Board of Directors

Randy is an experienced and respected member of the RCMP. Through his many years in law enforcement, he has become clearly aware that public safety & crime are directly depended on prevailing social issues. Although dedicated to his work throughout the region, Randy has a commitment to Vernon with a grass roots understanding that safe and affordable housing is a basic requirement for a healthy community. 

Brad has keen interest in social issues in the North Okanagan, in particular, improving the quality and quantity of affordable housing. As a diverse businessman and current owner of RE/MAX offices in the North Okanagan and Shuswap, Brad brings extensive knowledge of real estate, business planning and marketing to the board. He has sat on many boards and is committed to being a contributing member to ensure the Land Trust has broad community support and is well funded. 

Brad Steinbart, a Chartered Account specializing in income tax with BDO Canada, understands the need for affordable housing for the working population of the community.  Brad moved to Armstrong with his wife in 2008 knowing that this is where they wanted to settle.   Wanting to become involved with the community, Brad was drawn to the non-profit sector involved with housing and quality of life for children.  He has organized fundraising activities for the Upper Room Mission and the North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society.  The Land Trust seemed like a good fit for his community interest and professional expertise.  His youthful point of view and knowledgeable tax advice is a welcome addition.

Brenda Thorlakson has earned tremendous respect and admiration from, among other things, her thirteen year tenure with North Okanagan Hospice Society.  By engaging and involving the entire community under her leadership, Hospice House went from a much needed concept to the essential and caring facility it is today, employing 30 staff with an annual budget of 1.7 million.    Her understanding of the power and collective wisdom in “communities of people” to make the right things happen, particularly in the non-profit sector, is a valuable asset to the board.   With her strong Business Administration and Management skills and her passion for decent affordable housing for the low income working population, Brenda is prepared to continue to be a contributing influence in her community.

Jim has practised law for 32 years.  The first 17 years were spent practising real estate law in Vancouver.  In 1996 the Dents moved to the Okanagan, where Jim continued to practise in the areas of real estate and wills and estates.  Jim has a wealth of knowledge in real estate law which should prove invaluable to the board of the Land Trust.  Jim is an active participant in community events having paddled in the Paddle Against Cancer and walked in the Relay for Life.  Affordable housing is a difficult issue that all communities wrestle with and Jim is delighted to be on the Board to assist in any way he can to deal with this issue in the North Okanagan. 

A key component of Jane’s work for the past 21 years has consisted of leading and working with diverse groups, committees and task forces to develop and implement community initiatives based on a shared vision. Jane is currently the Dean of the Vernon Camus of Okanagan College and previously spent many years in the role of General Manager at Community Futures – North Okanagan. She has participated on the City of Vernon’s Affordable Housing Committee and has been actively involved in housing initiatives in the North Okanagan.

As a solution minder Engineer, Jim has made a significant difference to land use and peoples’ lives in three continents.  As the CEO of an Urban Foundation Land Development, Housing, Employment & Finance Company in his home country of South Africa, Jim successfully worked with challenging political and cultural situations to better the lives of a desperate population.   Here in Vernon he has contributed as an Engineer with the City of Vernon, a Development Engineer and Advisor to Predator Ridge and Project Chief Operating Officer to Sparkling Hill Resort.  While building Sparkling Hill, Jim established valuable ties and contacts with China, understand and contributing to, yet another, vibrant economy and an interesting housing project in Beijing.  His expertise in Land Development Strategies, Creative Finance and Co-operative Partnerships is a major asset to the Land Trust Board.

Joe brings a wealth of knowledge to the Community Land Trust table, particularly in respect to Real Estate, Government & related social issues. As former President & CEO of Block Bros. Realty Ltd and currently working through RE/MAX in Vernon, he has been exceedingly valuable in finding & acquiring suitable land which can be developed into affordable housing. Joe also sits on the board of the City of Vernon’s Hesperia Corporation which is also mandated to develop attainable housing as well as being a Director of the British Columbia Real Estate Association. 

Margaret Penner has worked in the Hospitality Industry in Vernon since moving here in 1982.  She was 20 years at Silver Star and 6 years at Predator Ridge, working in Management most of her career.  She has owned small businesses along the way and currently owns Curves for Women in Coldstream.   Margaret has raised her family in Vernon and has enjoyed working primarily with young people in our Hospitality and Retail Industries.  She is passionate about the “Service Industry” and was one of the founding Sponsors of the “Go Award” – a program recognizing Above & Beyond Service in Vernon.

Margaret became involved with The Land Trust because she has seen valuable staff, particularly in the Service Industry struggle to find suitable housing as Real Estate prices rise.  Affordable housing is a key factor for businesses competing to attract and retain good staff in a competitive market.   

Although retired from the banking industry, Vic Harwood is a long time contributing citizen of Vernon. Vic has a committed understanding of giving back to the community and extensive knowledge in business, banking and organizational process. He has a long association with Community Futures, O’Keefe Ranch, Vernon Rotary Club and North Okanagan Development. His expertise in real estate and financing developments is extremely valuable to the Board.