Originally from the UK, Jessie Laven now calls the Okanagan home. She has been involved with the Sicamous Society for more than a decade and is an advocate of cultural heritage. With extensive experience as an accounting manager (at Community Futures) Jessie brings a wealth of financial expertise that is crucial for effective governance. She has a proven track record in maximizing revenues and securing funding, coupled with strategic insights from managing operations at the S.S Sicamous Museum. This ensures prudent decision-making and sustainable growth. Jessie's commitment to preserving history and fostering community engagement makes her the ideal candidate to safeguard the legacy of the S.S Sicamous.

Jim moved from the lower mainland to Penticton in 1985. He practiced as a Chiropractor until retiring and turning his practice over to his son in 2021. His interest in all things marine, and particularly the vintage wooden boat hobby eventually led to his involvement with the SS Sicamous Marine Heritage Society since 2008. Jim has previously served on two City of Penticton committees, spent several years on the BC Chiropractic Association board as a Director and President, and also as the BC Director on the Canadian Chiropractic Association Board.

Robert Nield qualified as a Chartered Accountant in the UK and moved to Hong Kong in 1980. He spent most of his working life there as a partner in one of the world’s largest accountancy practices. Since retirement, Robert has been involved in many not-for-profit organisations, either as president, executive director, or treasurer. His interests include history (he gained an MPhil degree in 2018), sailing, writing songs, and playing the guitar. He came to Penticton with his wife in 2019. Since being appointed to the Board in August 2023, he has brought much-needed financial discipline and organisation to the Society.

Ron retired to Penticton 10 years ago after careers in the energy and civil construction industries. Prior to retirement, Ron held board and executive positions in community, sports and professional associations.

His community engagement in Penticton includes: Chairman of the Penticton Parks and Recreation Master Plan Steering Committee, Secretary of the Penticton Yacht Club and Director of the SS Sicamous Society.

Ron views the SS Sicamous Marine Park as a major cultural asset to the City of Penticton.

Genadiy graduated with a Mathematics degree in 2007 followed by a Master of Business Management degree in 2009. Shortly after he joined Freedom 55 Financial in 2009 in the role as an investment advisor. In his personal time he jogs and swims every morning, plays tennis in the summer and snowboard/ski during the winter. Fueling his creative spirit, he takes to the skies with a drone, capturing breathtaking videos and photos that have found a home on the S.S. Sicamous website and social media platforms. This endeavor not only indulges his artistic inclinations but also serves as a means to raise awareness for the cherished Penticton icon, the S.S. Sicamous. As the Secretary until 2024, Genadiy has taken board meeting minutes and kept a record as far back as 2010. It is his firm belief that preserving and promoting the heritage of the S.S. Sicamous is integral to preserving the essence of Penticton for generations to come.

Paul O’Neill has been involved with the S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society since 2015. He has primarily worked on restoring CN Tug #6. As a longtime Penticton resident, Paul is passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community.

Paul’s background is varied. He has been responsible for maintenance and operation of commercial tour boats. As a red seal heavy duty mechanic, and has worked at the Nickel Plate gold mine for 7 years. Paul retired after working 13 years in the FortisBC meter calibration shop located in Penticton.

Carole Dumestre is originally from the south of France. She has been traveling around the world since her childhood. She immigrated in Canada in 2008, calling Penticton her new home. She started her business Crêperie Ooolala in 2009 and was introduced to the S.S. Sicamous in 2011. She has been operating every summer at the Sicamous park since 2012, with the goal of bringing life and good vibes to this quiet side of town. Having to close her business during Covid time, she enjoyed voluntering and helped restore the S.S. Naramata. Her interest and knowledge for the Sicamous Society has been growing every year resulting in her joining the board in 2022. She is thrilled to make the S.S. Sicamous Society and the Heritage park more known and cared from the public and community.

Kyla Daman-Willems trained as a teacher on her way to a career in public transit. The majority of her career included training adults and overseeing the Customer Service and Marketing departments for the West Coast Express. Her highlight experiences included being asked to train a group of transit attendants in Fort Lauderdale in 2008, and being part of the team of transit trainers for Vancouver’s 2010 Olympics. She retired from transit in 2022.

Kyla and her husband moved to Penticton in 2022 and she has been involved with the SS Sicamous and the KVR model team in various capacities since she arrived. As a member of the board of directors for the SS Sicamous Marine Heritage Society she looks forward to the opportunity to preserve and protect the heritage of the Okanagan.

Janine Cumberland, known by her staff as Janine the Event and Flower Queen, considers herself lucky to live and run her businesses in Penticton. With over three decades of customer service expertise and a combined 18 years in floral decorations and events, she is a seasoned professional with a true passion for creating unforgettable events.

As the owner of five successful businesses all over British Columbia, including Paradox Events Co. and Enchanted Florist in Penticton, Janine has a wealth of experience in planning a diverse range of events, from weddings to corporate functions and community gatherings.

At Paradox Events, Janine is passionate about putting her clients first and building a large inventory of unique and special party rentals, while bringing her creative touch to every event she plans.

At Enchanted Florist, Janine showcases her artistic abilities, to create beautiful arrangements for her amazing customers, always working towards providing the best in customer service.

Janine is incredibly grateful for her amazing team and recognizes their integral role in the success of her businesses. She knows that without their hard work and dedication, she would not be able to achieve her goals and bring her creative visions to life. She is constantly inspired by their passion and commitment and is proud to have such a talented group of individuals on her side.

As a mom-preneur, Janine is an active director for the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce, as well as the President of SOSBIS, loves spending time with her family. In her personal time she enjoys Sturgeon fishing (also one of her businesses), panning of gold, hoping to find the mother-lode, and relaxing with her goldie Rosie (also the spokesmodel for the flowers shop), and is passionate about raising money & helping in any way she can.