OCNews

Okanagan College's Dean of the OC School of Business, Joe Baker, has been elected to the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce's 2026-27 Board of Directors. The announcement comes following the conclusion of online voting on Feb. 18.

"The Chamber has long been a catalyst for economic momentum in Kelowna and I’m proud to contribute at the board level,” said Baker “At the College, we’re focused on strengthening the connection between education and the economy—building programs that respond to student ambition and employer demand. This appointment deepens that partnership and supports a shared goal: a thriving region powered by skilled, work-ready OC graduates."

“We are pleased to name the Chamber’s new Board of Directors for the coming year,” said incoming Chair-Elect Patrick Bobyn. “Our Board reflects a strong mix of returning directors who bring valuable experience and institutional knowledge, along with new members who offer fresh perspectives and ideas. Together, the Board represents a broad cross-section of our business community and a shared commitment to the Chamber’s mission.”

Table Officers were elected by acclamation and include incoming Chair-Elect Patrick Bobyn, Partner at Pushor Mitchell LLP; Vice-Chair Elect Treena Piva from Century 21 Assurance Property Management Services; and Secretary-Elect Laurel Hogg, Senior Lawyer at Heinrichs Richards LLP. Derek Gratz, UBC Okanagan, is automatically appointed to the Board as Past Chair.

Eleven director positions were open during member voting in early February, and the following candidates received sufficient votes through electronic balloting to be among those to represent membership on the Board for 2026-2027. 

Four new directors join seven incumbents. In alphabetical order, directors include:

1. Andrew Shaw – BDO - New
2. Binny Boparai-Gill – Farming Karma - Incumbent
3. Dobrila Braunstein – Sandhill Winery - Incumbent
4. George Marine – GMK Consulting - New
5. Jessica Samuels – HUB Office Furniture Inc - Incumbent
6. Joe Baker – Okanagan College School of Business - New
7. Kristian de Pont – Good Sorts Property Services - Incumbent
8. Manik Dhir – Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre - New
9. Narinder Nagra – Mission Group - Incumbent
10. Rhona Stanislaus – Prep Academy Tutors Interior BC - Incumbent
11. Trevor Moss – Central Okanagan Food Bank - Incumbent

The Board also includes an advisory position representing the City of Kelowna, currently filled by City of Kelowna Councillor Maxine DeHart.