Leadership

For more than 30 years, Joanne has been a valued member of our board. She currently serves as Board Chair and has held many different positions since the early 1990s (then Cranbrook Society for Community Living).

Having joined the board as a mother and successful businessperson, Joanne has been a strong advocate for the organization. Her expertise and passion for the cause have been invaluable assets to our organization.

In addition to her role on the board, Joanne is heavily involved in Special Olympics at the local, provincial & national levels as a coach & regional coordinator. Currently, she sits on the Special Olympics British Columbia Board.

Helen has been an active volunteer her entire adult life. She believes that contributing to a better society is an important part of the human experience. Helen worked as a professional secretary for many years before obtaining a degree in Elementary Education. Upon retiring from teaching, Helen became a member of the CDSCL board in 2015. She became a member of NEXUS board in 2022.

After graduating from the University of Lethbridge, Chad joined New Dawn Developments as President. Under his leadership, the team has grown New Dawn into the largest residential and commercial construction company in the East Kootenays. Named BC’s Residential Construction Person of the Year in 2011, Chad remains President and CEO of New Dawn Developments and his continued passion for the industry has resulted in numerous individual and organizational awards across British Columbia.

Chad believes in giving back to the community and New Dawn is involved in donating money and time to many non-profit organizations in the region. Chad has been a member of the board of directors with NEXUS since 2004. Chad has also volunteered on the various Canadian Homebuilders Association boards and committees, City of Cranbrook Board of Variance and Kimberley Alpine Ski team board of directors.

Interests when not working or sleeping include skiing, golf, billiards and most watersports.

Corinne has an extensive background in independent living administration and occupational health, and serves as liaison between our Board of Directors and Management staff. Motivated by her joy of working with all members of our community, Corinne also commits her time to volunteering with the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary and the Columbia Valley Christmas Bureau.

Laurie is a dedicated Director for NEXUS Community Society, and has a passion for wanting to make a positive impact within our community. Laurie believes that being engaged and volunteering enriches your life and rewards you with so much personal growth and development. Laurie has served our community by volunteering with many organizations; she is the past President of the Cranbrook Rotary Club, past President of the Cranbrook Hospice Society, and Director of Communications for the BC Senior Games. Laurie is also a REALTOR® serving the Cranbrook and Kimberley area.

Karen is a longtime resident of the Columbia Valley with a passion for advocacy, learning, and service to the community. As a mother of two grown children, one with diverse abilities, Karen is fueled by her deep connection to family.

Karen possesses a wealth of expertise in financial management, currently holding the position of Director of Finance with the District of Invermere.

Her dedication to the community extends to her role as the past Treasurer for Special Olympics in Invermere, where she dedicated 13 years.  Additionally, Karen served as the Director of WeCONNECT for an impressive 7 years before its amalgamation with NEXUS.