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CVCF appoints new executive director
By Chris Conway
The Columbia Valley Community Foundation (CVCF) recently announced the appointment of Laurie Klassen to the position of Executive Director.
In a press release issued May 25, foundation Chair Roberta Hall described Klassen as an energetic, personable professional with over 25 years of progressive leadership in the private sector.
“Laurie’s experience in project management and stakeholder relations will help the foundation achieve success in growing the endowment funds,” stated Hall. “She will be working with community leaders to identify pressing needs and increasing the public presence of the community foundation.
“Laurie also shows her commitment to volunteerism in the community by serving as the Treasurer for the Invermere and District Curling Centre and as the Secretary for the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce,” noted Hall.
Klassen expressed her enthusiasm for her new role. “I am so honoured to be the new Executive Director of the Columbia Valley Community Foundation,” said Klassen. “Knowing that I will be helping our community now and for future generations makes this a dream job. After a rewarding career in the private sector, I am driven by the desire to use my skills to give to the community.”
Klassen added, “I am excited to contribute to the community and to work with the foundation’s board of directors to continue to build community legacies.”
Hall welcomed Dawn Attorp, Cathy Cowan, Cameron Dow, Katherine Harmsworth, Craig Knapp, Dean Midyette and Barbara Morris as new directors. They were appointed to the board at the April 27 AGM and join Hall and Directors Barbara Kloos, Paul Kendall and Bill MacDonald.
Hall also thanked outgoing directors Wallace Black, Don Miller and Sue Macdonald, for outstanding contributions to the foundation and the community.
The Columbia Valley Community Foundation manages endowment funds totaling in excess of $3.3 million. The funds have been established by donors from all walks of life to build legacies for Columbia Valley communities. Income from fund investments is distributed as grants to local charitable organizations and students between Spillimacheen and Canal Flats.
The foundation’s mission is to invest in people, ideas and activities that enhance the quality of life and strengthen local communities; and to create connections that inspire giving to causes that matter in the Columbia Valley.
More information about the Columbia Valley Community Foundation may be found on the organization’s website at www.ValleyFoundation.ca.
