Derick Stinson - Chair

Derick was born and raised in Kitimat, BC. After graduation from Mt. Elizabeth Secondary with honors he attended university in Prince George. In 2007 Derick graduated with a double major in accounting/finance and marketing with honors from the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). After graduation Derick worked in the marketing and sales industry for several years before taking a Finance/Management position with Pyrotek High-Temperature Industrial Products Inc. Derick has been a part of the Chamber Board since 2008, serving as director, 1st Vice President, and now in his current role as President.

Wendy Kraft - Vice Chair

I am married with 2 adult children.  As the Branch Manager of Envision Financial I have had the opportunity to become involved with our Chamber of Commerce.   Kitimat is at an exciting time in its history and I am thrilled to be a part of it!

Joshua Callahan - Secretary-Treasurer

Josh moved to Kitimat in Spring of 2011 to take post as Branch Manager at BMO Bank of Montreal. Josh is an active member in the Rotary club of Kitimat and also sits on the Board for the Kitimat Community Foundation. Josh is a graduate of UNBC majoring in International Studies and Commerce. Prior to his studies, he lived and worked overseas in Japan, where he also met his wife. In addition, Josh spent several years working for Canfor in multiple Wood Products and Pulp & Paper operations. He is very pleased to be given the opportunity to work with the Chamber as Treasurer along side all the other Directors.

Tony Brady - Past Chair

Tony was born, raised and chosen to make Kitimat the home for his family and career.  Tony has served as the President of the KCOC for several years and held previous positions such as director, treasurer and vice president.  Tony has worked for AJ Forsyth (A Division of Russel Metals Inc.) for 15 years and operated as the manager for 6 of those years.  In addition to his career involvement and volunteer commitments to the chamber, Tony is currently enrolled in the MBA program through Athabasca University.

Bill Hickman - Director

Bill is actively involved as a director on several boards for organizations in Northwest BC including the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures 16/37, Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society and the K.T. Industrial Development Society.  Having retired as Division Manager for Rivtow (now Smit Marine Services) Bill is also involved with the Mid Coast Ferry Task force for Kitimat.

Debbie Oviatt - Director

Myself and my husband Jack own J. Oviatt Contracting Ltd.  I have been a director with the Chamber for the past five years.  The next several years should be full of challenges for both the Chamber and Town and I look forward to working together with all parties involved in creating a better vibrant Kitimat.  I encourage anyone who thinks they might like to get involved to join us.

Doug Strongman - Director

Doug was originally from the West Kootney community of Castlegar, BC.  Upon completing high school he attended the University of Vancouver Island in Nanaimo, BC.  After completing his education he began his career with the Overwaitea Food Group. Over the past ten years he has served in the communities of Nanaimo, Duncan, Langley, Surrey, Victoria and most recently in Kitimat where he is the Store Manager of our local Overwaitea Foods. He is in his first year on the Chamber Board serving as a Director. 

Mark Gravel - Director

I was born in Montreal and received my degree in Mechanical Engineering at Concordia University.  I began my work experience in the aeronautical industry at CAE Electronics and Pratt and Whittney Canada in Montreal and served in the Canadian Army as an Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Officer. In 2003 I moved here to Kitimat to work at Rio Tinto Alcan Inc.  During this time I met my wife and we began our family.  We decided to make Kitimat our permanent home, and soon after I joined the team at Lapointe Engineering Ltd. as a Partner and Project Management Director.

Ron Burnett - Director

Ron came to kitimat in 1952, graduated from MESS in 1959, and retired in 1999.  He has been involved in several enterprises in a managerial or ownership position.  Ron has been active in the community, having served as City Councilor, Hospital Board Trustee and Chair, Director RDKS. and currently President of the Regional Airport. He has served the Chamber in most capacities over the years, including two years as president.

Thom Meier - Director

“I was born and raised in Kitimat and am married with 3 children. I am the President and General Manager of 101 Industries and I have served on the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce as both a director and President.

It is a pleasure to be involved with the Chamber of Commerce and  I am especially pleased to be able work with the current board of directors and to be involved with the community during these very interesting and productive times.” 

Tracey Hittel - Director

Tracey is the owner and operator of the Kitimat Lodge which provides guided fishing and accommodation.