Board of Directors - Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Cranbrook Chamber is governed by an elected 12 member Board of Directors

ROLE & DUTIES OF BOARD DIRECTORS

THE ROLE OF A BOARD DIRECTOR IS TO:

Establish policies necessary to carry out the Chamber’s mission and purpose
Engage in the Board strategic planning and set priorities from the strategic plan
Determine the Chamber’s position as they relate to policy statements
Allocate adequate resources for the successful execution of the strategic plan
Actively promote the Chamber and encourage new members to join

THE DUTIES OF A BOARD DIRECTOR ARE TO:

Attend all Board meetings. Review all materials distributed prior to the meeting and be prepared and ready to discuss and act on agenda items.
Commit to serving on at least one committee or task force
Participate in as many Chamber events as possible throughout the year
At every opportunity promote the Chamber to businesses and the community

Current Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce is comprised of 12 members; Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, and 9 Directors.

At each Annual General Meeting the Board President, Vice President, and Treasurer will be elected for one-year term. Four directors will be elected for a two-year term. The Immediate Past President is an automatic succession.

PRESIDENT | Keri Sanderman

Keri was born and raised in Calgary Alberta, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1998. She began her career working for an independent Oil & Gas company as a Natural Gas Marketer.

She’s travelled and spent summers in the Kootenays throughout her life so relocating to Cranbrook with her husband, in 2007 was a natural move to such familiar and beautiful surroundings.

In her role as Community Futures East Kootenay’s Investment Fund Manager, Keri is passionate about supporting the success of entrepreneurs as they start or grow their businesses. Keri is able to work with stakeholders, business owners and other financial institutions to develop the best solutions to meet each client’s specific needs.

VICE PRESIDENT | Russ Sheppard

Russ Shepard received his law degree from the University of Alberta and was called to the BC Bar in 2014. Prior to his law career, Russ enjoyed a successful teaching and administration career in Nunavut, Alberta and Ontario where he was the Dean of Students at the prestigious Hill Academy.

He received numerous accolades for his work in education including the Excellence in Teaching Award, Contributor of the Year, BDC Youth Entrepreneur of the Year and most recently the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal. Russ is active in the community and enjoys coaching and playing various sports.

TREASURER | Marlin Ratch

A member of the George Gordon First Nation near Punnichy Saskatchewan, Marlin is a Red Seal Chef, Career Counsellor, Program Director and Apprenticeship specialist, Marlin was involved in the cultural, political and operations of the Métis Nation BC from 1995 to 2021.

He eventually moved up to the top job as its provincial director as well a dual role as manager of the Métis Skills Employment Center, trade school. Marlin has worked the past 10 years as an Apprenticeship Advisor for Southeast BC with SkilledTradesBC, the crown corporation that manages apprentices in BC.

Working with apprentices, sponsors, employers, technical trainers, and staff as well as community agencies and special interest groups to expand knowledge of the trades and support clients with their personal journeys.

PAST PRESIDENT | Kerstin Renner

Throughout her career, Kerstin has been driven by interacting with people, helping them access the information they need to make the best choices for their own lives while working together on building a healthy and vibrant community.

Kerstin has worked in various roles in the community, including in municipal government, media, retail and social services. She was also the Regional Community Development Manager at Kootenay Employment Services. Her various roles have given Kerstin the opportunity to enhance and broaden her skillset on an ongoing basis and develop a unique network throughout the community, tying in experiences in all sectors, from governmental to business and non-profit.