NIC’s Board of Governors oversees the strategic direction of the college. It is a responsibility-based governance board, which makes strategic-level decisions to guide the organization. It is empowered by the College and Institute Act of British Columbia to manage, administer and direct the affairs of the college.
Appointed Board Members
Patricia Trasolini (chair), Community Representative, Campbell River
Patricia Trasolini spent her career in the field of education where she served as a teacher of English, English Literature, Law and Public Speaking. After receiving her Masters Degree in Secondary Counselling and Administration, Patricia went on to be a high school counsellor, vice principal and ultimately retired as the Principal of Campbell River Secondary (Carihi). She remains active in her community as a volunteer with the Oyster River Enhancement Society, Island Soul Choir and Storey Creek Ladies’ Club (Rules Committee). Patricia holds a Masters of Arts in Educational Counselling and Administration from the University of Victoria and a professional Teaching Certificate and Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University.
Shelley Dores (vice chair), Community Representative, Campbell River
Shelley Dores is a businesswoman and entrepreneur in Campbell River. Her business expertise includes human resources, project management, communications and media, marketing, sales and finance. Along with her business consulting work, Shelley is actively involved in the community, including with the Tidemark Theatre and the Campbell River Arts Council. She holds a business degree from Okanagan College, along with extensive professional development work in business and leadership.
Jane Atherton, Community Representative, Comox Valley
Jane Atherton has served on the board since 2017, including two years as vice chair prior to becoming chair. She has extensive experience developed through various leadership, executive and management roles. She owns Cottage Fever Interior Design and is the former publisher of 24 Hours newspaper. She was a Director for the Vancouver Sun and Province newspapers. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the BC Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association. Jane holds an Associate Diploma in Arts and Science from Capilano College and an Interior Design Diploma from Interior Design Institute.
Nancy Arsenault, Community Representative, Comox Valley
Dr. Nancy Arsenault is the Managing Partner of the Tourism Cafe Canada, an award-winning company specializing in tourism training and destination development, skills development, tourism product and market development, business and strategic planning. Her 30-year career spans the public, private and not-for-profit sectors in Canada and abroad. She is an entrepreneur, educator, researcher, and writer, committed to community service throughout her career, including an industry advisor to five tourism ministers. Dr. Arsenault holds a Ph.D. and Master of Arts degree (McGill University), a Bachelor of Recreation Studies (University of Manitoba), is a Certified Training and Development Professional (Institute for Performance and Learning) with certifications in Indigenous Awareness and Reconciliation Education (First Nations University of Canada).
Barry Minaker, Community Representative, Comox Valley
Barry Minaker is the owner of Barry Minaker Construction. He has previously been a Director with the Comox/Strathcona Regional District and the owner/operator of Pacific Installations. Mr. Minaker has been actively involved in his community as a Director on the boards of the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre, Comox Valley Arts Council and an executive member with the carpenters union in Courtenay. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia. Mr. Minaker is a journeyman carpenter and a member of the International Union of Carpenters and Joiners of America.
Valery Puetz, Community Representative, Campbell River
Valery Puetz has been the Executive Director of the Campbell River and North Island Transition Society for over 20 years, seeing them through major capital and program expansions. Valery has been a community leader working to advance services for the vulnerable of our community particularly in the areas of violence against women, addictions, homeless and housing. She has served on many community committees for the purpose of coordinating and partnering services, finding and solving gaps in service and working towards increased community understanding and acceptance of difficult issues. Valery holds a Diploma in Crop Production from Fairview College, a Qualified Plantsman Certificate from the University of Guelph and a Management Certificate from the Justice Institute.
Jerad Langille, Community Representative, Comox Valley
Jerad Langille is a Chartered Professional Accountant at Langille & Company. Previously, he was the Controller and Chief Financial Officer at Torry & Sons Plumbing and Heating Ltd. Active in his community, Jerad is Duty Coxswain with Royal Marine Search and Rescue and previously served as an RCMP Auxiliary Constable. Jerad holds a bachelor of arts degree, a business administration diploma, and was admitted to the British Columbia Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2005.
Claire Moglove, Community Representative, Campbell River
Claire Moglove is a retired lawyer, having practiced family law and mediation for over 30 years in Vancouver and Campbell River. She was elected to the City of Campbell River council in 2008 and has served on and off for 10 years in that capacity. After retiring from her legal career in 2014, Claire was appointed to the Vancouver Island University Board of Governors, where she served for four years. In 2015, she was appointed to the Board of Vancouver Island Health Authority (Island Health) where she served until the end of 2021 and chaired the Human Resources and Compensation Committee for Island Health. Currently, Claire is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Municipal Pension Plan. Closer to home, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Campbell River Community Foundation, the Campbell River Museum and the Willow Point Supportive Housing Society. She is a graduate of the University of Manitoba Law School.
Vicky White, Community Representative, Port Alberni/West Coast
Vicky White is a proud member of the Tseshaht First Nation with roots in the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation. Vicky has worked for the Nuu-chah-nulth people for over 20 years. She is a research officer at the Office of the Representative for Children and Youth. Previously, Vicky was a sessional faculty for North Island College, acting program coordinator at the Indigenous Youth Internship program, policy analyst at the Ministry of Children and Family Development, and Director of Education, Training and Social Development for the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council. Active in her community, she was previously a member, secretary, vice president and president of the First Nations Social Development Society Board, a Tseshaht Education Committee member, and a Haahuupayuk School Board member. Vicky holds a master’s degree in public health from the University of Victoria, a master’s degree in education from Simon Fraser University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vancouver Island University, and an associate degree in arts from NIC.
Corinne Stavness, Community Representative, Comox Valley
Corinne Stavness is a strategic leader with a proven record of successfully building common positions and mutually beneficial partnerships. As both a communications professional and a Registered Professional Forester, she has held senior roles in government, industry and non-profit organizations over her 20 years in the forest sector. Driven by a belief that forestry has an important role to play in society – both locally and globally – Corinne works with senior government officials, local communities, First Nations and companies to develop practical solutions to complex challenges. She joined Western Forest Products in 2022 as Vice President, Corporate Affairs and holds a Master’s Degree in Forest Economics and Policy from the University of Helsinki and a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from University of British Columbia.
Elected Board Members
Murray Erickson, Faculty Representative
Murray Erickson is an instructor in the Business and Tourism & Hospitality departments. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia and a Chartered Accountant (CA) designation from the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. Murray worked with Ernst & Young in Vancouver and Bermuda while obtaining his CA designation. After many years with Ernst & Young, he relocated to the Comox Valley to raise his family and to enjoy the lifestyle it provides. He has focused on small to medium-sized business operations with a specialty in tourism & hospitality.
In addition to his work at the College, Murray is actively involved in a number of businesses at both the board and shareholder levels. He has been involved in a variety of business ventures including food & beverage operations, transportation, manufacturing, and several retail businesses all of which have provided him with real working knowledge and experience to bring to the students. As he so often points out to the students “I am still learning” and this is what he enjoys the most.
Rylee LaTrace, Support Staff Representative
Rylee comes from a Cree and Anishinaabe family with roots in Saskatchewan and the Turtle Mountain Reserve of North Dakota. She was born and raised on Vancouver Island, and obtained an Indigenous Studies Diploma from Camosun College and then a Bachelor of Social Work Degree with an Indigenous Specialization from the University of Victoria. Rylee has spent her time working with various agencies in BC which support Indigenous communities, families, and individuals.
Rylee’s role at NIC is the Indigenous Education Navigator for the Campbell River Campus. The Indigenous Navigators work alongside Future and Current students to support them in various ways throughout their stay at NIC. Rylee enjoys working alongside students and advocating for change so that students are able to be successful in post-secondary.
Shubham Chauhan, Student Representative
Shubham Chauhan is pursuing a postgraduate diploma in Business Management and actively engaged as a Campus Life Student Engagement Assistant. In both roles, Shubham works within the college environment, interact with teachers and new students, offer guidance about the campus, and assist students in any way possible. His role has allowed Shubham to showcase his leadership abilities and skills, including strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities, along with a collaborative approach to teamwork.
Kudakwashe Wingwiri, Student Representative
Kudakwashe Wingwiri is a student of Business Administration Diploma: Pre-Professional Accounting and also served as an Education Council member. Kuda promises to be active in representing NIC students at the Board of Governors’ table.
Ex Officio Board Members
Lisa Domae
On April 12, 2021, Lisa Domae assumed her role as North Island College’s sixth President. Lisa has lived in the Comox Valley since 2000 and during that time, has taken on progressively more senior roles at NIC. She holds a bachelor’s degree from University of British Columbia, a post-baccalaureate diploma from SFU, a master’s degree from Queens University and a doctorate from UVic. She is also a Registered Professional Planner and member of the Canadian Institute of Planners.
Aisling Brady, Education Council Chair
