Meet the Selkirk College Board of Governors
Amed Naqvi, Chair, Appointed Member
Amed (Am) Naqvi is a dedicated resident of the Kootenays, having lived here for 43 years. As a chartered accountant with 38 years of experience, Am has significantly contributed to the accounting profession. Am served as the president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC during its centenary year and completed the Chartered Business Valuators program with CICBV.
Beyond his professional achievements, Am has actively engaged in various community organizations, holding roles such as president of Kootenay Lake General Hospital and chair of Nelson Golf & Recreation Society. Am’s extensive involvement in civic, business and charitable activities reflects his deep commitment to community development and service.
Thompson Hickey, Vice-Chair, Appointed Member
Thompson Hickey has an extensive career in Canada's industrial sector and held leadership roles across the country and internationally. He was most recently the general manager of Teck's Trail operations, the largest private sector employer in the West Kootenay. Committed to community involvement, Thompson actively contributes to local associations and is currently a director of the Lower Columbia Initiatives Corporation, which focuses on economic development in the region.
Thompson holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Queen's University and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario. He resides in Rossland, where he enjoys the outdoor lifestyle of the Kootenays.
Christy Anderson, Appointed Member
Christy Anderson is Métis. Ms. Anderson is a project manager and consultant living and working as a guest in the beautiful Kootenay region with her husband and two children.
Her work has mainly been in supporting non-profit agencies that, in turn, do so much to support the health and wellness of individuals living in this region. She is an Indigenous learning support advisor for School District 20 Kootenay Columbia, an Aboriginal health researcher and Aboriginal health liaison with Circle of Indigenous Nations Society in support of the newly established Primary Care Network in the Kootenay Boundary.
Read more about Christy
Previously, Ms. Anderson was the executive director of the Family Action Network in Trail. She held a position as a prevention education leader with the BC Cancer Agency. Active in her community as a volunteer, she was a member of the Talking Little Feet Aboriginal Early Years Council and the Columbia Basin Trust Youth Advisory Committee, a board member of the Kootenay Gallery, a community advisory member for the Take a Hike Program and the Rossland Mountain Film Festival. Ms. Anderson holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Royal Roads University.
You may meet her out on the trails in this beautiful region enjoying our incredible surroundings by foot, bike and skis.
Mary Austin, Appointed Member
With deep roots in the Kootenays, Mary Austin has extensive experience in both the private and non-profit sectors. A dynamic and socially conscious business leader and entrepreneur, Mary is dedicated to fostering long-term community growth and regional success.
In addition to managing multiple businesses, Mary founded the Lower Columbia Women’s Business Club and the Lower Columbia Tech Club, driven by a commitment to business advancement and future opportunities.
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Mary’s leadership roles include serving as past chair of the Selkirk Engineering Advisory Panel, past chair of the Community Futures Community Engagement Committee and past vice chair of the Lower Columbia Community Development Team Society, all reflecting her commitment to building a strong community for future generations.
Debbie Bird, Appointed Member
Debbie Bird was born in Squamish, BC, of Cree ancestry. Ms. Bird was a certified dental assistant and worked at Canada Post in Nelson, retiring in 2017. Active in her community, she is a director and Elder for the Circle of Indigenous Nations Society (COINS). Debbie was also formerly an Elder for School Districts 8 and 20.
Previously, Ms. Bird was president of the Nelson local of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) and was appointed to represent Aboriginal workers on the CUPW National Human Rights Committee for a four-year term. Debbie also served as vice president and president of the West Kootenay Labour Council.
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Debbie has been continually proactive in the Nelson community with Girl Guides, sports and recreation organizations, and as a fundraiser for several local and national charities.
Darcy Falkenhagen, Ex-Officio Member
Darcy Falkenhagen has been a proud member of Selkirk College since 2008. After ten years teaching and coordinating in the International Department, she is now the learning skills coordinator on the Tenth Street Campus. During her time at Selkirk College, Darcy has also worked on international educational projects in Taiyuan, China, and Kisumu, Kenya. In addition, she is a Teaching and Learning Fellow, member of the BCGEU PD and Evaluation Committees, and chair of Education Council.
Her education includes a BA in English Literature, an MS in Education and an Advanced Diploma in TESOL. She has her Teaching Certification in the US and Canada, as well as TESL Canada Professional Level Two Permanent Certification.
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Prior to life in the Kootenays, Darcy taught English in Brooklyn, New York, Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and Loja, Ecuador. She has also worked as a literary book editor, freelance writer and online writing instructor. When not at the college, she enjoys spending time with her family in the mountains.
Satinder Kaur, Appointed Member
Satinder Kaur is a Chartered Professional Accountant and has worked in public accounting for more than 10 years. A proud alumna of Selkirk College, she holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Accounting and is passionate about mentoring and fostering collaborative work environments.
Having lived in the Kootenays for eight years, Satinder is committed to giving back to the community. She sings with the Twin Rivers Community Choir and serves as a volunteer director on the board. Drawing on her own experience as an international student, she supports initiatives that help newcomers feel welcome and connected.
Outside of work, Satinder enjoys road trips to explore the Canadian landscape, attending comedy shows, and spending time in nature.
Bronwyn Krause, Elected Member (Support Staff)
Bronwyn Krause is a library technician on the Castlegar Campus and a third-generation employee of the college. She completed the first two years of her bachelor’s degree at Selkirk College, then moved to Victoria to complete her studies in microbiology.
After returning home to the Kootenays, she earned a diploma from KSA in the fibre program and then a certificate in fine woodworking. Her family fondly considers her a perpetual student.
Read more about Bronwyn
In her spare time, she enjoys doing agility and nosework classes with her dog and helping her dad with his honeybees.
Dr. Maggie Matear, Ex-Officio Member
Dr. Maggie Matear joined Selkirk College as the president and CEO in 2022. She brings a background in teaching, economic and community development, strategic planning and post-secondary leadership.
Matear holds a bachelor of science in biology from the University of Waterloo, a bachelor of education from the University of Western Ontario, a master of business administration from Dalhousie University and a PhD in management from Queen’s University. She has taught at Queen’s University, Algoma University and Athabasca University, and has won awards for her teaching and her research, which focuses on social responsibility, sustainability and public policy.
Read more about Maggie
Previously, Matear was the vice president of university services, finance & administration at Yukon University, where she oversaw finance, human resources, mental health and wellness, infrastructure and continuing studies.
Matear has devoted her career to post-secondary, leadership, community development and advancing the goals of reconciliation. She is committed to Selkirk College’s mission of building remarkable futures through a community, access, respect and excellence.
“I really believe in the community dimension of community college,” Matear says. “I think the best colleges are an integral part of their community, so there are fewer barriers between understanding what the community needs and what the college needs to do. We are here to serve the community.”
Kim Pham, Elected Member (SCFA)
Kim Pham is honored to be an alum of Selkirk College's School of Business, graduating as the valedictorian in 2020. This recognition reflects not only academic dedication but also a sincere commitment to the success of fellow students. Serving as a student representative on the Education Council and the Board of Governors, Kim's intention was simply to voice the concerns and aspirations of peers.
With a genuine passion for fostering connections, Kim believes in the power of linking students with local businesses and organizations—guided by the belief that Selkirk College plays a significant role in the region's socio-economic fabric. Kim's ongoing efforts remain dedicated to enhancing the student journey, fostering a sense of belonging and ensuring that the college continues to be a source of growth for the community.
Roly Russell, Appointed Member
Roly Russell brings a deep passion for the connections between community, ecology, and sustainable development, shaped by his background in ecology, complex systems science, and statistics. His career spans community leadership roles including regional district director and Chair, president of the Association of Kootenay Boundary Local Governments, and MLA for Boundary-Similkameen, where he served as Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development.
Roly is committed to building resilient economies, ecosystems, and communities through collaboration and practical solutions. An advocate for local food systems and cooperative initiatives, he co-founded the UBC Food Co-op, served on organic farming boards, and operates a 100-acre organic farm. Outside work, he enjoys BC’s backcountry and spending time with family and friends, driven by a belief that nurturing connections between people and place is key to a hopeful, sustainable future.
Diksha Salwan, Elected Student Member
Bio and photo pending
Gurwinder Singh, Elected Student Member
Bio and photo pending
Ken Wyllie, Appointed Member
Ken Wyllie is a retired lawyer completing his practice with McEwan Law in Castlegar. He is a long-term resident of the Kootenays, where his family has established generational ties with the Sinixt (Lakes Band) and the Doukhobor communities.
Ken has been involved in his community as a member of the Kootenay and Canadian Bar Associations, an elected Director of the Regional District of Central Kootenay (during the creation of the Columbian Basin Trust) and as the Board Chair of the Robson Raspberry Improvement District. Mr. Wyllie holds a Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia and a Law degree from New Zealand.
Lifetime Members
- Ron Anderson
- Dr. Jack Colbert
- Elizabeth Fleet
- Rick Georgetti
- John Higginson
- Audrey Moore
- Bruce Morrison
- Maxine Ruzicka
- Christian Schadendorf
- Sharel Wallace