Board members
Nicole Halbauer - Chair
Representing: Community Member
Location: Terrace
X'staam Hana'ax (Nicole Halbauer), is Tsimshian, from Waap K'oom of the Ganhada clan. Ms. Halbauer is currently employed as the Interim Executive Director for the Pacific Northwest Division of Family Practice. Previous employment includes working with the First Nations Health Authority, involved in community engagement as well as being the general manager at Kalum Kabs Ltd. in Terrace, B.C. Nicole is also a Director for the BC Assessment Authority. She has also served as a school board trustee for the Coast Mountains School District and a member of the Kitsumkalum Band Council for health and education portfolios. Ms. Halbauer holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Northern British Columbia (Prince George), an Associate Degree specializing in criminology from Coast Mountain College and has completed the Directors Education Program through Rotman's Business School achieving her ICD.D designation. Last but not least, Nicole is now a grandmother.
Dr. David Try - Vice Chair
Representing: Community Member
Location: Terrace
David Try retired as Dean of Instruction from Coast Mountain College where he served in many capacities for a decade. He has been the Director and co-owner of Bevan-Try Management Consulting Inc. since 2008 and also serves as a Director of the Kitselas First Nation Development Corporation. Mr. Try is an active member of his community; currently involved with the Terrace & District Community Service Society and previously with the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society, Terrace Public Library, Terrace Hospice Society and St. Matthews Anglican Church. He holds a PhD in Management from Warwick University, UK and a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching from Royal Roads University. He is a Certified Management Consultant.
Shannon McPhail
Representing: Community Member
Location: Hazelton
Shannon McPhail is the founder and executive director of Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition. Ms. McPhail is involved in many community organizations, acting in roles such as member of the Majagaleehl Gali Aks Elementary School Parent Advisory Committee, vice president of Canadian Parents for French in Hazelton, and involvement with communications for the Telegraph Trail Saddle Club and the Kispiox Valley Rodeo Club. She teaches workshops across the Province on community organizing and is a former recipient of the northern BC Community Enrichment Award and the North American Conservation Leadership Award. She is also a member of the Gananooxxum (Mothers & Grandmothers) - a Gitxsan-settler women’s leadership group. Ms. McPhail is an alumnus of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology where she was enrolled in Chemical Technology and later completed her Welding apprenticeship. She is currently pursuing a certificate in community economic development from Simon Fraser University.
Ernie Dusdal
Representing: Community Member
Location: Terrace
Ernie Dusdal has been with Carlyle Shepard & Co., Chartered Professional Accountants, since 1982 and became a partner in the firm in 1992. Ernie received his diploma in Business Administration from Camosun College in 1982. He is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC. He has also been on the Boards for Northwest Airport Society and the Dr. R.E.M. Lee Hospital Foundation.
David Smith
Representing: Community Member
Location: Prince Rupert
David Smith retired from Canada Post after 32 years of service. He continues to serve his community as the President of the Prince Rupert Unemployed Centre Society and formerly as a Member of the Prince Rupert Airport Authority and Prince Rupert Labour Council. Mr. Smith studies photography and design at Sheridan College.
Mary Denton
Representing: Community Member
Location: Prince Rupert
Mary Denton is currently an account executive for CFNR Radio Network, a Canadian First Nations radio station for Northern Native Broadcasting. She previously worked with Nikita Marketing and Communications and owned Urban Colours Inc. which worked to improve efficiency in commercial rental management. Mary is actively involved in her community; she is a Director on the Community Futures Pacific Northwest board and was on the Prince Rupert Tourism board, Kaien Island Trail Society and Friends of Shames. She is also an active presenter invited to numerous communications sessions and annual regional marketing seminars.
Diane McRae
Representing: Community Member
Location: Hazelton
Diane McRae (Hagwil Ganaa'w), Gitxsan from the Fireweed clan has worked in administration/finance since 1981 and is currently the Executive Director of the Gitksan Government Commission. Diane has her certification in accounting, land management, mediation and conflict resolution. She obtained her designation for financial management in 2006 and most recently obtained her Master’s Certification in Project Management through the University of Northern British Columbia. In her spare time, Diane volunteers for several community events/organizations, she has served as a member of the Gitanmaax Band Council and has been a participant (later Director) of the ‘Ksan Performing Arts dance group since 1972.
Jolene Wesley
Representing: Community Member
Location: Terrace
Jolene Wesley is Tsimshian/Nisga'a and her clan is Killerwhale. Jolene is the Program Director for the Kermode Friendship Society and was previously a First Nations Access Coordinator at Coast Mountain College. Ms. Wesley is actively involved in a variety of community activities including the Rural and Remote Advisory Board with the BC Rural and Remote Homelessness partnering Strategy and was also on the Ksan Society Volunteer Board. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Northern British Columbia.
Carla Ollenberger
Representing: Support Representative Elect
Location: Terrace
Karen McMurray
Representing: Faculty Representative Elect
Location: Terrace
Dave McKeever
Representing: Education Council Chair
Location: Terrace
Charlotte Guno
Representing: First Nations Council Chair
Rachel Muller
Representing: Student Board Member Elect
Inderjeet Singh
Representing: Student Board Member Elect
Board meetings are held approximately every six to eight weeks from September through to June of the school year. Please refer to the meeting schedule section for the current meeting dates and locations.
Information can be obtained by emailing: kquibell@coastmountaincollege.ca
Students, staff and the general public are welcome to attend public portion of the meetings.