Health and Safety Committees
Okanagan College has four Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) Committees based out of Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm, and Vernon. The Committees are composed of representatives from all employee groups at Okanagan College including BCGEU Vocational and Support Staff, OC Faculty Association, Administration, and Management. The Committees meet monthly and work collaboratively to enhance and promote health and safety in the workplace.
Campus committees
Kelowna campus
Kelowna committee terms of reference
Contact Email: johskel@okanagan.bc.ca
| Name | Location | Role | Representation |
| Danny Marques | T115H | Employer Co-Chair | Trades (Senior Mgnt) |
| Phil Ashman | P111C | Employer Rep | Ancillary & Business Services (Senior Mgnt) |
| Eunice Hoekstra | P111A | Employer Rep | Facilities Management (Admin) |
| Rox Pollock | E217 | Employer Rep | Community Engagement & Careers (Admin) |
| Heather Carson | A104A | Worker Co-Chair | Student Services (BCGEU Support) |
| Nicole Davis | E412 | Worker Rep | Office Administration (BCGEU Vocational) |
| Kevin Dradon | T163 | Worker Rep | Central Stores (BCGEU Support) |
| Leonard Lermer | C289 | Worker Rep | Science & Technology (OCFA) |
| Kevin McKenzie | P105 | Worker Rep | Campus Planning & Facilities Management (BCGEU Support) |
| Frithjof Petscheleit | T104 | Worker Rep | Trades (BCGEU Support) |
Penticton campus
| Name | Location | Role | Representation |
| Karin Grosstessner-Hain | PC247 | Employer Co-Chair | BCBTAC (OCAA) |
| Kristine Clarkson | PC234 | Employer Rep | Continuing Studies (OCAA) |
| Kristi Bauman | PL140 | Worker Co-Chair | Regional Dean's Office South (BCGEU Support) |
| Brennan Boyda | PC 218 | Worker Rep | Trades (BCGEU-VI) |
| Catherine Kubis | PC244 | Worker Rep | Registrar's Office (BCGEU Support) |
| Sharon Mansiere | PL106 | Worker Rep | Science & Technology (OCFA) |
| Eva Gavaris (on leave) | PL 105 | Worker Rep | Library (OCFA) |
| Sarah Lefebure (on leave) | PL 111 | Worker Rep | Counselling (OCFA) |
| Gitan Rakhra (on leave) | PL105 | Worker Rep | Regional Dean's Office South (BCGEU Support) |
Salmon Arm campus
| Name | Location | Role | Representation |
| Margaret Scharf | SA104 | Employer Co-Chair | Community Engagement and Careers (OCAA) |
| Brent Moffat | Trades - ST01 | Employer Rep | Trades (Admin) |
| Bryan White | SA117 | Worker Co-Chair | Science & Technology (OCFA) |
| Diyame Derrick Carter | SA184A | Worker Rep | Student Services (BCGEU Support) |
| Lanie Greeenhough | SA 132 | Worker Rep | Library (BCGEU Support) |
| Shannon Kiehlbauch | SA119 | Worker Rep | Student Services (BCGEU Support) |
Vernon campus
| Name | Location | Role | Representation |
| Margaret Scarf | SA-104 | Interim Employer Co-Chair | Community Engagement and Careers (OCAA) |
| Steve Crema | C245 | Employer Rep | Science and Technology (Senior Mgnt) |
| Kelsey Ross | T115L | Employer Rep | Trades (OCAA) |
| Paxton Friesen (on leave) | Worker Rep | Health and Social Development (BCGEU - VI) | |
| Michael Semple | VT205 | Worker Rep | Trades (BCGEU - VI) |
| Craig Smith | VC325 | Worker Rep | Adult Upgrading (BCGEU - VI) |
Want to Join the JOHS Committee as a BCGEU Rep?
If you’re a BCGEU Support Staff or Vocational Instructor, you can apply to be an Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Representative.
How to Apply:
- Fill out the Expression of Interest (EOI) form
https://ohs.bcgeu.ca/ohs_rep
Include your contact info, worksite(s), and why you’re interested. - Submit the form
Your local chairperson will review it. If approved, you’ll receive an appointment letter. Sign your BCGEU membership card
Why Join?
- Make a real impact on workplace safety and well-being.
- Be the voice for your co-workers on health and safety issues.
- Gain valuable training and knowledge supported by BCGEU.
- Build leadership skills and strengthen your professional network.