CBT welcomes Gary Ockenden as director, Community Engagement

Long-time Basin resident to assist CBT in reaching out to Basin communities and residents

Columbia Basin Trust welcomes long-time Basin resident Gary Ockenden as its new director, Community Engagement.

Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) President and CEO, Neil Muth is pleased to announce that long-time Basin resident Gary Ockenden will be joining CBT to fill the newly created position of director, Community Engagement.

"In this role, Gary will engage directly with communities, community organizations and community leaders in the Basin to build relationships, promote the vision and values of CBT and continue improving the effectiveness and impact of CBT's programs and initiatives across the Basin," said Neil Muth, CBT president and CEO. "He will also oversee a team of staff who help communities access funds, and serve as resources when communities are working through issues and taking action."

Ockenden's career includes more than 20 years in leadership positions in the public sector and non-governmental organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross, followed by a successful consulting career. He has lived in Nelson for the past two decades, is an active volunteer locally and internationally and has a lengthy association with CBT, both in his role as a consultant and as a founding member of its Social Advisory Committee.

"I've lived in the Basin for 20 years and have worked in or visited almost every community at one time or another," said Ockenden. "I'm honoured to live in such a special place and excited to now be working for CBT. I look forward to supporting our hard-working Community Liaison team, to meeting people across the region and to working together with residents to improve life in the Basin."