Volunteer with Community Futures Cowichan
At Community Futures Cowichan, we have supported economic development in the Cowichan Region since 1987. We help businesses start and expand and we get involved in economic and community development projects. As a not-for-profit corporation, our strength comes from our volunteer Board and Committees.
If you have a background or interest in small business development, finance, economic and social development OR if you care about helping create a bright economic future for our community, then we are looking for someone like you!
Board of Directors
Board Chair
With over 10 years of business development experience, Matthew has a reputation for accelerating company growth and exceeding operational goals. He owns two local Panago Pizza locations - Duncan and Mill Bay.
Simultaneously, Matthew became a fixture in the Cowichan Valley through his generous donations, fundraisers and community involvement. He is committed to creating positive change and believes in a prosperous and sustainable community.
In addition to his CFC role Matthew is a weekly volunteer at Nourish Cowichan, a grass-roots organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals to school children in the Cowichan Valley.
Contact Cathy Robertson, General Manager, at 250-746-1004 or crobertson@cfcowichan.ca to discuss volunteer opportunities.
Committee Members
Business Development Committee - (BDC)
- Matthew Huotari, Chair
- Kevin Gamble
- Shannon Roome
- Al Jackson
- Janice John-Mitchell
- Koran Palmer
- Graeme Service
- Derek Gullmes
Finance & Audit Committee
- Victor Gamble, Chair
Executive Committee
- Matthew Huotari, Board and BDC Chair
- Victor Gamble, Treasurer and Finance & Audit Committee Chair
Governance Committee
- Victor Gamble
- Matthew Huotari

Volunteer of the Year 2025
Koren Palmer
Community Futures Cowichan is proud to recognize Koren as our 2025 Volunteer of the Year!
Since joining our Board in 2021, Koren has brought not only her deep professional expertise, but also her enthusiasm for building a stronger, more connected community. A natural promoter of our work, Koren has consistently helped amplify our programs and services through her networks, always finding ways to connect people with opportunity.
Koren’s impact has extended far beyond board meetings. She has played a role in shaping key initiatives such as our Female Entrepreneur Program, our Leadership Lab, marketing efforts, and helping us reach and support more local business owners in meaningful ways. With over 20 years of experience in bookkeeping across a wide range of service industries, Koren brings both insight and innovation to the table. Her dedication to using smart, tech-forward solutions to simplify financial management for others reflects her commitment to empowering entrepreneurs.
Her passion for people and community shines through in everything she touches.
Koren, thank you for the energy, heart, and leadership you bring to Community Futures. You make a difference, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our team.
Previous Members of the Year
- 2024: MatthewHuotari
- 2023: Victor Gamble
- 2022: Florie Varga
- 2021: Moira Hauk
- 2020: Janna Jorgensen
- 2019: Dana Thorne
- 2018: Sarah Morden
- 2017: Ronnie Doman
- 2016: Mark Marcil
- 2015: Bob Annis
- 2014: Sheila Service
- 2013: Mike Evans
- 2012: Dave Jackson
- 2011: Greg Clifford
- 2010: Gordon Holyer
- 2009: Geoff Millar
- 2008: Tek Manhas
- 2007: Doug Allan