Naramata Centre's Board of Directors
An active Board of Directors governs Naramata Centre through the development and monitoring of governance policies. Collectively, board members serve as stewards of the Centre on behalf of the people who value and love it.
The board sets direction for the Centre, confirms the vision and mission, and establishes the long-term goals to be achieved. This work is done in consultation with the management team and others involved with the Centre.
Based on the direction established, the board, executive director and other managers collaborate to develop a strategic plan for the Centre, which is updated each year.
The board’s role is based on Carver's policy governance model
Expressions of interest to become a member of the Board occur in the winter. Every year the board determines the specific gifts and skills required and seeks new members. Watch here for information in February,
Board Membership
The Board of Directors is made up of people from Alberta and B.C. who are passionate about Naramata Centre. We strive to maintain a balance among gender, age, and provincial representation, as well as the skill sets required for an effective board.
Board members are elected to a three-year term with the possibility of one further term of up to three years. The board meets three times each year at the Centre, typically in October, March, June. The Annual General Meeting is in May/June.
Current board members:
Michael Barr, Camrose AB - Board Vice-Chair
Michael is coordinator of Conservation Partnerships with Ducks Unlimited Canada in Camrose, Alberta, and enjoys all things 'outdoors'. Michael, wife Laurie, and daughter Vanessa, have attended and led summer programs at Naramata Centre since 2000. Naramata Centre has had a significant, positive, influence on their individual and family lives, a gift Michael hopes to reciprocate through service on the Board.
Rosemary Best, Abbotsford, BC
Rosemary is a Registered Dietitian, and has recently retired from a life-long career in health care management. She grew up in the United Church and currently is an active member at Gladwin Heights United Church in Abbotsford. Her involvement with Naramata Centre began in the summer of 1992, and she has attended events at the Centre every year since. Rosemary is a "constant knitter" and avid gardener.
John Burton, Lake Country, BC
John is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Management at UBC Okanagan teaching Business Ethics, Conflict Resolution and Leadership. A United Church minister currently without pastoral appointment, John serves the church as a Mediator, providing conflict intervention and training, as a member of national committees and as a volunteer with his local presbytery. John and his wife Heather first attended Naramata in 1995 with their son Chris.
Roslyn Campbell, Calgary, AB
Roslyn is a transplated easterner. She has served the United Church in various ministry positions over the past 32 years having been in ministry with the people of four pastoral charges and serving as conference staff in Montreal and Ottawa and Hamilton Conferences. Roslyn recently reitred from active ministry after serving St. Thomas United, Calgary, for 9 years. Over the years Roslyn has worked with the various United Church learning centres. She has appreciated the programs and hospitality that Naramata Centre offers. Roslyn has directly experienced the ways in which Naramata Centre positively influences the lives and faith of those who spend time here.
Ken Fanning, Parksville, BC - Board Chair
Ken retired after several years in senior positions in CIBC (Human Resources, Operations, Finance and General Management). His connection to Naramata Centre dates back 30+ years. A lifetime member of the United Church, Ken has been active at the congregation, presbytery and conference levels in both BC and Alberta. He and his wife, Phyllis, are active members of Knox United and he also serves on the executive of Comox-Nanaimo Presbytery as Vice Chair. Ken’s involvement in the community has included the United Way, the Board of Calgary Family Services, and currently the local Probus Club, Strata Council and CIBC Retirees.
Wade Lifton, Burnaby, BC
Wade is the Children and Youth Minister with Mount Seymour United Church in North Vancouver and co-founder of theWATERproject.ca. He has been a participant and leader at Naramata Centre for more than 15 years, and is grateful for the grounding presence of this spiritual home.
Jean MacLeod, Burnaby, BC - Board Secretary
Jean is the Math Department Head at Vancouver Community College. She is active at Deer Lake United Church, serving a number of roles over the years from choir director to board chair. Until recently, she was active in Westminster Presbytery and served as its chair from 2004 – 2006. Jean is passionate about Naramata Centre and the work it does in the church and the community. She has been a participant almost yearly since 1971 and worked as a summer staff member in 1982.
Vicki McPhee, Calgary, AB
Vicki and her family began attending Summer Programs at Naramata in 2005 and has enjoyed immensely the renewing and relaxing times spent at the Centre with her partner and children. She is completing her last year of diaconal ministry training for the United Church at The Centre For Christian Studies in Winnipeg as well as ministering full-time at Symons Valley United Church in Calgary, AB. Vicki's passion for social justice has inspired her to be involved in many different projects such as inviting Stephen Lewis to speak in Calgary, leading a youth study/exposure tour to Zambia and co-founding CARZ (Canadians Aiding Roan, Zambia). She is also passionate about reading, scrapbooking and traveling to meet new cultures. Vicki went to Peru in June as part of her studies to learn about human trafficking and plans to go to Israel/Palestine with a United Church group in the spring.
Beth Maitland, Calgary, AB
Beth is passionate about books, music, drum circles, and live theatre. Her spare time is taken up mostly by reading, piano, and her attempts to teach herself the cello. She has worked for Indigo Books & Music for almost 10 years, serving as a manager since 2007. She also provides music for Airdrie United Church, and is an active participant in the life of the congregation. She spent 5 years in Saskatchewan, where she was active on Youth and Young Adult Committees at both Presbytery and Conference level. Beth and her family spent many summers at Naramata Centre's Music Week, and she feels blessed to be able to serve on the centre board.
Jessie Negropontes, Calgary, AB
Jessie has been attending Naramata Centre summer programs since 1985; she was a member of the Summer Staff team from 2002-2006, and has also participated in Youth Ministry, Young Adult, and Leadership Development programs over the years. As an art-educator and social worker, Jessie is passionate about helping people discover their creativity, build community, and act for social juistice.
Ross Reekie, Edmonton, AB
Ross is Executive Search Consultant with the Government of Alberta. Growing up in the United Church, he was introduced to the Centre back in the 1970’s and attended Winter Session, led various youth and young adult programs and through the leadership of the Centre, volunteered on the Thomas Crosby mission boat. Over the years, he has continued to support the Centre by attending programs and is passionate about the life and work of Naramata Centre
John Shaw, Vancouver, BC - Board Treasurer
John has over 30 years of business, financial and project management experience and currently holds the position of Director of Special Projects, Mergers and Acquisitions for a private utility company in B.C. He is a member of Dunbar Heights United Church in Vancouver and together with his wife Heather, has two grown children and a 10-year-old foster daughter. John's family has had almost 50 years connection with Naramata Centre.
Alan Stebbing, Hudson's Hope, BC
Alan is the Manager of Protective & Inspection Services and Fire Chief for the District of Hudson's Hope. He is an active member of St Peters Shared Ministry in Hudson's Hope and is their representative to Northern Light Presbytery (ANWC). Alan was commissioner to General Council in 2000. Alan also serves on the boards of the Hudson's Hope Rod & Gun Club, the BC Association of Emergency Managers and works on committees for both the Provincial and National Fire Chiefs Associations. Alan's connection with Naramata Centre dates back to the 1980's when he and his family first attended Music Week. They have been attending almost every year since and have many close "Naramata" friends.
Vivian Surkan, Penticton, BC
