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ABOUT IPG...

WHO WE ARE

Initiatives Prince George is staffed by a team of experienced personnel and is supported by a Board of Directors representing the local private and public sectors. Our expertise includes statistics, research, and marketing.

Our Staff

Heather Oland - Acting Chief Executive Officer

Ms. Oland joined Initiatives Prince George in September of 2011 as Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and assumed the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer on January 31, 2012. She received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria and her Masters of Science from the University of Northern British Columbia. She is a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and worked as a professional planner in north central British Columbia for ten years prior to joining Initiatives Prince George.

Her career progress has included working for the North Central Municipal Association, the City of Prince George and as the Director of Planning with L&M Engineering Limited. Most recently, Ms. Oland has completed the Sustainable Community Development certificate through the Simon Fraser University and has been appointed to the Board of Governors of the University of Emily Carr Art and Design where she has also been appointed Vice Chair of the Board, as well as Chair of the University’s Finance Committee.

Ms. Oland is an active member of the Prince George community and has served as a Director of the Community Garden Society, the Prince George Montessori Education Society, the Chamber of Commerce, and Downtown Prince George. Currently Ms. Oland volunteers as a coach for the Prince George Youth Soccer Association. She has lived in Prince George for the past 15 years with her husband and two children.

Tara Bogh - Director, Downtown Initiatives & Economic Analysis

Tara Bogh joined Initiatives Prince George in the position of Senior Economic and Market Research Analyst in 2008, bringing more than fifteen years of previous experience in management, project coordination and research to the organization. In addition to collecting and analyzing economic data and other information relevant to the Prince George economy, Tara’s work within the organization has included overseeing a variety of projects and partnerships in the community.

A life-long resident of Prince George, Tara holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Northern British Columbia, with a joint major in Economics and Political Science, and a Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo.

Sarah Kirk - Manager, Administration

Sarah Kirk has sixteen years experience in administration. As Manager, Administration, Sarah's responsibilities include management of the corporation's budget, finances, real estate holdings; human resources, general office functions and IT. She is also responsible for Board/Committee management for corporate Initiatives Prince George and Progress Prince George. Sarah was born and raised in Prince George and has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia.

Melissa Mills - Manager, Marketing & Business Development

Melissa Mills has been with Initiatives Prince George since January of 2009; she holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a double major in International Business and Marketing from the University of Northern British Columbia and she is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Business Administration from UNBC. She continues her involvement on the campus as an alumni by mentoring new business students.

Dustin Renaud - Executive Coordinator

Dustin Renaud joined Initiatives Prince George in May of 2011, shortly after graduating from the University of Northern British Columbia with a Bachelor of Commerce degree majoring in International Business. Dustin's past experiences include managing a successful Student Works Painting franchise for two years, being the VP of Marketing for the UNBC Commerce Student Society, the VP of Finance for the UNBC JDC West Business Competition Team, winning two JDC West trophies (in Entrepreneurship and Strategy) and volunteering for the Prince George Chamber of Commerce. Dustin was raised in Quesnel, BC and is fluent in both French and English.

Leanne Peek - Administrative Assistant

Leanne Peek, from Squamish BC, is a 4th year Commerce student at the University of Northern British Columbia double majoring in Accounting and Human Resource Management. Leanne has four years of administrative experience from past summer student positions in her home town. During her spare time she is a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters, is a member of the 2012 UNBC JDC West Business Competition Taxation Team, and is a past member of the UNBC JDC West executive.