The Tsartlip Group of Companies (TGC) is getting a leadership upgrade this Summer.
TGC is the umbrella organization that oversees Tsartlip’s businesses, including the Tsartlip Pump and Tsartlip Construction. In order to better identify and execute on new economic opportunities, an impressive new Board of Directors has recently been appointed by Chief and Council.
Tsartlip made the decision to restructure after consulting with MNP, a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm in Canada. Based on this expert advice, and considering the liability, tax efficiency, and governance implications, TGC is making the switch to a tiered limited partnership structure.
Under the new structure, the new Board of Directors will hire a CEO to oversee the group of companies.
Tsartlip Chief and Council is pleased to introduce the seven impressive individuals that will serve on the TGC Board of Directors.
In addition to well known Tsartlip community pillars Chief Don Tom and Councillor Jeanine Cooper, the new Board includes Adam Olsen, Firman Latimer of the Serpent River First Nation, Michael Pucci, Fiona Morgan, and Salman Azam.
The combined expertise the group brings in Indigenous leadership and economic development is remarkable.
Chief Don Tom has a long history of advocating for the Title and Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Chief Tom holds the traditional name, Kwul’thut’stun, and is a SENĆOŦEN and Hul’q’umi’num language speaker. He was first elected in 2005 as a Councillor for the Tsartlip First Nation, and then elected as Chief in 2013.
Councillor Jeanine Cooper, whose traditional name is Snauqia, is currently serving her second year as an elected member of Council for Tsartlip. She studied Human Relations and Business Administration at Camosun College and recently retired from a full career as a secretary and administrative assistant. She has been proudly married for 45 years. Now, she supports the community through extensive committee and volunteer work, and she looks forward to continuing her life of service as a member of the Board.
Adam Olsen is well known as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saanich North and the Islands. As a member of the Tsartlip First Nation, he is eager to bring his 14-years of experience as an elected representative and his unique understanding of intersectional government to work to support the community.
Firman Latimer of the Serpent River First Nation has dedicated his entire career to supporting Indigenous communities in British Columbia and Alberta and has experience creating Band-owned businesses. He has an Executive MBA from Ivey School of Business and looks forward to leveraging his unique expertise in First Nation-owned businesses to unlock potential economic opportunities for Tsartlip.
Michael Pucci is the current Chief Executive Officer of the Prince Rupert International Airport and an elected School Board Trustee for School District 52. He brings his extensive experience working on First Nations economic projects and long-held connections with the governmental, transportation, financial, and industrial sectors to his new position on the Board.
Fiona Morgan worked as the Economic Development Officer for the Songhees Development Corporation of the Songhees Nation in Victoria. There, she identified partnerships to support reconciliation and new development while overseeing their businesses, including Sounglees Tours and Songhees Events and Catering. Additionally, Fiona spent six years as a Board Director for the Victoria Women’s Transition House Society, and five years volunteering for Saanich Ground Search and Rescue.
Finally, Salman Azam brings bountiful experience in the world of development. He serves as an Indigenous Economic Development Board Member for Xax’lip Development Corporation and for Kwikwitlem First Nations Enterprises. Additionally, he is the Chief Operating Officer for Legal Aid British Columbia.
Together, the Chief and Council are confident the Board of Directors will skillfully lead Tsartlip’s new group of companies to further the interests of the Nation.
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