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 has previously worked with the First Nations Health Authority, and is 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.
Shannon McPhail - Vice Chair
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.
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 grew up on the KitsumKalum reserve just outside of Terrace BC. She is currently working in Prince Rupert as an account executive for CFNR Radio Network, Canada’s First Nations Radio network. Mary has worked in Prince Rupert since 2007 dealing with local business, Corporate and First Nation marketing and communication needs. Mary is actively involved in her community; she is the current Chair of the Community Futures Pacific Northwest board and was on the Prince Rupert Tourism board, Kaien Island Trail Society and Friends of Shames. She is actively involved in many conferences regarding Development, Employment and Industry in Northern B.C and is very passionate about the area in which she lives.
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.
Michelle Horner
Representing: Community Member
Location: Kitsumkalum
Michelle Horner is a member of the Kitsumkalum Indian Band. She completed her Bachelor of Commerce from University of Northern British Columbia in 2015. She has held roles as an accountant, bookkeeper, and office administrator & in December 2018 she accepted the role of Financial Manager for Kitsumkalum Economic Development Group of companies.
Adelle Jonker
Representing: Community Member
Location:Terrace
Reto Riesen
Representing: Faculty Representative Elect
Location: Prince Rupert
Marja Burrows
Representing: Education Council Chair
Location: Terrace
Priscilla Michell
Representing: First Nations Council Chair
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.