BoD

Robin is a senior manager with MacKay LLP Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors in Kelowna, and has an extensive background in business and accounting in both the private and public sectors. She also has significant experience in strategic, organizational and operational analysis, program and project analysis, business process design, information technology and internal control. Robin has twice served as a chief financial officer and was a senior manager in the assurance division of a large national firm. She obtained her Chartered Accountant designation from the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1991.

Beyond her professional qualifications, Robin also has a long history of community involvement. Since 1979, she has served as both a volunteer and treasurer for organizations such as UNICEF, the United Way and most recently, Project Literacy in Victoria, B.C. In the Kelowna community, she is actively involved with the Okanagan Mission Rotary Club and currently serves on the Board of Habitat for Humanity.

Robin was appointed to our board in May 2012.

Ramesh is trilingual (Punjabi, Hindi and English) and was educated at the Punjabi University in India where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree specializing in Political Science and Economics and a Master’s Degree in Political Science. Since moving to Canada, Ramesh has owned and operated Rikhi Development Corporation and Rikhi Enterprises, specializing in land and property development. He is also a self-employed orchardist. Ramesh was elected to our board in 1997.

Henry Jansen is a certified general accountant (CGA) in public practice in Chilliwack, where he and his family have made their home since 1953. Henry has been a strong supporter of the credit union system and has been directly involved for many years, both as an active member and as a director. He has served on the credit union board since 1979, and his credit union involvement expanded to the provincial arena in 1986 when he became a director for Credit Union Central of British Columbia. He has held that position since being elected and also served as chair of the board for three years. In 1987 Henry’s involvement expanded even further as he was elected as a director for Credit Union Central of Canada, a position he held for nine years.

For 33 years Stewart was part of the British Columbia public education system working as a teacher, principal and superintendent of schools. He has established Ladyman Consulting Inc. and is the principal partner providing professional advice to school boards and schools, including aboriginal, independent and public, as well as various provincial organizations.

Stewart is currently a governor on the board of Science World, a founding director of the Irving K. Barber B.C. Scholarship Society and has served on the B.C. Electoral Boundaries Commission. A member of various credit unions since 1971, Stewart served as president of Armstrong Spallumcheen Savings and Credit Union (now part of Valley First) from 1985 to 1988.

He was first elected to our board of directors in 1993 and served until 1996. Stewart was then re-elected to the board in April 2009.

Born and raised in Abbotsford, Terry Enns is a lifetime resident of the Fraser Valley and has been a credit union member since childhood. He holds a diploma in Urban Land Economics from the University of British Columbia, an MBA from Simon Fraser University and a Certified Credit Union Director designation from the Credit Union Executive Society's Directors Leadership Institute. After a long career in real estate Terry now owns and operates Valley Powdercoat Ltd., a custom metal finishing company in Abbotsford.

In addition to his role as director, Terry also previously held the position of board chair at First West and its predecessor, Envision Credit Union where he was first elected in 1980. He is currently chair of Central 1 Credit Union and has been active in lobbying for legislative and regulatory changes at the federal and provincial level.

David is a partner with the law firm of Linley Welwood, a general practice firm located in Abbotsford serving the Fraser Valley. He has practiced in the field of civil litigation for the past 10 years. David graduated from law school at the University of British Columbia and prior to that obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration with a double concentration in marketing and finance from Simon Fraser University. David was elected to the board in 2006.

Wayne is a long-time Kamloops resident, having been part of the community for more than 40 years. After graduating from Kamloops Secondary School in 1975, Wayne attended Simon Fraser University where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. In 1984 he achieved his chartered accounting designation and after articling with a national account firm started his own company, Becker Daley LLP, in 1987. Wayne was first elected to our board in April 2006.

Since 1992, Peter has served on Envision Financial’s board of directors, where his business acumen and strong sense of community has proven a valuable asset. Peter has 30 years of experience in locally-minded business, and has worked in retail, hospitality and real estate development. Until retiring in 2003, he was actively involved for 17 years as a shareholder and manager of Manning Park Resort, as well as several provincial campground operations employing more than 200 people.

During his 33-year career with School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan), Paul served as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent of schools and secretary-treasurer. His senior management responsibilities allowed him to work with the education communities in each of the centres served by Valley First as well as provide leadership in areas such as governance, finance, risk management and operations. As a successful small business owner for the past 12 years, Paul has expanded his skills and knowledge in the business sector. No stranger to corporate governance, Paul continues to serve as a public member on the Council for the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia. He is also the past chair of the Property Assessment Review Panel for Kelowna. Paul was appointed to our board in December 2007 and was appointed vice-chair January 25, 2012.