Volunteer with Us

Finance & Audit

Born and raised in the Cowichan Valley, Victor is a Chartered Professional Accountant currently running his own accounting firm in Duncan with his son. He is an effective team builder and is known for mentoring juniors. Victor volunteers at the Duncan Curling Club and has had much success at the provincial curling level.

Director

As a Community Futures Cowichan Director Janice brings her diverse experience as both a nurse for 19 + years and 17 years of business experience.  She has knowledge and insight from different perspectives as an entrepreneur from another country and becoming a business owner in BC. Janice believes volunteering with Community Futures Cowichan allows her to work with a group of dynamic people to back to the community.

Director

Koren is a female entrepreneur as the owner of Host Bookkeeping Systems. She has 20 years+ of experience in bookkeeping across service-based industries such as automotive, construction and development, oil and gas, hospitality, dental and health services, engineering, legal, holding companies, and more. Koren is devoted to utilizing software solutions and technology that make financial management for her clients easier.

On a day off, you might find Koren on an adventure day with her family, enjoying the beauty of the Cowichan Valley.  She is drawn to the strong sense of community and enjoys the hiking and beaches, not to mention the weather! Koren is a lover of loud music, entertaining guests, and connecting people. Her enthusiasm for life translates into everything that she does.

Director

Graeme grew up in the Cowichan Valley and has deep ties to the Island.

With over 15 years of experience working in the Credit Union System, Graeme has experience in Retail Banking, Lending, Commercial and Wealth Management.

His ability to seek the “why” of a situation helps to drive his curiosity and creates an openness to change. He is passionate about teamwork and looks to improve continually through lifelong learning practices.

Working with Community Futures Cowichan is a strong fit for him as through his Credit Union Time, he’s worked in collaboration with CFC and believes strongly in the work they do.

Director

Kate is an author and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. She's worked in the film industry, high tech, publishing, and food innovation. Kate brings her experience to other companies as a Content Strategist and Communications Consultant. She recently launched her latest endeavour, Flourish Kitchen, providing light-weight, delicious meals for women with digestive sensitivities.

She moved to the Cowichan Valley seven years ago and is passionate about contributing to the growth of the entrepreneurial culture. Kate supports multiple female-owned businesses and provides guidance for their marketing. She is abundantly creative and loves to write books, with her first non-fiction book being released in 2024."

Director

Jean has lived in the Cowichan Valley for 40 years. With a background from New Zealand in Nursing, then pre-natal education and Interior Design in the Cowichan Valley in the 80’s, and then moved onto raising 3 children.  In 1999 Jean became a small business owner, opening Cardino’s Shoes. Within her 21-year presence downtown she sat on the DDBIA and also the Chamber of Commerce Boards. Jean knows the Valley and supports all who want to make a difference, through business, in their own lives and through business pursuits.

Since retiring, she's keen to support creative, inspired people who want to venture into business. Mentoring and supporting owners and stewarding them to grow their business through such avenues as marketing and hard work is what Community Futures does so well. Jean is thrilled to be a part of the CFC organization and looks forward to the work ahead.

Small Business makes a community alive.

Director

Derek is an accomplished executive with an MBA-level skill set honed through extensive real-world experience.  Renowned for his people-centric leadership and commitment to a customer-first approach, Derek has excelled in leadership roles across numerous industries.  These include overseeing multi-family and development real estate projects, spearheading brand and product development, strategic acquisitions and everything in-between.

Derek's dedication extends beyond the business world, currently serving as a Board Member for Community Futures Cowichan and a director for the Rotary Club of Duncan and previously as a director with Ridge Meadows Minor Hockey for over a decade.

With a proven track record in leadership, business development, and community engagement, Derek is a dynamic professional with a history of achieving exceptional results and a passion for making a positive impact through collaborative and strategic initiatives.