Staff

Susan Stearns, General Manager

Susan comes to us from Burns Lake bringing extensive education and experience in a combination of non-profit, public sector and private sector leadership roles. In addition to owning several businesses, Susan also has considerable general management and economic development experience including five years as General manager for the Wet’suwet’en First Nation in Burns Lake. While working for the Band, Susan held a number of different positions; following this, she worked as the Economic Development Coordinator for the Lakes District Economic Development Association. Prior to coming to Community Fraser Fort George, Susan co-owned and operated a consulting practice for five years where she enjoyed working on various contracts involving business, community and economic development.
E-mail: susans@cfdc.bc.ca

 

Karen Hebert, Comptroller

Karen joined the Community Futures team in November 2003.  She brings with her over 30 years of experience working with the local business community through her work with public accounting firms.  Karen understands the wide range of financial reporting requirements of Community Futures as a not-for-profit organization.  She also works with management and staff in budget preparation, Community Economic Development financial management, and client loan administration.
E-mail: karenh@cfdc.bc.ca

 

Rodney Gainer, Business Analyst

Rodney has a background in business development, group facilitation and product commercialization specific to high tech and creative industries. Rodney joined Community Futures in 2010 as Business Development Officer moving into the Business Analyst position in spring 2011. His experience and educational background is an asset to his role in assisting entrepreneurs with business start-up, expansion and succession planning, including providing guidance to entrepreneurs as they seek financing for their business needs.
E-mail: rodneyg@cfdc.bc.ca

 

Sherri Flavel, Self-Employment Benefit Program Coordinator

Sherri graduated from CNC with a Diploma in Business Management and a Certificate in Human Resource Management.  Her employment portfolio includes several years of program management and community development in the not-for-profit sector.  Sherri joined Community Futures in August 2011 and her combined expertise supports clients to develop, implement and grow their entrepreneurial concepts and business plans.
E-mail: sherrif@cfdc.bc.ca

 

Rebecca Reid, Initiatives Development Officer

Rebecca joined the Community Futures team in October 2008 after moving to Prince George from the lower mainland where she earned a BA in Communication at Simon Fraser University.  Rebecca has a background in education, marketing and event planning and has a passion for community development at a grassroots level. Rebecca works in collaboration with partnering agencies, community groups and other stakeholders on various projects and initiatives in the Fraser Fort George Region.
E-mail: rebeccar@cfdc.bc.ca

 

 

Jillian Merrick, Coordinator – Beyond the Market Project

Jillian joined Community Futures in January 2011 as the coordinator for the Beyond the Market project. She has spent the last 10 years in Prince George, earning a BA in Economics and International Studies from UNBC and working for a variety of local not-for-profit organizations. Jillian is strongly focused on engaging all sectors of the community to mobilize for better economic, environmental, and social outcomes. In her spare time, she coaches and plays with the Rated PG Rollergirls and is the President of the Prince George Cycling Club.
E-mail: jillianm@cfdc.bc.ca

 

Vera Beerling, Youth Mean Business Coordinator

Vera recently relocated to Prince George from Houston, BC where she worked as an Employment Advisor and Youth Skills Program Coordinator at Community Futures Nadina. Previously, she worked with CNC Lakes District in Adult Education and as a program coordinator for health and justice initiatives.Vera has a strong background in employment and career advising and a keen awareness of the current labour market and training opportunities. She has developed skills to lead clients to reach their future career potential. With a background in administration program coordination, Vera takes on each new challenge with dedication, hard work and the knowledge gained from a combination of life, work, and volunteer experiences.
E-mail: verab@cfdc.bc.ca

Marie Patenaude, Executive Assistant

Marie has developed broad office experience working in accounting, consumer credit, and general administration. Marie provides communication, meeting, and administrative support to our Community Futures board of directors, committees, management, and staff. Marie joined the Community Futures Team in July of 2008.
E-mail: mariep@cfdc.bc.ca