Directors & Staff
A Board of Directors is responsible for overall policies and practices of the Foundation.
Jill Dunbar - Chair
Jill Dunbar moved to the Bulkley Valley for work as a professional forester in the early 1980’s. She enjoys the great outdoor recreation opportunities, the local cultural scene and the sense of community here. Volunteering with the Bulkley Valley Community Foundation provides her with the chance to help build those important values.
Colleen Burns - Secretary
Colleen and her family have lived in New Hazelton for 30 years. Currently, her time is spent providing clinic training and coordination for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinics and attempts at keeping the weeds from taking over her vegetable garden.
Jacqueline Wheatley - Director
Jacqueline grew up in the Bulkley Valley from 1992-2004 and then left to see the bigger, brighter world picture - starting with her biology degree in Victoria and then travelling to various places around the world. After realizing that she was done with seasonal work and wanting to start a career, she is back in Smithers in the natural resource sector with a strong appreciation for this area and the incredible value it contains.
Dee McRae - Director
Dee came to the Bulkley Valley for love, over 30 years ago and stayed to raise a family, work and play in the outdoors. All of this was enriched by the many clubs and organizations in the valley. Dee saw first hand that the opportunity to apply to a local foundation for funding can make a real difference to what the small local organizations can offer.
John Howard - Director
John is a long time resident of the Bulkley Valley. He retired from a 29-year career with the BC Public Service. In his last position, he was the Skeena Region Babine Parks Area Supervisor, a role he held for almost 18 years. John is active in the community and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Smithers Golf and Country Club. He enjoys golfing, fishing, bike riding and camping when not chasing the grandkids around the yard at Tyhee Lake.
Staff
Danielle Skerik, Executive Director
Danielle Skerik is an outgoing and active woman who is excited about bringing her energy to the BV Community Foundation. Having worked for the City of Burnaby for twenty plus years in recreation, Danielle has a strong sense of what community is and looks forward to sharing her knowledge and many skills within the Foundation. Living in Smithers since the fall of 2014, Danielle has had an opportunity to get to know the Smithers community and has adapted quite well to the change of lifestyle after growing up and living in the lower mainland. Danielle also rediscovered her love of Tap dancing and had a great time performing in the 2017 Creative Roots Backyard Bash year end show! The Smithers community and all the surrounding area have become home for Danielle and her family. She is happy to call Smithers her home and enjoys the community and all of what the Bulkley Valley has to offer.