People in Business


KCR hires boss from within
Okanagan Edge Staff - Oct 03, 2024 - People in Business

KCR Community Resources promoted from within to secure its new executive director. Katelin Mitchell, who most recently served as the organization’s director of services, has replaced long-time executive director Ellen Boelcke, who retired in April. KCR is a non-profit that targets diversity, collaboration and resourcefulness to fulfil community, family and individual needs. Its office is […]

Tolko boss receives honour
Darren Handschuh - Sep 23, 2024 - People in Business

Brad Thorlakson has been honoured for his decades of work in the forest industry. The executive chairman of Vernon-based Tolko Industries recently received the Forest Products Association of Canada Lifetime Achievement Award. The FPAC Awards of Excellence are given to champions of sustainable forestry whose contributions have made a profound impact advancing the environmental, social […]

College hires new data expert
Okanagan Edge Staff - Sep 04, 2024 - People in Business

Okanagan College has a new associate director of data, analytics and reporting. Sai Manda steps into the role armed with a bachelor of mechanical engineering degree and two master’s science degrees—one in mechanical engineering and the other in subsea engineering and energy trading. He earned the both master’s degrees from the University of Houston. Manda […]

Salmon Arm top cop praised
Luc Rempel - Aug 28, 2024 - People in Business

Salmon Arm city council members voiced their appreciation as Salmon Arm RCMP Staff Sgt. Scott West formally announced his retirement. West’s retirement had previously been announced in a press release from the RCMP detachment, but he formally informed city council as part of his quarterly policing report at Monday’s meeting. “First time I’ve said it in […]

New hospice boss in Vernon
Darren Handschuh - Aug 26, 2024 - People in Business

North Okanagan Hospice Society has a new executive director. Starting in September, Megan Cox will lead the Vernon non-profit, taking over from Lisa Matthews, who will be leaving in mid- to late-October to pursue new opportunities. Cox, a registered nurse, brings more than 13 years of nursing and leadership experience to NOHS. She holds a […]

Four Points manager the best
Contributed - Aug 21, 2024 - People in Business

Kelowna’s Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport keeps churning out award winners. Ahmad Taher Saleh on Tuesday became the third consecutive employee to win Marriott’s prestigious operations manager of the year award. He follows Zoey Dryden in 2022 and Stacy Thacyk in 2021 as winners from the Four Points that is across Highway 97 from […]

CHBA-CO boss moving on
Okanagan Edge Staff - Aug 06, 2024 - People in Business

The Central Okanagan chapter of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association is looking for a new executive director. The organization announced on social media last week that Daniel Winer has resigned to take on a new challenge. His last day was Friday. “Dan is an exceptional leader who helped grow our team and took CHBA-CO to […]

GM moving from film to art
Josh Dawson - Aug 01, 2024 - People in Business

After a two year stint with the Kamloops Film Society, general manager Radhika Tabrez will be making the move across the street to join the Kamloops Art Gallery. Tabrez will be joining the gallery as its general manager of development and engagement beginning in August. She said one of the biggest factors that led to […]

New chairwoman at KGH Foundation
Okanagan Edge Staff - Jul 29, 2024 - People in Business

Kelowna General Hospital Foundation has a new chairwoman. Janine Karlsen assumed the helm from Kyle Recsky during the organization’s annual general meeting in June. Karlsen had been a director since 2021 and brings plenty of health-care experience to the role. She is a registered nurse and current owner of Home Instead Senior Care. “I am […]

Carnival hires new boss
Darren Handschuh - Jul 04, 2024 - People in Business

The Vernon Winter Carnival has a new executive director. Lisa Fenyedi will be taking the helm of the popular event, which will celebrate its 65th year when it is held Feb. 7-16, 2025. Fenyedi is no stranger to carnivals. She has three years experience working as either the event and administrative assistant or on the […]