Rob Douglas, Mayor, North Cowichan, and Vanessa Craig, Chair, Regional District of Nanaimo join the Trust’s board of directors.
K’ómoks Territory, Courtenay, B.C, December 12. 2024 — Island Coastal Economic Trust welcomes Rob Douglas, Mayor, North Cowichan, and Vanessa Craig, Chair, Regional District of Nanaimo to its board of directors. They were appointed to the board by the members of the Central-South Island Regional Advisory Committee.
“Douglas and Craig bring a fresh perspective to our board of directors,” says Michelle Staples, Mayor, Duncan, and Chair, Island Coastal Economic Trust. “They have contributed valuable community-led perspectives on the regional advisory committee and, as board members, they will further strengthen the Trust’s ability to realize its strategic goals. I’m excited to welcome them to the board and know their contributions will bring new ideas and perspectives that strengthen everything we do.”
Both the North Island-Sunshine Coast and Central-South Island Regional Advisory Committees play a central role in the Trust’s governance ensuring that its work reflects the needs and priorities of local communities. These committees provide key insights into regional challenges and opportunities, appointing four members each to the board to ensure balanced and inclusive decision-making.
Douglas was elected mayor of North Cowichan in 2022 after serving two consecutive terms on council. He also serves on the Cowichan Valley Regional District board. He has previously served on a wide range of community organizations, including the boards for the Cowichan Land Trust and Volunteer Cowichan. He has also advocated for co-operatives and credit unions having a stronger role in economic development.
“I have always been an advocate for strong economic development practices,” said Douglas, “and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute my experience as a director at the Trust.”
Craig joins the Trust as Chair of the Regional District of Nanaimo, where she also serves as the elected director of Area B, representing Gabriola, Mudge, and DeCourcy Islands on the RDN Board. She sits on the Snuneymuxw First Nations/Regional District of Nanaimo Protocol Agreement Working Group and represents the regional district on the Te’mexw Treaty Association Main Table. She is the first Vice President of the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities, and she serves on the SD68 Sports Field and Recreation Commission, and Nanaimo Regional Hospital District Board.
“I appreciate hearing the diverse perspectives from rural and urban communities shared across the Trust’s regional advisory committees,” said Craig. “I look forward to continuing that commitment as a director.”
Douglas and Craig join the board as two other directors recently completed their terms. Sierra Acton, Director, Cowichan Valley Regional District, served the Trust’s board since 2022. She remains committed to developing and leading community-led projects in her community of Shawnigan Lake and across the greater Cowichan Valley region. Earlier this year, longtime Trust board member and chair, Aaron Stone, announced he would retire as Mayor, Town of Ladysmith and Chair, Cowichan Valley Regional District, to become CEO of South Island Prosperity Partnership.
“We are fortunate to have an exceptional board of directors,” said Staples. “The leadership of both current and former directors has been instrumental in building high-trust relationships with communities across the region.”
Media Contacts
Jeff Bartlett
Communications and Impact Manager
Island Coastal Economic Trust
250-871-7797
jeff@islandcoastaltrust.ca
