Margaret Sutherland, Chair, Appointed Member
Margaret Sutherland retired as executive director of Decoda Literacy Solutions, BC’s provincial non-profit literacy organization. Previously, she worked in her community in communications and as a regional manager for Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy.
Margaret has been active in her community as a member of the Castlegar Library Board, Columbia Basin Trust Social Grants Evaluation Committee, Robson Community Memorial Church and Castlegar Literacy Planning Committee. On her retirement, she was awarded the Premier’s 2022 Council of the Federation Literacy Award in recognition of outstanding achievement in literacy.
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She holds a Bachelor of Arts (English and History) from Thompson Rivers University, a Provincial Instructor Diploma from Vancouver Community College and a Certificate in Workplace & Essential Skills from Douglas College.
Margaret enjoys spending time with friends and family, getting outdoors in the garden or on a hike, doing yoga and reading.
Amed Naqvi, Vice 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.
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.
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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.
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.
John Dutton, Appointed Member
John Dutton was born and raised on Vancouver Island and grew up with a love of the outdoors and a passion for outdoor pursuits. He has a diploma in hospitality management and a Bachelor of Commerce, which he completed at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC.
After working in the hospitality industry for ten years John decided that adventure tourism was more to his taste. In 2010, John started Nelson Whitewater Rafting Company, which expanded to include Nelson Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals in 2015. John is also the manager of the Prestige Marina in Nelson, which serves as the office and base for both of his businesses.
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For six years John was on the board of Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism. In the winter he works as a back country ski guide and is certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.
Thompson Hickey, 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.
Udayveer Migla, Student Representative
Bio and photo pending.
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.
Abina Thomas, Student Representative
Abina Thomas is a third-year Rural Pre-Medicine (RPM) student at Selkirk College, where she brings her diverse academic background and passion for community health.
She completed an honours bachelor’s degree in molecular biology and genetics, with an additional minor in neuroscience, at the University of Guelph.
After living in Ontario and Alberta, Abina has recently relocated to the Kootenays, where she has quickly made an impact. Her journey reflects a dedication to learning and leadership, and her commitment to rural health has set her on a path to support and strengthen health care in underserved communities
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.
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.
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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.
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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.”
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.
Lifetime Members
- Ron Anderson
- Dr. Jack Colbert
- Elizabeth Fleet
- Rick Georgetti
- John Higginson
- Audrey Moore
- Bruce Morrison
- Maxine Ruzicka
- Christian Schadendorf
- Sharel Wallace