Columbia Basin Trust has welcomed four new directors to its Board of Directors, including Fernie’s Melanie Jeannotte, while Owen Torgerson has been elected Chair and Susan Clovechok elected Vice-Chair.

The 12-member board governs the organization and its assets, ensuring the Trust remains healthy, resilient and accountable to residents across the Columbia Basin — including communities throughout the Elk Valley.

Fernie Representation on the Columbia Basin Trust Board

Columbia Basin Trust confirmed that the new directors are:

• Jared Basil (yaqan nuʔkiy)

• Katrine Conroy (Pass Creek)

• Melanie Jeannotte (Fernie)

• Am Naqvi (Nelson)

For Fernie residents, Jeannotte’s appointment brings direct local representation to the regional board. She is the former CEO of Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada), where she led national growth through multiple acquisitions. She also brings board experience in economic development, food security and small business advocacy, and co-owns Polar Peek Books in downtown Fernie.

Owen Torgerson of Valemount has been elected Chair of the Columbia Basin Trust Board. Torgerson was appointed to the Board in 2019 and served as Vice-Chair beginning in 2024.

Susan Clovechok of Fairmont Hot Springs, appointed to the Board in 2025, has been elected Vice-Chair.

“I am pleased to welcome Jared, Katrine, Melanie and Am, and to acknowledge the work and commitment of outgoing members” said Torgerson. “As Chair, I look forward to working with the Board to build on the strong contributions of current and past members.”

The five regional districts in the Basin and the Ktunaxa Nation Council each nominate a director, while the Province of British Columbia appoints the remaining six. Final appointments are made by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. All directors must reside within the Columbia Basin.

Columbia Basin Trust supports social, economic and environmental well-being across the region, funding and delivering initiatives that directly impact communities like Fernie.

For more information on the Columbia Basin Trust Board of Directors, including terms of service and meeting highlights, visit ourtrust.org/board.

Lead image: Front row – left to right: Betty Anne Marino, Susan Clovechok (Vice-Chair), Ron Oszust, Suzan Hewat, Melanie Jeannotte, Christine Hoechsmann. Back row – left to right: Am Naqvi, Jared Basil, Owen Torgerson (Chair), Katrine Conroy. Missing: Angus Graeme and Karen Hamling.

Columbia Basin Trust photos