The Allan Brooks Nature Centre is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who provide strategic leadership, governance, and oversight for the organization.
Board members bring a diverse range of experience in community leadership, education, business, finance, and environmental stewardship. Working together with staff, the Board helps guide the long-term sustainability and direction of the Centre while supporting its mission of environmental education and community engagement.
David has degrees in environmental studies and public administration and a lifelong passion for the out-of-doors. Following a career in the Ontario Government, the last nine years as a Deputy Minister, David was recruited to the Vancouver 2010 Olympics where he was Executive Vice-President for Celebrations and Partnerships. After the Olympics, David was President and CEO of E-Comm 9-1-1 until his retirement in 2017 and his move to Vernon.
When David arrived in Vernon, the first thing he sought was a place where he could pursue his passion for bird and wildlife photography – the Allan Brooks Nature Centre was the perfect fit. He joined immediately and shortly after was appointed to the Board of Directors.
He has been Co-Chair of the Board since December 2021.
Sue has been a resident of Vernon since she moved here from the Ottawa Valley in late 2006. Starting her work life as a Science, Physical and Outdoor Education junior high and high school teacher, she changes career directions after her two daughters were born. Sue took on new challenges in community development and program management. She is now a seasoned professional who has held senior positions including Executive Director for not-for-profit / charitable organizations that provide services for elderly persons and intellectually disabled people in Ontario. In the fall of 2017 Sue retired from her position at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation where she worked with the Board of Directors to help meet the financial needs for health care in the North Okanagan. Most notably Sue participated in the raising of funds to support the building and completion of the Polson Tower at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Sue has had extensive experience as a director on many not-for-profit Board of Directors over her long career. Sue is a lifelong lover of nature and outdoor activities. Joining the Board of the Allan Brooks Nature Centre has brought Sue back to her roots and she is committed to work hard to strengthen this precious organization.
Heather is a Partner at KPMG LLP in Vernon, BC, providing accounting, tax and assurance services and strategic business advice to private companies across a wide range of industries, as well as not-for-profit and public sector organizations.
Originally from St. Albert, Alberta, Heather holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta. She spent 10 years in Vancouver building her career, working with PricewaterhouseCoopers and later as Controller for Mountain Equipment Co-op. In 2015, she relocated to Vernon and joined KPMG, where she continues to work with businesses throughout the region.
As Treasurer and one of the Allan Brooks Nature Centre’s longest-serving Board members, Heather provides valuable financial oversight and governance support to the organization. She is passionate about environmental education and believes strongly in the importance of connecting youth with nature and outdoor learning.
Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Heather enjoys spending time with her family in the mountains skiing, camping, biking, and hiking.
Sarah was born and raised in Vernon, B.C. and has always loved spending time in nature. Her hobbies include staying active with her husband Chad, spending time with their dog, snowboarding, hiking, enjoying delicious food, and being with family and friends. She has a degree in Event Management and Hospitality Management, she is a director on Cosens Holdings Board as well as Chair of a council and is excited to use her skills towards many new and exciting things for Allan Brooks Nature Centre. Being a driving force behind the popular event Allan Brooks Dinner Under The Stars, Sarah looks forward to continuing learning and developing as much as she can and being a big part of the ABNC community.
Tony is a litigation lawyer with a strong focus on estate and civil litigation. He earned his BA in English Literature from the University of British Columbia before completing his law degree with Honours from the University of London. His background in literature shaped his analytical thinking and writing skills, which he now applies to building clear and persuasive legal arguments for his clients.
Tony has represented clients before the Supreme Court of British Columbia and has assisted senior counsel in cases before the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. He enjoys the challenge of complex legal disputes and is known for his strategic and thoughtful approach to advocacy.
Before becoming a lawyer, Tony played high-level hockey in both Canada and the United States. Outside of work he enjoys hockey, golf, skiing, and snowboarding, and he is also a fiction writer who has published a novel.
In 2017 Cheryl retired from a 24 year real estate career. Her career began in Vancouver and continued for 14 years here in Vernon. She has been involved in fundraising for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation for 20 years.
In 1998 she co-founded the “Chicks with Sticks Golf Tournament” in Vancouver. Upon moving to Vernon in 2002 she founded the “Wine Women and Woods Golf Tournament ” which raised over $1 million for breast cancer research and related diagnostic equipment.
In 2016 Cheryl joined the North Okanagan Hospice Society board and has served on various committees during her 6 year term. In 1984 she married Rob Phare, a Vernon native, and together have a 15 year old Australian terrier, Joey. Cheryl enjoys cooking, travelling, boating, kayaking, hiking, and all the Okanagan Valley has to offer.
Originally from southern Ontario, Heather Trueman completed a degree in environmental studies and economics. Soon after, she moved to Saskatoon where for over 30 years her work and volunteer roles focused on multiple aspects of environmental sustainability: a systems-based approach to sustainability, active transportation in cities, green buildings and waste reduction strategies.
In 2015, Heather and her husband moved to the Vernon area, drawn by the natural environment here and the outdoor activity opportunities.
Heather believes that Allan Brooks Nature Centre’s environmental education programs develop an understanding of the complexity of ecosystems and foster a love of nature in children. As adults they are better equipped to make choices to support nature conservation and a more environmentally sustainable society.
Deborah Turnbull is a retired technology professional living in beautiful Predator Ridge in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
Her career focused primarily in the technology sector, where she worked with corporations to design and implement business solutions. Deborah began her career as a computer programmer, later transitioning into systems and business analysis, and eventually project management.
She co-founded Tricon Solutions Inc., a highly successful project management consulting firm that grew into a multi-million-dollar business. While Deborah has since retired, the company continues to operate successfully today.
In retirement, Deborah has enthusiastically embraced lifelong learning and the many outdoor and cultural activities that the Okanagan Valley offers. She enjoys engaging with her community, exploring nature, and continuing to expand her interests and knowledge.
The day to day operations at Allan Brooks Nature Centre would not be the success that it is without our knowledgeable staff team. Their passion truly is to bring nature to life with their unique knowledge and expertise about nature.
Get to know more about our team of staff here.
Without the extraordinary influence of these individuals, the Allan Brooks Nature Centre would not be the place it is today where individuals of all ages can discover and learn more about nature!
Learn more about the people who have had an impact on ABNC here.
