Steve Bakker is a CMTN Alumni, Personal Financial Planner and Personal Financial Counsellor.  He worked at Scotiabank for over thirty years, with his last position being the Bank Manager for Scotiabank Terrace Branch.  

Steve participated in the original concept investigation for the creation of the CMTN Foundation and recognized early on the value CMTN Foundation is to the communities it serves.  

“I have been impacted by the stories I have been told by the beneficiaries of the CMTN Foundation and knew that this was something I wanted to be part of in my retirement.  The Skeena Valley is my home.  I love the outdoor recreational activities this area has to offer and want to help others be educated close to home.” 

George Whitehead has been a resident of Smithers the past 18 years and worked in the finance field for over 20 years.  He is currently a self-employed financial planner with IG Wealth Management.  George is very involved in his community volunteering on the board of the Chamber of Commerce, the town’s Economic Development Committee, the Salvation Army, the Museum Society, the Trails Foundation and many other groups.  

“Volunteering is a rewarding and enjoyable way to make an impact and connection with people and organizations who live and work in the northwest.” 

Taryn Cutler is a CMTN Alumni, and the Community Liaison and Office Manager of Seabridge’s Smithers BC office.  In addition to her full-time job with Seabridge, Taryn has a young family and recently completed a Bachelor Degree of General Studies from Thomson River University. Taryn was the recipient of the Women in Mining-Indigenous Student Trailblazer Award.  She is a role model for young women looking to enter the mining industry.  Taryn belongs to the Wolf Clan of the Tahltan Nation, and she is an active participant in the life of her community.

WIMC: https://www.seabridgegold.com/press-release/seabridge-gold-team-member-announced-as-national-award-winner-from-women-in-mining-canada

Khalie Genereaux started her career in accounting in 2004 after completing her Bachelor of Arts in Economics at SFU. In 2008, Khalie moved back to Terrace, where she was raised, to be the Business Manager of Progressive Ventures Group of companies. In 2012, Khalie graduated as valedictorian with honours from the Certified Management Accountants program and her role changed to Finance Manager and then again later to Controller. 

Khalie has worked as an accounting instructor and completed her Public Administration certificate with honours, both at Coast Mountain College. She holds her CPA, CMA designation and is presently the Deputy Director of Finance for the City of Terrace.  

"I like what the Foundation does for the community, and I want to be a leader in an organization that helps others. I am a strong proponent for continued education and believe that everyone should have access to it if they want it to be part of their future".

Sandra Jones grew up in Melbourne, Australia, obtaining her teaching degree at the University of Melbourne.  Love brought her to Prince Rupert in 1981 where she worked for SD52 as a teacher, counsellor, school administrator, and finally Superintendent, retiring in 2017 Sandra obtained her M.A in Counselling Psychology from UBC in 1996.    

In 2020, she returned to SD52 for 8 months as interim/associate Superintendent and then returned to retirement where she enjoys travel, swimming, and walking.  She has been active in her community, serving on the Lester Centre Board and the Rupert Runners executive in the past, and currently serves as the President of the Prince Rupert Community Arts Council and the UNBC Community Development Advisory Committee.  

“I am excited to work with others to enhance educational opportunities for students in the north".  

Yvonne Koerner is a CMTN Alumni, born and raised in Terrace.  Yvonne completed the Business Administration Diploma at CMTN before continuing on to become a Chartered Professional Accountant. Yvonne holds an MBA in International Business from SFU.  She worked in industry in the northwest, including Terrace, Prince Rupert and Kitimat before transitioning to local government where she held positions with Regional District Kitimat-Stikine, most recently Chief Financial Officer, and the Executive Director for the Northwest Regional Hospital District.  In 2022 Yvonne joined Coast Mountain College to become the Executive Director, CMTN Foundation and Executive Education.  

"Supporting students in their own communities helps everyone; educate students in the Northwest, to stay in the Northwest."