2025 - 2026 Election & Board of Directors Candidates

Joe Baker
Dean of Business, Okanagan College School of Business

My career spans more than 25 years with entrepreneurial and academic leadership experience across the country. I am an active member of national and provincial not-for-profit organizations with community and economic mandates. My skills include leadership, strategic planning, partnership development and advocacy. I am a board member of Tourism HR Canada where I Chair the Governance and Board Performance Committee and a member of the Finance and Audit Committee. I am a board member of the Tourism Industry Association of BC and a member of the DEI committee. I have previous experience as a board member of other national and local boards

Gaetan Benoit
Owner, Treehouse Interiors

My motivation for joining the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is rooted in a strong commitment to supporting local businesses and contributing to the long-term economic vitality of our region. As a business owner with over three decades of experience in the Retail industry, I have firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing small and medium-sized enterprises in Kelowna. From navigating labour shortages and rising operating costs to managing supply-chain disruptions and regulatory changes, I understand the realities that local businesses face daily. I am particularly interested in supporting initiatives that promote sustainable growth, entrepreneurship, and a resilient business environment. Serving on the Board would allow me to share my experience, listen to diverse perspectives, and help shape strategies that strengthen Kelowna’s business community. 

Binny Boparai
President, Co-Founder Farming Karma

Dobrila Braunstein
Packaging & Quality Manager, Western Operations, Sandhill Winery

Kristian de Pont
Founder & CEO, Good Sorts Property Service

Manik Dhir
Owner, Stepping Stones

I am seeking to join the Kelowna Chamber Board of Directors because I believe deeply in the Chamber’s role as a catalyst for economic growth, advocacy, and collaboration across our region. As an entrepreneur, educator, and community board director, I have seen firsthand how effective advocacy, strong governance, and meaningful member engagement can directly influence business success and community prosperity. My motivation is rooted in service and impact. I am motivated to contribute my governance experience, strategic thinking, and community connections to help the Chamber continue to evolve as a trusted advocate and convener for businesses of all sizes. Professionally, I am a Business Professor at Okanagan College, where I teach entrepreneurship, small business management, marketing, and management related courses. I am also the proprietor of Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre, operating multiple purpose-built childcare facilities in Kelowna, and the Managing Director of Epitome Holdings Inc., overseeing a diversified commercial real estate portfolio across British Columbia. Early in my career, I founded, scaled, and successfully exited retail and hospitality businesses.  

Caroline Gilchrist
Owner, BCG Enterprises Inc.

George Marine
Principle, GMK Consulting

As a very engaged member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce over the past 8 years,  my motivation to join the Board of Directors is to contribute toward achieving the 2026 strategic plan and goals through my extensive Business and Board experience, for the betterment of the City of Kelowna’s business community. 

As Hospitality and Tourism is a key industry for Kelowna, it is important to me to be an ambassador and advocate for this sector. With over 40 years of business and leadership experience in the Hotel and Tourism sector, I have worked in Executive positions in the USA, Middle East, Caribbean, and across Canada. I bring extensive leadership skills, as well as expertise with board governance.

Throughout my career I have been very active with numerous boards, such as; Director/Vice-Chair for the Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association, Chair for their HR committee, and member of their Finance & Governance committee. I currently serve as a member of the Chamber of Commerce Policy Advisory committee, and Chair for the Brand Amdassadors.
 

Trevor Moss
CEO, Central Okanagan Food Bank

Narinder Nagra
VP of Brand & Communications, Mission Group

Jessica Samuels
Owner, Hub Office Furniture

Andrew Shaw
Senior Manager-Assurance, BDO Canada LLP

 I have been actively involved with the Kelowna Chamber for over four years as a Chamber Brand Ambassador and Top 40 program judge, which has given me meaningful exposure to the Chamber’s operations, programs, and impact on the local business community. Through this involvement, I have contributed at an operational level, supporting events, welcoming new members, and participating in initiatives that enhance member engagement and drive member value. My motivation for joining the Board is to contribute at a governance level, helping to shape strategic direction and provide oversight that supports the Chamber’s long-term sustainability and relevance. In my professional role as a Senior Manager in assurance at BDO, I work closely with a wide range of mid-sized and large organizations across the Central Okanagan. This provides me with a broad, real-time view of the challenges and opportunities facing local businesses, including regulatory pressures, workforce constraints, economic uncertainty, and growth planning.

Rhona Stanislaus
Owner, Prep Academy Tutors

Patrick Bobyn (Chair-elect by acclamation)
Partner, Pushor Mitchell, LLP

Treena Piva (Vice Chair-elect by acclamation)
Managing Partner of property management , Century 21 Assurance Realty Ltd.

Laurel D. Hogg (Secretary-elect, by acclamation)
Senior Lawyer, Heinrichs Richards LLP