Board of Governors

Sheri Hamilton is an accomplished HR professional with over 25 years’ experience, including more than 10 years as a Vice President leading the people practices of a financial co-operative. She is passionate about creating a positive employee experience, supported by solid practices, processes and structures that align with strategy. She is currently the Manager, People & Culture for PRT Growing Services, the largest forest seedling producer in North America.

Sheri has an MBA from Royal Roads University and graduated from BCIT (Hons) with a Diploma of Technology in Human Resource Management. Sheri maintains a CPHR designation and in 2019, was awarded the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources of British Columbia & Yukon Award of Excellence, for HR Professional of the Year.

She has served as an Okanagan College Foundation Director and Chair of the Finance Committee 2018 – 2024 and is a past Chair of the Okanagan College Regional Advisory Committee (Shuswap Region).  In 2024, she began serving her term as a Board member of CPHR BC & Yukon.

On a personal note, Sheri’s greatest achievement is being the mom to Sophie and Fynn.
 

Annabelle Lee is a student leader and advocate for human rights, equitable education, and sustainable development. She is currently studying International Development, is an Enactus member, and serves as the Federation Representative for the Okanagan College Students’ Union. In this role, Annabelle represents students at provincial levels, working to advance priorities such as public post-secondary funding, student affordability, and strengthened support for all learners.

Beyond her work in student advocacy, Annabelle has experience in multilateral collaboration to advance community-based economic empowerment and quality education. Experience includes coordinating fundraisers, contributing to research and impact reporting, and collaborating with diverse partners, including non-profits, and grassroots organizations.

Annabelle is deeply motivated by the belief that education plays a critical role in building equitable and resilient communities. As a member of the Board of Governors, she looks forward to bringing a strong student-centered perspective, promoting transparency, and contributing to decisions that enhance the experience and well-being of all Okanagan College students.

Amanda Louie is a Senior Finance Officer at BC First Nations Gaming Revenue Sharing. Amanda is enthusiastic about helping First Nations provincially and her experience includes a decade working in diverse financial positions with First Nation organizations.

Previously working for Westbank First Nation and Osoyoos Indian Band Development Corporation, Amanda’s key areas of expertise include financial record-keeping, budgeting, financial reporting, audit preparations, and risk assessment.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting from Okanagan College and is actively pursuing the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager designation through the Aboriginal Finance Officer Association. Passionate about empowering First Nations communities, Amanda is dedicated to breaking down barriers, promoting transparency, building capacity and ensuring financial sustainability. She actively participates in numerous community events, pow wows and stick games within and outside the Okanagan Nation. 

Allan is an eight-time Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) councilor where he maintains a focus on ideas and initiatives meant to benefit the membership. Allan is appointed to the Assembly of First Nations Chiefs Committee on Health, is the Chair of the Indigenous Education Committee for School District 22 and also serves on the Board of Directors for Interior Health, working with local, provincial and federal governments to develop innovative ways of delivering health services.

Allan is the owner of Maximum One Venture and previously worked in managerial and advisory roles with Vernon Travel Lodge, the Casino of the Rockies and Cranbrook Dodge.

Dale Safinuk is a retired Financial Services Executive with TD Bank and most recently served as District Vice President.  In this role he was responsible for overseeing TD's retail operations and developing strategic partnerships throughout the southern interior of BC.  His career at TD Bank Group spans over 20 years in a variety of diverse roles including: Call Centre Management, Credit Centre Management and he has also worked in Branch Banking and Commercial Banking.

Dale has previously served on the Advisory Board for Ch'nook Indigenous Students Education at UBC; as Co-Chair of TD's Diversity Leadership Council for Indigenous people; was a member of TD's National Committee for Indigenous people; and served as Board Member with TD Friends of the Environment Foundation. He is a past Director (Vice Chair) for the United Way of Kamloops and past Director (Treasurer) for United Way of Trail.  Other community organizations include: Kelowna Minor Hockey, Derrick Figure Skating Club (Edmonton), along with Rotary clubs in Kamloops and Trail. 

Dale served as Vice Chair (2021-2023) and Chair of the Okanagan College Board (2023-2025). 

Carollynn Schafer is an active ecosystem builder and angel investor. She obtained her law degree from the University of Victoria and spent her first 8 years as a lawyer at a corporate firm in Winnipeg, focusing on Technology, IP and Privacy law.

From there, Carollynn went in-house and worked with LemonFree.com, a start-up in the automotive marketing space, until their acquisition by LotLinx in 2015. Carollynn has been involved in the innovation ecosystem in the Okanagan, acting as a General Partner of OKGN WMAN, a director of the Okanagan Angel Summit, Interim CEO and Investor in Residence at Accelerate Okanagan and assisting other technology start-ups.

Carollynn has experience in working with technology start-ups as well as social enterprises. She has developed a knowledge of both spaces from her involvement as a shareholder and an advisor and this combination gives her a unique perspective into the challenges faced by start-ups. Carollynn and her husband, Lance are passionate about supporting the growth of the start-up community in the Okanagan. She has two active boys and enjoys biking, skiing and writing.

Roger Wheeler possesses extensive governance experience, having served on multiple community, organizational and industry association boards, spanning more than a decade. Passionate about volunteer work, Roger has been recognized for his collegial governance approach with a President’s Award for “Extraordinary commitment to enabling the organization while ensuring involvement in decisions by those affected”.

Following a lengthy career in Healthcare Administration and Human Resources management, Roger joined OC as faculty in the School of Business in 2010. Since then, he has served on many multidisciplinary groups such as the Research Ethics Board and the Curriculum Proposal Review Committee for Science & Technology, widening his perspective through collaboration with faculty, instructors, and administrators across the college. Roger is the recipient of an OC Employee Excellence Award (Key Directions) for being a champion of positive change.

Having taught at Penticton, Vernon, Salmon Arm and Kelowna campuses during his lengthy tenure at OC, Roger has a sound understanding of the forces that shape our culture and work environment, as well as issues that most directly impact faculty and instructors. Roger’s perspective as a teacher, his governance skill set, and his strong desire to help OC grow and succeed will serve his constituents well on the OC Board of Governors.