Board of Directors

2022-2023 Vernon Winter Carnival

Board of Directors

Laurell Cornell

Chair

Laurell Cornell

Chair

I have been a long time “Vernonite” with many ties to the community.

My passion for Vernon Winter Carnival was fueled by Grandmother who loved to attend the Seniors event as well as my mother who worked for the Vernon Lodge Hotel. The “Lodge” was a hub of excitement during carnival and where I got my first job working in the banquet department at 14. As a family we also attended several events including the Coronation, Snowmobile Races, Mad Hatters Tea Party, Jopo House, Klondike Days, Medieval Night, Over the Hill Downhill, Sud N Cider, Snow and Ice Sculptures just to name a few. Most of my working career predominantly was the hotel and restaurant industry. Through that I gained several skills including, communication, management, budgeting, event planning and marketing. I also have an extensive sales background as well. I very much love volunteering as it makes me feel a closer connection to our community. Including being on the board of directors for the Vernon Winter Carnival I have volunteered with United Way, Brent Gilchrist Golf Tournament and the BC Winter Games.

My husband Rod and I look forward to Vernon Winter Carnival 2023 being one of the most successful carnivals in years.

Yours in Carnival Spirit Laurell

Leah Martel

Vice Chair

Leah Martel

Vice Chair

Leah Martel grew up in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan, when she finished high school she moved to Calgary and attended Mount Royal College where she completed a Rehabilitation Therapy program. She worked with seniors recovering from hip and knee replacement surgery for 4 years and then changed her path and worked with kids with disabilities for 3 years. Wanting to be closer to her family she moved to Vernon and has proudly called it home for the past 15 years. Leah graduated from the UBC Sauders Real Estate division and became a Realtor for 4 years before moving into a sales role at SUN FM for 4 years. For the past 6 years, she has Managed the Castanet Media Vernon edition and worked with hundreds of local businesses and non-profit organizations. This is Leah's 3rd year on the Winter Carnival committee and is also a Downtown Vernon Association board member.

Boris Ivanoff

Treasurer

Boris Ivanoff

Treasurer

Boris was raised in Vernon BC. Vernon Winter Carnival is important to him as it was a family tradition to attend the festivities annually since he was a child. His family would watch the parade from the same spot every year and would take part in as many activities as possible. Boris brings to the board several years of governance, holding director positions on multiple boards and owning a successful electrical company for 17 years. He believes that his role as a board member is to create new and innovative ideas to make Vernon Winter Carnival a success. He is committed to ensuring the existing traditions continue, and building a strong foundation for the organization’s future.

Amanda Wilms

Secretary

Amanda Wilms

Secretary

Amanda joined the Vernon Winter Carnival Board in 2020. Originally from Winnipeg, Amanda moved to the sunny Okanagan about 15 years ago and has not looked back. She has been a member of JCI Vernon, which has allowed her the opportunity to fundraise and volunteer in support of North Okanagan community causes.

Peter Kaz

Director

Peter Kaz

Director

For over 25 years, Peter has been in involved the entertainment industry as a musician, event producer and talent manager. He has been hired as a marketing manager and publicist for companies and entertainers and has produced large events and corporate functions for Fortune 500 companies. When he moved to the Okanagan, a couple of his clients were on tour opening for The Weeknd and Ariana Grande.
Since moving to Vernon Peter wanted to create attractions for the area. Co-Producing and hosting a concert at Kal Tire Arena was his initial local stamp and taking cues from the audience who wanted more local attractions he created and produced the annual Vernon Comic Con and Okanagan's Got Talent. He is the co-host and co-creator of Hello Okanagan, a YouTube show featuring attractions throughout the Okanagan. He is on the Board as a director with Funtastic, Vernon Winter Carnival and works for the Downtown Vernon Association.

Rod Koenig

Director - Carnival Cop

Rod Koenig

Director - Carnival Cop

Well hello there!

My parents gave me the handle of Rod Koenig, born and raised in Vernon and raised my family here too, I have seen this city grow and change, one thing has always been there is the Vernon Winter Carnival. Which I have been a part of for the last 6 years. I am a parts manager for a heavy equipment dealer here in town. I love my little town.
I have spent much of my time in bowling alleys, bowling myself and volunteered my time in coaching the young bowlers for over 25 years. Spent a couple years with big brothers, united way, and other nonprofit groups serving my city.

Renee Wohl

Director

Renee Wohl

Director

Born and raised in Regina, SK but migrating to the West was a natural process for me. This community has felt like family since I arrived. I’ve never looked back, and I look forward to being involved in the community spirit that Vernon has to offer for years to come. Part of what inspires me to contribute to such a wonderful community is raising a family of my own. The memories of little ones last a lifetime; and being involved in that for generations to come warms my heart.

Todd Prentice

Director

Todd Prentice

Director

Born in 100 mile house, B.C. my family and I moved to Vernon when I was still one and I have lived here for 45 of my 50 years. I love Vernon and area and all it has to offer.

The winter carnival has always been an integral part of the community.

I remember how the carnival cop used to actually make me worried about getting put in the jail. I also have fond memories of seeing the ice sculptures and the parade of course.

When I was 12 I had the privilege of being a page to Queen Silver Star, that is another fabulous memory for me.

I look forward to helping our board of directors and all volunteers in making sure the Carnival is fantastic, in hopes that many more people can experience the joy that Winter Carnival brings and the memories created through that.

Colin Hamilton

Director

Colin Hamilton

Director

Colin joined the Vernon Winter Carnival Board of Directors in 2022. Colin loves community, events and is happy to lend a hand. He LOVES winter! Welcome, Colin.

Trish Balcaen was appointed as CEO for Balcaen Consolidated and Coldstream Ranch July 2021.

Trish has enjoyed a career in both the BC public service and industry. She joined the BC Public Service in 2004 and served at the Executive Director level in the Ministry of Forests and Range, Integrated Land Management Bureau, Environmental Assessment Office, and the Ministry of Energy and Mines. She was appointed as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation in 2018 and served in that role until 2021.

Prior to joining the Public Service, Trish was the general manager of Balcaen Consolidated - a medium-sized log harvesting company in Vernon, BC where she was also active in ranching and land development businesses.

Camille McCluskey

Director

Camille McCluskey

Director

Born and raised Vernonite here! I hold community close to my heart as a paramedic serving the Vernon and surrounding area for the last 9 years. Growing up, I spent countless years attending the Vernon winter carnival parade and local events. I have fond memories of the energy and excitement that carnival brought to town, and I look forward to being involved in keeping that legacy going. My intention is to bring a positive attitude, while utilizing community connections to help maintain the reputation that carnival has built. As I now raise my own family, I am passionate about Vernon being a fun and engaging community for all ages!

Lisa Fenyedi

Director

Lisa Fenyedi

Director

Born and raised in the lower mainland of BC, with a family cabin in Whistler, Lisa grew up loving the snow and her connection to it. Prior to moving to Vernon, Lisa was visiting the area during Vernon Winter Carnival 2012 and experienced the magic that happens within the community during the 10-day festival. From the Balloon Glow to Suds & Cider, the Parade to the Ice Sculptures, seeing the community come together during the heart of winter was an experience that she wouldn’t soon forget and knew that Vernon Winter Carnival was something that she wanted to be a part of. Lisa has a background in tourism management, finance, administration, and events. She was the administrative assistant and events coordinator for Vernon Winter Carnival last year and is excited to serve the community and Vernon Winter Carnival as a member of the Board this year. Lisa is looking forward to honouring the many traditions that Vernon Winter Carnival has, while bringing innovative ideas and creativity to the table. She is dedicated to the success of Vernon Winter Carnival in hopes that others will experience the same magic that happens in the community during the 10-day festival that she has for the past 11 years.

Jason Keis

Director

Jason Keis

Director

In the fall of 2005 I moved from Abbotsford (my hometown) to Vernon after accepting a sales position with Sun-FM. Over 10 years of working at Sun-FM I was able to meet and work with many great people and organizations. In 2016 I accepted the position of Marketing and Sales Manager with the Armstrong Regional Co-op. My job allows me to keep my connections with local organizations and help out where we can. I also spent many years as an active member with JCI Vernon. In my spare time I enjoy playing sports, music, and camping. I am honored to have been asked to serve on the board, and look forward to a very successful 2023 Vernon Winter Carnival!

Josh Welter

Director

Josh Welter

Director

Josh, his partner Ashley and their two kids Luke and Lane made Vernon their home two years ago. Growing up in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Josh has always been a sports enthusiast, playing hockey, football, road and trail running, and mountain biking. Josh is the current Executive Director for the Sport and Culture Society of the North Okanagan and is excited to join the Vernon Winter Carnival board with new and exciting ideas for the festival and the community!

Jessica Dowswell

Director

Jessica Dowswell

Director

Jessica was born and raised in Vancouver. After graduating from BCIT in Marketing Communications, she started her career at the Four Seasons Vancouver and soon was transferred to Whistler spending almost a decade on the Sea to Sky Corridor, specializing in sales and marketing in hospitality. During her time in Whistler Jessica met her husband, got married, welcomed a son into the family. They recently made the move to Vernon.

Her career path has also taken her into the real estate sector, graduating from the UBC School of Sauder Real Estate Division and is a licensed REALTOR.

She currently works full time for Prestige Hotels & Resorts as a Sales Manager and enjoys the best of the Okanagan in her spare time, hiking, skiing and cooking. She is excited to continue to connect with the North Okanagan community and be a part of the Vernon Winter Carnival Board.

Are you interested in becoming a

Board Member?!

We want dedicated individuals from all sectors of our community to help Vernon Winter Carnival Society continue to grow and advance our mission.

VWC is a working, hands on board with lots of opportunities for learning and community involvement. If you're interested in becoming a board member contact us for more information before our Annual General Meeting.

Learn More Email for info

Kris Fuller, Executive Director

Kris has called Vernon home since 2006. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in education and over the years found her way to the non-profit sector. Kris loves community and has always been highly involved with clubs, schools, sports and other volunteer activities. She is excited to continue to traditions and events that Vernon Winter Carnival brings to Vernon. "This community has embraced me in so many ways and I am thrilled to give back."