NIEFS Board of Directors
NIEFS’s volunteer Board of Directors consists of eight members who represent the ownership or membership of the Society. The board is responsible for long-term planning and charting the future course of the Society. NIEFS utilizes a policy governance model designed to provide overall support and direction, to our organization’s management and staff.
This tireless group of volunteers is committed to our work and the success of our clients in achieving their employment objectives. Board members contribute to the life of the society through participation in Society social events, planning retreats, monthly meetings, committee work, conferences, inter-agency meetings, networking with staff, and by expanding NIEFS's connections and relationships with other boards, organizations, and communities. Their expertise, commitment and caring have made a significant difference to the people we serve, and our staff. They are greatly appreciated!
NIEFS Board of Directors
Chair
Nickie Polson - Retired Journalist, Instructor School District #72 Continuing Education
Vice Chair
Kash Ward - Shoulder Tapper, School District #72
Secretary/Treasurer
Justin Rigsby - Partner and CFO - Holbrook Dyson Logging - Newcastle Timber Ltd.
Directors
Adam Spiegel - Sr. Client Partner, Adv. Serv., Business Development Bank of Canada
Donna Merry - Manager, Continuing Education, North Island College
Karen Johnson - Retired - Government of British Columbia - Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Stefanie Hendrickson - Strathcona Housing Alliance and Stefanie Hendrickson Consulting
Kristi Schwanicke - Manager Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
On NIEFS' 40th - A Message from Our Board Chair
In 2026, we celebrate NIEFS’ 40th year supporting North Island workforces and communities.
In that time, we have been led by three remarkably capable Executive Directors – Doug Preston (founder), Val Meaney, and Shannon Baikie. We’ve had just four Board Chairs – Jim Harris, Urb Patrick, Gloria Heisterman, and myself.
Having just three EDs and four Board Chairs in 40 years has provided leadership continuity that allows for uncommon stability and impact, with the building of deep trust relationships.
Board and management at NIEFS have excelled in their dedication to long-term stewardship. Mission-driven governance has allowed us to maintain our focus on the community
It all began in August 1986 when the organization that grew to become NIEFS was founded by Doug Preston. At that time, it was called The Job Project, a project of the Strathcona Employment and Economic Development Society (SEEDS). The purpose of the project was to serve youth with significant employment barriers.
By 1994, The Job Project became Campbell River Employment Foundations Society (CREFS) – incorporating as an independent non-profit, and not long after registering as a charitable not-for-profit. Jim Harris, who had supported Doug from the very beginning, was the Founding Board Chair.
In the late 90s, this organization helped the North Island’s businesses and workforce move through the downsizing of the Pacific Coast fisheries and the need for forestry workers to transition to new occupations. CREFS became NIEFS (North Island Employment Foundations Society) with employment centers in Campbell River and Port Hardy, and was the largest provider of forestry transition services in BC.
In that same period, NIEFS was the first organization in Canada to pilot the delivery of the federal Skill Development Employment Benefit service, delivered out of Courtenay. Our delivery of that service grew to serve Courtenay, Campbell River, Port Hardy, Port Alberni and Powell River in those years.
As new programs and services became available, NIEFS took them on, often leading in innovation. We piloted on-line employment and skill development services for rural and remote communities on northern Vancouver Island and the Central Coast.
We went on to lead the development and implementation of BC’s first community-based accord on workforce development to link labour market information and occupational skill development with the human resource needs of employers and skill development needs of the workforce. We expanded our ability to work with individuals with disabilities and with immigrants.
NIEFS continues to look forward and to evolve in our service to the community.
We can do this thanks to the leadership of our current and past Executive Directors and the many community members who have served on NIEFS’ Board with dedication, intelligence, insight, and true stewardship.
Our community partners and funders are, of course, an essential part of our success. We appreciate the long-standing relationships and cooperative efforts.
However, none of this would be possible without the skill and enthusiasm of those who have worked for NIEFS. They deserve our sincere appreciation for all that they have given and continue to give.
Please join us in celebrating this milestone year – 40 years of service!
Nickie Polson, Board Chair