People and Professionals

Jane Halford, FCA, ICD.D

Jane the Person

“If you don't like how things are, change it. You're not a tree.” - Jim Rohn

In her personal time Jane loves sailing on the west coast of Canada, playing tennis, and spending time with her loved ones (including her dog).

Jane the Professional

Jane is an experienced board chair, board member, CEO, entrepreneur, speaker, and trainer. In her nearly three-decade career, she has worked with corporations, public sector entities, and not-for-profit organizations of all sizes.

Michael Pinkoski, PhD, MBA

Michael the Person

"I'm not a particularly interesting person, I just do interesting things."

Michael’s passion is cycling. He is a world class cycling official for on track and road events which provides him a unique opportunity to explore the world each year.

Michael the Professional

Michael’s background is in medical sciences, strategic management, and not-for-profit organizations. He has extensive international experience and has a special interest in developing new sustainable organizations.

Kelly Gibson, MPH, MBA, CMP

Kelly the Person

Kelly enjoys spending her free time reading, quilting, baking, and continually learning new things.

Kelly the Professional

Kelly’s background is in research support, strategic insight, and operational expertise. With over 20 years of experience, Kelly has worked in a multitude of industries including finance, business and technology, and healthcare.

Catherine Skaaning, BA

Catherine the Person

Catherine loves spending time with her family and pets. You’ll often find her outdoors or in the gym.

Catherine the Professional

Catherine’s background is in evaluation and research. She can effectively translate evidence into information for clients. She has widespread experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting using surveys, interviews, and focus groups.

Corinne Davis

Cor the Person

Cor loves to golf, camp, travel, and visit with friends.

She is also a snowbird in training!

Cor the Professional

Cor’s background is in retail sales and customer service. She has extensive experience in clerical work, accounting, and bookkeeping.

Deana Nakonechny

Deana the Person

“Always Forward Never Back.”

In her spare time, Deana finds immense joy spending time with her family and bird. She loves warmer climates, and you’ll often find her outside.

Deana the Professional

Deana’s background is in finance, operations and research. Deana has worked in both private and public sectors. She is well versed in developing operational procedures and implementing activities to enhance the operation. She loves to sort out a mess for smooth transition.

Sophie Pinkoski

Sophie the Person

“There is no such thing as an original idea, just unique perspectives. No two stories are ever the same.”

Sophie writes gothic horror novels exploring the campy and criminal corners of history. Her best days are spent listening to punk music and snuggling up with a good book, a mug of tea, and her cat.

Sophie the Professional

Sophie’s background is in English literature (University of Victoria) and publishing (Edinburgh Napier University). A writer, editor, and historian, she loves piecing together narratives in new, compelling ways and helping others share stories of their own.

Justin Schwanke, BComm

Justin the Person

Justin is a filmmaker and lifelong BMX rider. He has produced numerous videos and a full-length film sold in bike shops across Canada, the USA, and Europe.

Justin the Professional

Justin’s background is in business strategy and project coordination with an emphasis on leadership development. He has a special interest in filmmaking, photography, and writing.