College board of governors elects new board chair and board vice-chair

(L – R) College of the Rockies president David Walls, board chair David Handy and board vice-chair Ken Hoeppner

The board of governors of College of the Rockies is pleased to announce the election of a new board chair and board vice-chair during its regular meeting held on September 12, 2013.

Elected to the position of chair is David Handy of Creston. Handy was appointed to the college board of governors by the Province in January 2011. He is a retired lawyer who was a partner with Fulton and Company in Kamloops, B.C. His principal area of practice was civil litigation specializing in family law and municipal law.

Handy is an active volunteer in his community. He is a member of the Creston Valley Rotary Club, the current chair of the board of variance for the Town of Creston, and a member of the bass section of the Blossom Valley Singers. He enjoys family, golf and travel. Handy attended Trinity Western University and graduated from Seattle Pacific University and the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws.

Elected to the position of vice-chair is Ken Hoeppner of Golden. Hoeppner was appointed to the college board of governors by the Province in May 2012. He is a Professor Emeritus and an associate vice-president Research Emeritus at Mount Royal University in Calgary where he taught since 1987 starting in the English department. Previously he taught at the University of Calgary, Medicine Hat College and Mount Royal College.

Also very active in his community as a volunteer, Hoeppner has served as president of the Golden and Area Community Economic Development Society, and as co-chair and chair of the Golden and District Arts Council.

Hoeppner holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan and a Master of Arts and doctorate from the University of Calgary.

“Both David and Ken are familiar with the workings of College of the Rockies and the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead,” said COTR president and CEO David Walls. “They possess the skills, abilities, knowledge and passion that will be necessary to move the board and the college forward. I look forward to working with them in their leadership capacities.”

“On behalf of the board of governors I would like to sincerely thank outgoing chair Orest Federko and outgoing vice-chair Richard Reinders for their outstanding service to College of the Rockies and to the board,” said Walls. “We are delighted we will continue to have the benefit of their advice and council as they both remain members of the college board.”