À¦°óSM

Board of Governors

The Board of Governors has the sole responsibility for the management, administration and control of the property, revenue, expenditures, business and affairs of the institution.

The Board of Governors consists of the following representatives, in accordance with the College and Institute Act:

  1. Eight or more persons appointed by the provincial government’s Lieutenant Governor in Council who shall  determine the length of their term and any renewals thereof;
  2. One person on the faculty of the College and elected by the faculty members, who shall serve a three-year term and may be elected to further terms;
  3. Two students, elected by the students, who shall each serve a one-year term and may be elected to further terms;
  4. One person who is part of the support staff and elected by the support staff, who shall serve a three-year term and may be elected to further terms;
  5. The President; and
  6. The Chair of Education Council

Members of the Board of Governors

Chair Dale Safinuk

Dale Safinuk is a retired Financial Services Executive with TD Bank and most recently served as District Vice President.  In this role he was responsible for overseeing TD's retail operations and developing strategic partnerships throughout the southern interior of BC.  His career at TD Bank Group spans over 20 years in a variety of diverse roles including: Call Centre Management, Credit Centre Management and he has also worked in Branch Banking and Commercial Banking.

Dale has previously served on the Advisory Board for Ch'nook Indigenous Students Education at UBC; as Co-Chair of TD's Diversity Leadership Council for Indigenous people; was a member of TD's National Committee for Indigenous people; and served as Board Member with TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. He is a past Director (Vice Chair) for the United Way of Kamloops and past Director (Treasurer) for United Way of Trail.  Other community organizations include: Kelowna Minor Hockey, Derrick Figure Skating Club (Edmonton), along with Rotary clubs in Kamloops and Trail. 

Term: July 31, 2019 to July 31, 2025 (appointed) 

Vice Chair, Board of Governors, Dale Safinuk stand by a railing wearing a black suit jacket with a blue shirt underneath

Vice Chair Andrea Alexander

Andrea Alexander is a Councillor for Westbank First Nation, where she has served  since 2019. Prior to being elected, Andrea was the Executive Assistant to Westbank First Nation Council. She has been active in the community, sitting on the Regional District of Central Okanagan Electoral Area Services Committee, SICA Board, Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, Okanagan Nation Alliance Syilx Indian Residential School Committee, and the WFN Economic Development Commission. Andrea holds a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Studies from the University of British Columbia Okanagan, as well as a certificate in Indigenous Leadership, Governance, and Management Excellence from the Indigenous Leadership Program at the Banff Centre.

Term: July 31, 2020 to July 31, 2026 (appointed)

Photo of Andrea Alexander right side angled toward camera

Neil Fassina

President and Ex-Officio

Dr. Neil Fassina became À¦°óSM's President in April 2021, drawn to the institution for its reputation for transforming lives and communities.

Fassina holds a PhD in Management from the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto, a BSc in Psychology from the University of Calgary and is a chartered professional in human resources (CPHR), and a chartered director through the Institute of Chartered Directors (ICD.D). As an active researcher, he has authored or co-authored a number of refereed articles, a Canadian Human Resource Management text, and pursues research interests in negotiations, applied decision making, and the role of education in shaping societies.

Prior to joining OC, Fassina was the President of Athabasca University (2016-21). He served previously as Provost and Vice President Academic at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and the Dean of the JR Shaw School of Business and School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts. He has taught as part of his academic career at the University of Toronto, the University of Calgary, the University of Manitoba, and in executive environments.

Cindy Battersby

Term: July 31, 2023 - July 31, 2026 (appointed)

Cindy Battersby was an À¦°óSM employee for 30 years prior to her retirement in 2021, most recently as a Financial Awards Analyst with Student Services.

During her career, Cindy served as Vice President, Administration for the BC Association of Student Awards Professionals. She also held various roles with the British Columbia General Employees Union (BCGEU) including  Vice President, Component 7 (Education, Science, Tech and Admin), as well as the role of Treasurer from 2011 to 2019. Cindy studied Business Administration and attended studies at both À¦°óSM and Mount Royal College. She lives in Peachland with her husband.

Dustyn Baulkham

Term: July 31, 2022 - July 31, 2025 (appointed)

Dustyn Baulkham is the founder and CEO of Rebellious Unicorns Production Company. Previously he was the General Manager of the Kelowna Pride Society and the Executive Director of the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan. Mr. Baulkham is active in his community currently serving as a Director on the Central Okanagan Foundation and previously as the President and Treasurer of the Kelowna Pride Society. He holds a Bachelor of Management from UBC Okanagan.

Gurjit Chand

Term: July 31, 2024 to July 31, 2025 (appointed)

Gurjit Chand is a human resources professional with over 15 years of HR experience across public and private sectors, and is currently the Director of Human Resources and Professional Strategy at the Association of Interior Realtors. 

Gurjit believes in lifelong learning and is enrolled in the Masters of Industrial Relations program at Queens University, in addition to holding a degree in Business Administration from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and Human Resources Management certificate from Simon Fraser University. Gurjit holds a designation from Chartered Professionals in Human Resources British Columbia and Yukon.

JoAnn Fowler

Term:  July 31, 2020 to July 31, 2026 (appointed)

JoAnn Fowler is a Mentor for new Social Workers for the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD). Previously Ms. Fowler was a Delegated Social Worker with MCFD. During her career at MCFD, she worked in Child Protection, with Adults with Disabilities, Children with Special Needs, in Youth Services and in Guardianship. Ms. Fowler also was Seconded as a Resource Social Worker and Director of Child Welfare Department for the Splatsin Band.   Active in her community, she is President of the Shuswap Children’s Association, Treasurer for the Enderby and District Community Resource Centre, and a Member of the Ashton Creek Riverside Community. Previously Ms. Fowler was Chairperson and Shop Steward for the BC Government Employees’ Union Local 605. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Victoria. 

Kevin Fukushima

Term: August 1, 2024 - July 31, 2027 (elected)

Kevin Fukushima (he/him) has worked at À¦°óSM since 2014 in several support and administration positions before his current role as Manager, Risk and Safety Services.  Kevin is a passionate life-long learner who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Thompson Rivers University, a Certificate of Risk Management from the University of Toronto, and an Occupational Health and Safety Certificate from À¦°óSM.  Kevin also holds professional designations in risk management (CRM) and business continuity planning (ABCP).

Kevin’s experience working in both support and administration positions has allowed him to develop relationships throughout the organization and gives him a unique perspective and understanding of the activities, operations, and culture of À¦°óSM.  Kevin is an advocate of continuous improvement and positive change sitting on À¦°óSM’s Accessibility and Wellness Committees.

Kevin strongly believes in the mission, vision, and values of À¦°óSM and finds great meaning and reward in supporting the transformation of lives and communities through education.  Kevin is excited to bring his enthusiasm and expertise in risk management and health and safety to the Board of Governors to support the effective governance of À¦°óSM.

Ben Harris

Term: August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025 (elected)

Ben Harris is a third-year Business student pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a specialization in Management and a Concentration in Communication. Driven by a strong passion for student advocacy, Ben has actively contributed to the À¦°óSM community by being involved with the À¦°óSM Students’ Union, Enactus OC, and the Debate Team. 
As a dedicated member of the OCSU, Ben has championed various student campaigns and events, positively impacting students’ experience at the college. Previously serving as the Federation Representative for the OCSU, Ben has been instrumental in several hiring committees, playing a crucial role in shaping the college’s administrative landscape. This hands-on experience has honed Ben’s skills in leadership and organizational dynamics.
After completing his BBA, Ben aims to enter the development field, focusing on advancing sustainable and affordable housing solutions within his community. Ben is particularly committed to local advocacy, frequently attending Kelowna council meetings and voicing concerns on critical issues affecting younger generations.
Ben hopes to bring a well-informed student perspective to the College Board and enhance the post-secondary experience for all students at À¦°óSM.

Sheri Hamilton

Term:  July 31, 2024 to July 31, 2025 (appointed)

Sheri Hamilton is an accomplished HR professional with over 25 years’ experience, including more than 10 years as a Vice President leading the people practices of a financial co-operative. She is passionate about creating a positive employee experience, supported by solid practices, processes and structures that align with strategy. She currently supports small businesses, Indigenous-led and non-profit organizations as a consultant with Moxy HR.  

Sheri has an MBA from Royal Roads University and graduated from BCIT (Hons) with a Diploma of Technology in Human Resource Management. Sheri maintains a CPHR designation and in 2019, was awarded the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia & Yukon Award of Excellence, for HR Professional of the Year.

She has served as an À¦°óSM Foundation Director and Chair of the Finance Committee 2018 – 2024 and is a past Chair of the À¦°óSM Regional Advisory Committee (Shuswap Region).  In 2024, she began serving her term as a Board member of CPHR BC & Yukon.

On a personal note, Sheri’s greatest achievement is being the mom to Sophie (age 20) and Fynn (almost 17).
 

Jillian Garrett

Education Council Chair and Ex-Officio 

Term: April 24, 2023 to June 30, 2025

Jillian Garrett (she/her) is incoming Chair of the Department of Communications at À¦°óSM and Chair of Education Council. As a member of the local disability community, Jillian works passionately to combat ableism and promote equity and accessibility; she has spent decades volunteering in the public health sector as a patient advocate and proudly sits on À¦°óSM’s Accessibility Committee. She also sits on the Boards of the Kelowna Art Gallery and Advocacy Canada LGBT.

Jillian’s teaching and subject matter expertise include visual culture, critical disability studies, inclusive pedagogies, cultural theory, environmental communication, argumentation and persuasion, and professional communication. Jillian’s scholarly interests primarily focus on issues around visual culture, including how collective and cultural memory is created and sustained through public monuments and memorials; the function of visual culture in times of national crisis; and the pedagogical role of public art in urban culture.

Sukhmeet Kaur

Term: August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025 (elected)

coming soon

Roger Wheeler

Term: August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2027 (elected) 

Roger Wheeler possesses extensive governance experience, having served on multiple community, organizational and industry association boards, spanning more than a decade. Passionate about volunteer work, Roger has been recognized for his collegial governance approach with a President’s Award for “Extraordinary commitment to enabling the organization while ensuring involvement in decisions by those affectedâ€.

Following a lengthy career in Healthcare Administration and Human Resources management, Roger joined OC as faculty in the School of Business in 2010. Since then, he has served on many multidisciplinary groups such as the Research Ethics Board and the Curriculum Proposal Review Committee for Science & Technology, widening his perspective through collaboration with faculty, instructors, and administrators across the college. Roger is the recipient of an OC Employee Excellence Award (Key Directions) for being a champion of positive change.

Having taught at Penticton, Vernon, Salmon Arm and Kelowna campuses during his lengthy tenure at OC, Roger has a sound understanding of the forces that shape our culture and work environment, as well as issues that most directly impact faculty and instructors. Roger’s perspective as a teacher, his governance skill set, and his strong desire to help OC grow and succeed will serve his constituents well on the OC Board of Governors.

Meeting schedule

2024/25 Financial Year

May

Meeting:
May 21, 2024
Type:
Regular session
Location:
Kelowna

June

Meeting:
June 18, 2024 
Type:
Strategy & Assessment
Location:
Salmon Arm or Revelstoke

September

Meeting:
September 24, 2024
Type:
Regular session
Location:
Penticton 

October

Meeting:
October 22 & 23, 2024
Type:
Professional Development
Location:
Kelowna

December

Meeting:
December 10, 2024
Type:
Regular session
Location:
Kelowna

March

Meeting:
March 11, 2025
Type:
Regular session
Location:
Penticton

2025/26 Financial Year

May

Meeting:
May 21, 2025 
Type:
Regular session
Location:
Kelowna 

June

Meeting:
June 17, 2025 
Type:
Strategy and Assessment
Regular session (if required)
Location:
Vernon

September

Meeting:
Sept. 23, 2025
Type:
Regular session
Location:
Revelstoke or Salmon Arm

October

Meeting: 
 Oct 21 & 22, 2025
Type:
Professional development
Location:
Kelowna

December

Meeting:
Dec. 9, 2025
Type:
Regular session
Location:
Kelowna

March

Meeting:
Mar. 3, 2026
Type:
Regular session
Location:
Penticton

Statements from the Board

À¦°óSM Statement on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice

À¦°óSM’s Board of Governors recognizes that a strategic focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice is essential to the well-being of the college and all its members.

Our mission is to transform lives and communities.  We are committed to imbuing the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice into every corner of the College and thus into every possible aspect of how we can fulfill that mission.

We are committed to educating ourselves on what and how we can do better by being vulnerable and through our continuous commitment to learn, unlearn, and re-learn. We are persistent in planning how we can build upon the steps taken in the past and present.

The Board commits to embrace the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice in its deliberations and decisions and through the process of appointing members to the Board.  

Elections

Positions:
(1) Support (three-year term)
(1) Faculty/Instructional (three-year term)
(2) Students (one-year term)


Elected Member Position Information

Term:
Terms start on August 1st. The next regular scheduled election for employee positions is in Spring 2027. Elections for student positions are held annually in Spring.

Eligibility:
Support - any individual employed by À¦°óSM who is a member of the BC General Employees’ Union (Support Staff) or covered by the Terms and Conditions for Exempt and Excluded Employees and is not in a position excluded under Appendix A of the Election Rules.

Faculty/Instructional -- any faculty member or vocational instructor employed by À¦°óSM who is a member of the À¦°óSM Faculty Association or BC Government and Service Employees’ Union (Vocational Instructors).

Students -- any person enrolled as a student at À¦°óSM in a program approved by Education Council. The student must be deemed to be in good standing by the Registrar.

Election Rules and Schedule:
Board Election Rules

 Information about the Election Schedule and application process can be found on the elections page.