Community Futures organizations are independent non-profit societies, locally-run, and guided by volunteer boards.
They actively support community-based economic development with a range of products and services aimed at creating diverse, sustainable rural communities.
CFSN considers its volunteers one of the organization's most important resource. Together with skilled staff, board and committee members guide the organization to its locally-created and community-driven goals.
The Board of Directors
The Board defines and delegates rather than reacting and ratifying. The Board must work continually to define the direction and end results that the organization is to achieve, and to develop policy that defines the acceptable boundaries within which it can delegate the achievements of those results. A total of 12 board members can be nominated, and ideally will represent the region's resident population, its priority economic sectors, and include representation from the large, diverse geographic region.
| Present Board Directors | ||
| Years Served | Home Community | |
| Smith, Christy | 2011- | Fort St. James |
| Thobo Carlsen, John | 1999- | Fort St James |
| Winter, George | 1998- | Cluculz Lake |
The Board of Directors Biographies:
John Thobo-Carlsen, Treasurer (Fort
St James)
John joined CFSN as a committee member of the self-employment
program in 1996. John joined the board of directors of CFSN in
1999 serving as the treasurer for one year and the chair for
six years. He is currently the treasurer of CFSN. Several of
his board projects included serving as a director of the Stuart
Nechako Regional Economic Development Society and the chair of
the just completed Vanderhoof Labour Market Partnership Survey.
John was born in Denmark but emigrated to Canada in 1954. His
career has taken him down many paths including the oil field
industry, being a butcher and into the accounting field. John
worked as a comptroller for several large corporations in BC
through
to 1984. In 1984 John moved to Fort St James to assume the role
of Economic Development Officer for two First Nations
bands in the region. In 1986 John started a stationary business
which he operated until retirement in 2001. Retirement is
busier than ever for him as he continues his commitment to CFSN
and volunteering with local sporting groups. John, and his wife
Sheila, live in Fort St James where they enjoy gardening near
the shores of Stuart Lake, BC.
Christy Smith, Director (Fort St. James)
Christy Smith has recently joined CF-SN as a Director. Christy is Coast Salish from the K'ómoks First Nation on Vancouver Island and has moved with her husband and three children to Fort St. James in 2008. Christy currently works for Thompson Creek Metals as the Superintendent of Community Relations for the Mt. Milligan Mine Project which is 90km North of Fort St. James. Christy holds a Master in Business Administration degree from the University of Northern British Columbia with a Bachelor in First Nation Studies from the University of Alberta. She comes to the table with over 15 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic communications and community involvement. Christy's passion for community development and sustainability is evident in her commitment to the local communities. She is an active community member and currently sits as Vice-President for the Fort St. James Chamber of Commerce, Director of Mining for the Mackenzie Chamber of Commerce, and sits on the College of New Caledonia Advisory Committee.
George Winter, Director (Cluculz Lake)
George has lived in Cluculz Lake since 1983. Following a successful career in sales with Coca-Cola and local radio stations, George continues to play a significant role in the community. George sat on the board of directors with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind for approximately 15 years, and the Restaurant Association for 20 years as Director and Vice President for the local branch. George was involved the Job Entry Program from 1988-1990 training over 100 young people in the hospitality and service industry. Since 1985 George has played a major role on the Prince George Boxing Commission serving as director and chair.
