienced executive coach, she is a skilled facilitator and a strong and versatile communicator. She has a track record of successfully implementing major fundraising initiatives and has been an architect and implementer of various community enhancing projects, marketing strategies and engagement programs. She lives in Warfield with her husband and revels in the time she has with her three adult children. 

Her term expires December 31, 2027.

Am Naqvi (Nelson) is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and served as President of the Institute in 2005–06. Over the past 35 years, he has served on numerous boards, including the Nelson & District Credit Union, Nelson Regional Library, Community First Health Cooperative, the BC Association of Police Boards and CA Insurance Services. He currently serves on the boards of Kootenay Savings Credit Union, Community Futures Central Kootenay, Community Futures BC, the Greater Nelson Economic Development Partnership and Selkirk College. He brings a strong commitment to good governance and public transparency to his work.

His term expires December 31, 2027.

Ron Oszust (Golden) is a journeyman tradesman who was owner/operator of multiple different businesses during his working career. He served as a director on the Trust’s board from April 2000 to March 2008 and from April 2010 to March 2012. Ron is currently the Mayor of Golden and has been on Council for seven years; he also served his community as Electoral Area Director for 12 years and School Board Trustee for six years. Ron continues to be involved with his community serving on many local boards including the Rotary Club, over 25 years with BC Ambulance Service, and he volunteered with Golden and District Search and Rescue, Golden Fire Department, Kinsmen Club of Golden and many youth sport and development organizations. With his wife Carmen, they have lived in Golden for the past 30 years and are fortunate enough to have all three grown children (Michelle, Richard and Anik) reside in the community with them. They are proud grandparents of Aven Chantal.

His term expires December 31, 2026.

Acts on behalf of the Board between meetings, oversees governance policies and processes, oversees human resources and addresses any other matters referred to it by the Board.

Members: Owen Torgerson (Chair), Susan Clovechok, Katrine Conroy, Karen Hamling, Ron Oszust

Terms of Reference

Ensures that the Trust’s financial information is accurate, monitors internal controls and oversees internal and external audits.

Members: Am Naqvi (Chair), Jared Basil, Suzan Hewat, Christine Hoechsmann, Betty Anne Marino

Terms of Reference

Oversees the governance and management of Trust investments.

Members: Christine Hoechsmann (Chair), Angus Graeme, Karen Hamling, Melanie Jeannotte, Betty Anne Marino

Terms of Reference

Johnny Strilaeff was born and raised in the Basin region. He joined the Trust in 2005 after working for several years in the financial services sector. He became Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer in 2012, and the Board of Directors promoted him to President and CEO in November 2016. In 2017 Johnny also assumed Acting CEO responsibilities for Columbia Power Corporation, and following a reorganization he continues to have oversight responsibilities for all power project related business. He attended Selkirk College prior to completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Calgary (with a concentration in Finance) and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder. He lives in Castlegar with his wife Tracy.

Aimee Ambrosone has worked at the Trust since 2001. She was raised in Salmo and Trail and received her MBA in Strategic Management from UBC. She has generated, negotiated and managed major funding partnerships with local governments, Crown corporations and non-profit societies for both the Trust and Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation. With extensive experience in community development, business management and strategic partnerships, she has developed and overseen strategies, programs and initiatives and manages a large team of staff. She resides in Castlegar.

Brandon Haney started with Columbia Power in 2014 as an Electrical Engineer working on Asset Reliability and Plant Operations & Maintenance. He previously worked for BC Hydro in Design, Resource Management and Operations & Maintenance and is a practicing Professional Engineer with EGBC since 2009. His passion lies in renewable energy asset management, particularly through the application of predictive technologies to the O&M of hydro equipment to ensure high reliability. Brandon has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering, a Masters in Electrical Power Engineering and is a UBC Sauder MBA Candidate of 2022. He and his family are happy to call the West Kootenay home.

Delphi Hoodicoff joined the Trust in 2008. She was raised in the West Kootenay and holds a BBA from Simon Fraser University, with a focus in Marketing, and a Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from BCIT. Prior to the Trust, Delphi worked in communications for the BC Government Caucus and the Premier’s Office from 2001-2006. She and her family live in Crescent Valley.

Christine Lloyd started with the Trust in 2000 as an Accounting Technician. She was born and raised in Castlegar. Prior to the Trust, Christine worked in a legal office, and then a large construction company, and studied accounting and Business Administration. Christine later pursued her CGA designation and completed her Bachelor of Accounting through Thompson Rivers University. In her current role at the Trust, she oversees Human Resources, Accounting, Information Services and Corporate Operations.  Christine lives in Castlegar with her husband Ken, and has two daughters, Emma and Maxie, and two dogs, Ozzy and Archie.

Mackenzie Miles joined the Trust in 2016 as a Business Support Analyst. Prior to joining the Investments and Economic Development department, he was instrumental in the development of key business processes for Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation and provided financial expertise with respect to the development of large-scale capital projects. He was born and raised in Cranbrook and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Calgary. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charter holder. Based in Cranbrook, he enjoys golfing and quality time with his friends and his cat, Baron.