THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE US SPECIAL
Board of Directors
The Downtown Kamloops Association Board of Directors is voted annually by the membership and serve a two year term.
Dino Bernardo
President
Dino has lived in Kamloops for the past 40 years and is the co-owner of the Commodore Grand Cafe & Lounge. As well as being President of the KCBIA, he sits on the RIH Foundation Board and volunteers for many different associations in Kamloops. Dino has been doing business in downtown Kamloops for well over 20 years and believes the strength of a great city depends on the vibrancy of a strong downtown!
Ryan Gentile
Vice President
Ryan enjoys dedicating his time as a KCBIA Executive Board member for the past 6 years. He is extremely proud to be one of the board members who could select Executive Director Carl DeSantis to his position and see the new direction the BIA is headed. Ryan grew up in Langley and found his way into Kamloops by working as a manager in the grocery industry. Kamloops has been his home for the past 12 years. Ryan and his wife Kristen have been Downtown Kamloops business owners for 10 years, having previously owned/operated the Big Boot Inn Shoestore. They are now the proud owners of 3 Red Wing Shoe Dealership stores in BC, with their success here in Kamloops. They have two boys (Julian and Declan) and are proud to call Aberdeen their neighbourhood.
Brianne Vondracek
Treasurer
Brianne moved to Kamloops in 2011 to attend Thompson Rivers University and completed a summer co-op at BDO LLP. Currently a Chartered Professional Accountant and Manager at BDO LLP, Brianne enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs while exploring outdoors, especially in the summer months with both golfing and spending time at the lake.
Michael Blackwell
Secretary
Mike Blackwell is a lawyer at Fulton and has lived in Kamloops for 8 years. Mike is an active member of the Kamloops Bar Association, the White Buffalo Metis & Aboriginal Health Society, and Brennan Creek Recreation Commission Association. Outside of work, Mike is an avid snowboarder and golfer!
Ted Ockenden
Director at Large
Ted has lived and worked in Kamloops for 30+ years. Throughout this time, the City of Kamloops has been welcoming and continues to be the best hometown anyone could hope for. Ted worked in a variety of capacities and leadership roles at ICBC during his 30 years there. Since 2016, Ted has served as the Director, Facilities and Corporate Services for the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC). This has afforded him the opportunity to experience the vibrancy of Downtown Kamloops in a more fulsome way! Ted has chaired the Kamloops Counterattack Traffic Safety Committee, Operation Red Nose Kamloops and the Citizens’ Advisory Board to Corrections. He also served on the Expert Panel to Specialized Populations (Employment Ministry) for the Province of B.C. In addition to being a Director on the KCBIA, Ted recently pursued the opportunity to become a Director with Kamloops PRIDE.
Sheila Minten
Director
Sheila is born and Kamloops raised, and has always felt that Kamloops is her true home. A place where she can both ski and swim, as well as participate in Committees and events such as Daybreak Rotary, Ribfest, Crabfest, the Santa Claus Parade, and the Alzheimer’s Walk. Sheila’s expertise centres around marketing and events, and she will lend her energy and enthusiasm to anything the Downtown Kamloops community has to throw at her.
Maeghan Summers
Director
Maeghan Summers is the Operations Partner for two amazing local eateries and brewpub. The Noble Pig Brewhouse and Restaurant and Forno On 5th, both located in the heart of downtown and with a focus on supporting local purveyors, creating unique brews and all while being in a welcoming environment.
The Noble Pig Brewhouse is Kamloops’ first Micro Brewpub and features in house-brewed craft beer, unique food made from scratch and knowledgeable service from our wonderful team. As the GM and a partner, it is my role to support and oversee all aspects of the business and develop processes and systems to continually move the pig ahead. Maeghan celebrates 25 years of passion for hospitality. “Eat, drink and support local.”
Andy Philpot
Director
Andy grew up in Brocklehurst and has been a resident of Valleyview for over 30 years but has always had an active interest in what is happening in all areas of the city, especially the downtown core. Andy is the Division Superintendent with St John Ambulance, 627 Victoria Street and was an Assistant Fire Chief with Kamloops Fire Rescue when he retired in 2011. He also worked on the Wanda-Sue Paddlewheeler for 20 years and has been involved with the Kamloops Heritage Railway. He has served on the organizing committees of several of the large sporting events that Kamloops has hosted, the most recent being the NACAC-U23, 4 Nations Cup, and the Women’s World Ice Hockey Championships. He also sat on the Mayor’s Taskforce for the Tranquille Road Beautification/Gateway Project and the Board of Directors for the Oncore Seniors Society and presently sits on the Kamloops Sports Council and the Valleyview Community Association. Andy has an active interest in our city, particularly the downtown area and the benefit it has to the citizens of Kamloops. Andy feels he has the skills, time and commitment to give to the KCBIA.
Jesse Daniel Faubert
Director
Jesse has founded and manages Avenue Media House (Digital Agency – Creative Director), Common Sound (DJ & Audio/Visual company – General Manager), Ninth Company (Event Production, Artist Management – D.O.) and has recently opened one of Kamloops’ most dynamic creative studios: NinthLab. Proud to be a part of Kamloops’ creative community, the business community, and a high school football coach.
Luke Chidgzey
Director
Luke Chidgzey is a Business Account Manager at RBC and has lived in Kamloops for over 20 years. He proudly works with business owners to help them achieve their goals. Outside of work, he enjoys playing basketball and spending time with his family.
Bill Sarai
City of Kamloops Liaison
Bill is a married father of 3 who has lived in Kamloops for the past 25 years. He is a Kamloops City Councillor, SILGA Director at Large and recently retired as a Letter Carrier at Canada Post after 31 years. He has volunteered for past BC winter and summer games and various organizations over the years including coaching youth soccer teams.
He prides himself on community involvement, hearing the issues at hand and lending his support to everyone in our beautiful city.
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