Owen Torgerson elected as Chair; Susan Clovechok elected as Vice-Chair

Four new directors have joined Columbia Basin Trust’s Board of Directors. Made up of 12 members, the Trust Board governs the organization and its assets and ensures the Trust remains healthy, resilient and accountable to the residents of the Columbia Basin.

The new members are Jared Basil from yaqan nuʔkiy, Katrine Conroy from Pass Creek, Melanie Jeannotte from Fernie and Am Naqvi from Nelson. Departing directors are Jocelyn Carver of Nelson, Krista Turcasso of Fernie and Bill van Yzerloo of Castlegar.

Owen Torgerson from Valemount has been elected Chair and Susan Clovechok from Fairmont Hot Springs has been elected Vice-Chair.

Torgerson was appointed to the Board in 2019 and served as Vice-Chair beginning in 2024. Clovechok was appointed to the Board in 2025.

“I am pleased to welcome Jared, Katrine, Melanie and Am, and to acknowledge the work and commitment of outgoing members Jocelyn, Bill and Krista,” said Owen Torgerson, Chair of Columbia Basin Trust’s Board of Directors.

“As Chair, I look forward to working with the Board to build on the strong contributions of current and past members.”

Jared Basil (yaqan nuʔkiy) is an educator, facilitator and governance leader from the yaqan nuʔkiy (Lower Kootenay Band) of the Ktunaxa Nation. He currently serves as Chair of the College of the Rockies Board of Governors and brings extensive regional and provincial governance experience.

Katrine Conroy (Pass Creek) served as MLA for West Kootenay–Boundary and later Kootenay West from 2005 to 2024, including time as Minister responsible for Columbia Basin Trust. Prior to elected office, she worked as a power engineer, early childhood educator, college instructor, non-profit executive and small business owner.

Melanie Jeannotte (Fernie) is the former CEO of Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada), where she led national growth through multiple acquisitions. She has board experience in economic development, food security and small business advocacy, and co-owns Polar Peek Books in Fernie.

Am Naqvi (Nelson) is a Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive governance experience in the West Kootenay. He currently serves on the boards of Kootenay Savings Credit Union, Community Futures Central Kootenay, Community Futures BC, the Greater Nelson Economic Development Partnership and Selkirk College.

The five regional districts in the Basin and the Ktunaxa Nation Council each nominate a director, and the Province of BC appoints the remaining six directors.

The Lieutenant Governor in Council makes all final appointments to the Board. All directors must reside in the Basin.

For more information on the Trust’s Board of Directors, including their terms of service, and to view Board meeting highlights and minutes, visit ourtrust.org/board.

Columbia Basin Trust supports the efforts of the people in the Columbia Basin to strengthen social, economic and environmental well-being. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, visit ourtrust.org or call 1-800-505-8998.

Lead image: Columbia Basin Trust Board of Directors. 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

Article Share