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.

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 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. 

Reto Riesen

Representing: Faculty Representative Elect
Location: Prince Rupert

Marja Burrows

Representing: Education Council Chair
Location: Terrace

Priscilla Michell

Representing: First Nations Council Chair

Sheena Horner

Representing: Student Board Member Elect

Maria Carmelle Angela Soliman

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.