Jordan Joe

Vice Chair

Jordan was born in Saanichton BC and raised during early life all over BC and parts of the U.S while traveling with family for work in the Carnival.

Finally coming home to the Nicola Valley at age 14 to finish High school at Merritt Secondary and going on to NVIT for Business Administration then finishing his degree at Thompson Rivers University and working as a Wildland Fire Fighter during the summers while attending university. After completing his degree, he worked in Economic Development and Special Projects for Shackan Indian Band for 2 years then moving on to Spayum Developments Ltd., a First Nations Economic Development company, for 5 years.

While in this capacity, Jordan earned a Certificate in First Nations Tax Administration and Capital Works Management.

I moved with my family from Holland in 1952.  Mavis & I were married in 1964 and moved to 100 Mile House and Delta, where we raised our family.  In 2005, after working in the automotive industry as a parts manager, we moved back to Merritt to retire.  We have been involved with the Nicola Valley Museum as Directors, and Co-chair for Country Christmas and volunteering where we could at other events.  I was appointed to six city committees after the 2008 election: City Centre Board, Façade, ATV Taskforce, Spirit of BC Olympic Committee, Olympic Taskforce, and Directional Signage Committee.

Ben Van der Gracht

Board Member

Ben is a lawyer who practices in the areas of corporate / commercial, real estate and wills / estates.  He is a partner at the Kamloops firm Morelli Chertkow LLP.  This firm has maintained an office in Merritt for around 40 years.  

Ben has been working from the Merritt office every Thursday since 2011, and has formed relationships with many members of the community, both individuals and organizations.  

Ben grew up just down the road in Princeton.  Ben earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Kelowna at OUC, and a Law Degree in Vancouver at UBC.  He lived in Korea for 4 years and taught English.  He met his wife there, Sae Jin, and they have been married since 2009.

Liz Touet

Board Member

Liz managed Employment Service Centres for 31 years. (14 years with Service Canada and 17 years under contract with Community Futures Nicola Valley).Born in Dawson Creek, BC, Liz grew up in Saskatchewan.   Liz lived in 5 different communities in Saskatchewan as well as Lynn Lake, Manitoba and Whitehorse in the Yukon, before relocating back to British Columbia. Liz and her family spent 6 years in Chetwynd before finally setting down roots in Merritt in 1988.

Prior to her career in Employment Services, Liz worked as a Deputy Clerk for the Territorial Court  in Whitehorse, front-end Manager of the Kindersley Clarion in Saskatchewan and a department head for Beaver Lumber.Liz was a member of the Rotary Club for many years, and is a 2 time Paul Harris Fellow.  Liz also served as a member of the Literacy Taskforce in Merritt.Liz sat as an Ex-Officio member of the first Community Futures Board in Merritt when it selected its first members from the Community.

Jane Bartle

Board Member

Jean Perog

Board Member

I have been a volunteer with CFNV in various capacities since 1990. I have recently returned to the board. I am a retired CPA with over 20 years working in Health Care, and have a continuing interest in Community Economic Development. I believe these make me a valuable board member. 

I have been in the Nicola Valley since 1987 when I purchased land at Stump Lake and later built a home– in 2016, I relocated to the City Of Merritt.

I volunteer in a variety of organizations in the community to do my part in helping our great community.

Tony Luck

Board Member

Tony Luck has recently moved to Merritt and is excited to a part of this vibrant community. He was born in Vancouver and has spent the majority of his family life in the Abbotsford/Mission area raising his family. After an active life and careers in the Lower Mainland he and his wife Wanda are excited about their new adventure in Merritt.

Prior to joining Royal LePage Merritt as a Realtor Tony had a rewarding career at Investors Group as a financial adviser after a 26 year career with BC Hydro in various capacities.While working at BC Hydro Tony complete not only a business administration degree but also a history degree from the University of the Fraser Valley. He served his Alma Mater as a director and Chair of the alumni association.

Tony has been active in his communities as well. He has served as a director and Vice-Chair of the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce, Director and Vice-Chair of the Mission Community Foundation and served one term as an elected councillor for the District of Mission. He has also served as a Director of the Fraser Valley Regional District.Tony and his wife Wanda have a large and active family who they love to spend as much time with as possible. They also enjoy spending time riding their Harley and kayaking when they get a chance.

Etelka Gillespie

Lending Committee Member

After a 35 year career in the newspaper industry and former publisher of the Merritt Herald she brings years of experience to the table with her passion for business, marketing, sales and community work. She now manages the Merritt & District Chamber of Commerce part time and has a publishing company currently active in producing children’s books.  No stranger to the Chamber of Commerce, Etelka has been an active member in every community she lived in since the early 80’s.

Etelka has been involved with Community Futures since arriving to Merritt almost 10 years ago. It is one way to help achieve her motto “ to help make a difference wherever I go”.