òòò½ÎÑ

òòò½ÎÑ School of Business

Faculty listing

 

Back to School of Business

Chair

Caroline Gilchrist

Business Administration
Office: E Building 218
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 6289

Dan Allen

Business Administration
Office: B Building 216H
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 6365

Dan Allen has been a professor at òòò½ÎÑ since 2015.  Dan is engaged in an ownership capacity of various businesses ranging from pubs to distilleries to breweries located throughout Canada.  He is the former Board Chair and Past President of the Downtown Kelowna Association. While at òòò½ÎÑ, he teaches courses in Food and Wine Tourism, Hotel Management, Restaurant Management as well as courses in Marketing and Management.

Credentials:
MSc, International Relations, London School of Economics
MBA, Cornell University
BA, History and Communications, Western Washington University

Dr. Blair Baldwin

Business Administration
Office: E Building 220
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4315

For 19 years, Blair Baldwin has been one of the architects of the wine tourism industry in B.C. through the creation of the four annual not for profit Okanagan Wine Festivals and the British Columbia Wine Awards. He has also been retained to develop the Recreation Trails strategy for the Province of BC; the BC Mountain Bike Tourism strategy and has been retained by the province of British Columbia to develop the business plan for the BC Rail Trails network as part of the Trans Canada Trail.  He has also retained to build business plans for the technology industry in BC; the manufacturing industry in BC; as well as building corporate social responsibility strategies for the Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers Council including the national Operation ID program. Blair is a proud professor at the Okanagan School of Business at òòò½ÎÑ specializing in Strategic Management; Professional Service Firms Management; Events Marketing; Services Marketing; and Business Law. He also actively facilitates group planning sessions ranging from strategic planning to marketing and the development of service quality within organizations.

 

Credentials:
Juris Doctoris, University of British Columbia, 2010
L.L.B. Allard Hall Law School, University of British Columbia, 1984
M.B.A. University of British Columbia, 1979
B.A. Honours Economics, Queens University, 1977

Rishi Bhardwaj

Business Administration
Office: B Building 135
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4988

With a diverse experience of service sector, family business, teaching, and a small business, I landed in the Okanagan as a Graduate student. Over these years, I have gained a lot personally and professionally. As a proud Canadian, I love to experience the diversity of perspectives in my classes. A big fan of DIY (Do It Yourself) projects, I expect my students to follow the same by taking up new initiatives and overcoming challenges in their learning pursuits.

Credentials:
Bachelor of Technology (Production), India
Master of Business Administration (Marketing), India
Master of Arts (Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies), UBC, Okanagan

Ann-Marie Cederholm

Business Administration
Office: C Building 243
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4394

Aidan Cole

Business Administration
Office: C Building 159
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4167
Headshot of Aidan Cole

Dr. Michael Conlin

Business Administration
Office: E Building 222
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 2318

I have forty-seven years of experience teaching post-secondary education courses and twenty years of experience in the administration of post-secondary institutions in a number of countries including Bermuda and Australia. 

I worked for two years as a marketing representative for EMCO Limited, London, Ontario and for two years as the Marketing Research Analyst for Kelvinator (Canada) Limited, London, Ontario. For four years, I was the Managing Director of a Canadian high-tech firm which sold information technology equipment in the southern Africa countries of Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland.

For eleven years, I was the Dean of the Faculty of Hotel and Business Management at Bermuda College on the island of Bermuda. I was also the Chief Operating Officer and Dean of the Australian International Hotel School for nine years, a public agency collaboration between the Government of the Australian Capital Territory and Cornell University.

Credentials:
Appointed a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality (FIH), formerly the Hotel and Catering International Management Association (FHCIMA), London, UK
Appointed Professor Emeritus, Australian International Hotel School
Senior University Administrator’s Course, The Ivey School, University of Western Ontario (UWO)
Barrister and Solicitor, Law Society of Upper Canada (Province of Ontario Bar)
Juris Doctor, UWO
Master of Business Administration, UWO
Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Political Science, UWO

Dr. Michael Conyette

Business Administration
Office: Main Building C339
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2231
Michael Conyette, Business professor

Always been interested in the business world and enjoy teaching business to students at òòò½ÎÑ since 2006. An entrepreneurial-minded innovator with more than 20 years of experience in business, research, and teaching. 

I create/use data & predictive analytic models. Work with Big Data and data analysis. Understand the use of wearable technology devices as applied to tourism, hospitality & education. Study how AI, mobile and wearable technology devices could assist consumers in various activities. Optimize tourism & other company performance through strategic planning & operations research.

Credentials:
Doctor of Business Administration, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom, & Grenoble Ecole de Management, Grenoble, France
Diploma of Adult Education, Vancouver Community College, Vancouver, B.C.
Master of Business Administration, City University, Bellevue, Washington, USA
Bachelor of Arts, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB
Masters Certificate in Project Management, Schulich School of Business & University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C.
Certificate in Big Data Analytics, York University, Toronto, Ont.

Dr. Glen Coulthard

Business Administration
Office: Main Building C327
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-545-7291 ext. 2257

Glen has been a faculty member with the School of Business at òòò½ÎÑ since 2002. Before this, Glen worked as a management consultant with Laventhol & Horwath (later Price Waterhouse Coopers and then his own firm), specializing in conducting marketing research and valuations for the hospitality industry. Having a passion for educational technology, Glen has consulted with and developed e-learning products for Microsoft, McGraw-Hill Higher Education, and Pearson Education. He has also co-authored a computing textbook series that has currently sold more than 2 million copies and continues to develop OER instructional materials that can be distributed freely to post-secondary students.

Key Research Interests: Digital Marketing Automation, Information Systems and Workforce Acceptance, Agile Platforms for E-Commerce & Website Development, and Technology-based Workflow Systems.

Credentials:
PhD of Learning Design and Performance Technology, Purdue University
MA in Technology Leadership, George Washington University
Bachelor of Commerce, University of British Columbia

Erin Creagh

Business Administration
Office: Centre of Excellence 234
Campus: Penticton
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 3236
Headshot of Erin Creagh

 

I love working with others, sharing knowledge, and watching people grow.  I know from personal experience how education can dramatically change the course of someone’s life, and want to be part of facilitating this change in others. Prior to transitioning to academia full time, I worked in Municipal Government, Banking and a First Nation specializing in Financial Reporting, Strategy and IT.  When I am not teaching, you can find me hiking a mountain, kayaking on a lake or globetrotting.

Credentials:
Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)/Certified General Accountant (CGA)
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Laurentian University
Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM), AFOA
Accounting and Information Technology Applied Business Degree, SAIT

Stacey Fenwick

Business Administration
Office: E Building 223
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4355
Headshot of Stacey Fenwick

My personal vision is to continue on a path of lifelong learning while contributing positively to sustainable economic growth in our beautiful Okanagan Valley. I have a deep appreciation of our Okanagan community and have a desire to contribute to it. This is evidenced by being a founding member of the JCI Okanagan chapter in Kelowna, a volunteer presenter for BC Junior Achievement, chairing the Terry Fox Run in Kelowna, chairing Habitat for Humanity Okanagan, and currently serving on the board at Interior Savings Credit Union. I have recently started my DBA studies at Athabasca University. My two teenaged children share my enthusiasm of the Okanagan outdoors where we enjoy sailing, hiking, biking, and skiing/snowboarding.

Credentials:
BBA
MBA
Residential Builders license
Professional Instructors Diploma Program
Accredited Canadian Credit Union Director

Cathy Fitzgerald

Business Administration
Office: C Building 123
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4579
Business Professor Catherine Fitzgerald

Catherine is a professor in the management and human resource management programs at òòò½ÎÑ. She has been a course leader in the development, delivery and evaluation of the Okanagan School of business human resource management, leadership and organizational behaviour courses (in-person and virtual) for over two decades.

 

Academic Background

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (Management), Saint Mary’s University

Master of Arts Degree, Career Development, School of Management, JFK University

 

Employment History

Professor, Faculty of Business & Extension Services, Okanagan (University) College (1995-current)

Human Resource Development & Management Consulting Business (1987-current)

Management and Human Resource Management Positions, City of Calgary (1980-1987)

 

Professional Certifications

The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) Designation (1996-current)

Canadian Council of Human Resource Associations and Human Resources Management Association- BC and Yukon, Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) Designation (1999-current)

 

Research and Publications

Cathy has published over 25 international and national scholarly peer-reviewed publications and paper presentations, over 16 business cases and case teaching notes and over 17 technical reports and magazine articles for professional, industry and public audiences. Since 2006, Cathy has been reviewing textbooks and various articles for publishers, peer reviewed journals and peer reviewed conference papers submitted for presentations. Cathy has authored 11 instructor’s manuals and test bank questions including context dependent multiple-choice questions designed to accompany the human resource management textbooks. She has authored various experiential exercises and case incidents that continue to be included in human resource management textbooks. She is the coauthor of the textbook Essentials of Managing Human Resources. 5th Canadian Edition. Toronto: Nelson Education

Adrian Fontenla

Business Administration
Office: C Building 157
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 2344

Dustin Gumpinger

Business Administration
Office: C Building 240C
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 6709

Sarah Gumpinger

Business Administration
Office: C Building 240C
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4175

I commenced my career in Edmonton, Alberta, articling with the accounting firm, Deloitte, and earning a Chartered Accountant (CA) designation. In completing my CA designation, I won the prestigious Winspear Medal of Honor for completing the uniform final examination with distinction.

After several years at Deloitte’s Edmonton office, auditing publicly listed companies, financial institutions, and not-for-profit organizations, I transitioned to Deloitte’s National Office in Toronto. In this role, I participated in national and global initiatives related to the learning and growth of the firm’s audit practitioners. It was in this role that I fell in love with education. My position at Deloitte evolved into managing a national initiative to develop and deliver financial reporting learning programs to clients.

Alongside my work at Deloitte, I also taught and developed courses for the CA School of Business, the distance-based learning program that formerly trained CA candidates in Western Canada. In addition, I began teaching accounting courses at the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus.

When the accounting bodies unified in Canada, I was contracted to develop the first Canadian CPA education program, the Professional Education Program (PEP). This role evolved into me becoming the Director of Precertification Education at CPA Canada where I oversaw PEP curricula as well as the Preparatory Courses program for many years.

Beyond my professional and academic pursuits, I devote a lot of time and energy to volunteering. I have provided accounting advice and services to This Life Cambodia, an international development organization that works to address issues like gender-based violence in Cambodia. My largest focus, however, is on animal rights activism. I am actively involved in the Okanagan Humane Society, which, among other things, rescues, rehabilitates, and adopts feral cats within the region.

 

Credentials:
Master of Education, University of British Columbia
Chartered Professional Accountant
Chartered Accountant
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, University of Alberta

Mike Hazen

Business Administration
Office: C Building 138
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4925
Mike Hazen

For more than fifteen years, I ran successful businesses on the coast and in the Okanagan.  With a focus on finance and consulting, I worked with individuals and business owners to assist them in creatively solving their financial challenges.  I value family, integrity, gratitude, and hard work, and seek to help learners acquire the technical tools and critical thinking skills they will need to thrive in business and in life.  When I'm not on campus you can find me camping, skiing, biking, dancing, and laughing with my family.

Credentials:
Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance), Simon Fraser University
Certificate in Liberal Arts, Simon Fraser University
Certificate in Learner Centred Instruction, òòò½ÎÑ
Certified Financial Planner designation, Financial Planning Standards Council (FP Canada)
Certified General Accountant, CGABC
Chartered Professional Accountant, CPABC

Laura Hetherington

Business Administration
Office: E Building 225
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 6356

Andrew Klingel

Business Administration
Office: Main Building C327
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 2230
Headshot of Andrew Klingel

David Knapp

Business Administration
Office: B Building 207
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4116
Photo of Faculty Member David Knapp

David Knapp is a professor teaching in the areas of business with a tourism specialty.

Over his 35-year professional career, David has been focused on client experience, sales, and leadership with roles in the tourism, financial services, and non-profit sectors, most recently as Director, National Business Development at CIBC. An active member of the community, David has held volunteer positions with organizations including Downtown Kelowna Association, United Way, Toastmasters, and currently serving on the Board of the Kelowna Visual and Performing Arts Society.

Credentials:
MA, Leadership, Royal Roads University (2023)
BBA, Okanagan University College (2003)
Diploma, Tourism, Selkirk College (1996)

Mary Ann Knoll

Business Administration
Office: C Building 135
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4363

Terry Kosowick

Business Administration
Office: Salmon Arm Building 111
Campus: Salmon Arm
Phone: 250-832-2126 ext. 8234
CS Continuing Studies - Terry Kosowick

Samantha Krulitski

Business Administration
Office: C Building 243
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 2683
Headshot of Samantha Krulitski

Dr. Svan Lembke

Business Administration
Office: B Building 209
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4744

I have over 20 years of industry experience working with large multi-national corporations in sales, consulting, development and support when I discovered the Okanagan. I was looking for a change in lifestyle, and moved to Canada from Europe in 2012. Originally from Hamburg, Germany, I initially worked at both Kelowna higher education institutions but am now fully dedicated to teaching and research at the òòò½ÎÑ, School of Business. Bringing my knowledge from industry and local research into the classroom, I provide many examples from big and small business environments. If I'm not in the classroom or in the field (doing research), you will find me mountain biking or hiking in the summer, snowboarding in the winter or just having fun with my family all year around.  I love the outdoors and will happily talk to you about new trails to explore in the Okanagan – which is â€˜the best place to live in the world.'

Credentials:
Masters program and PhD in Management at the University of Auckland (NZ) (PhD awarded 1998
Undergraduate degree in Psychology at Swansea University (UK)

Nate Massey

Business Administration
Office: C Building 127
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4291

Nathanael is a Human Resource (HR) faculty member and professional specializing in a variety of HR areas including, but not limited to HR Planning, HR Analytics, Change Management, Leadership, and Strategic Compensation. Nathanael brings with him experience leading various HR functions for medium and large public sector organizations having been in leadership positions at the manager and director levels.

Nathanael holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Thompson Rivers University and has a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies (Hons) from the University of Western Ontario, with majors in Human Resources and Economics. He is also a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR); a designation which he has proudly held since 2012.

Credentials:
Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)
Master of Business Administration (Thompson Rivers University)
Bachelor of Management and Organization Studies (Hons) (University of Western Ontario)

Drew McGillivray

Business Administration
Office: C Building 107
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4793
Headshot of Drew McGillivray

Elena Mitropolsky

Business Administration
Office: C Building 143
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 6390

I have a passion for Investments, Corporate Finance and Financial Modelling – and I treasure the opportunity to share this passion with students.  I enjoy working with students and helping them to achieve their career dreams and aspirations. As a Chartered Financial Analyst, I am humbled to provide mentorship and guidance to the future finance professionals at the Okanagan School of Business which is now one of the CFA affiliated universities. I am also very fortunate to be part of the Okanagan School of Business with its strong and supportive academic and professional culture that makes it one the best business programs in Canada.

Graham Moir

Business Administration
Office: C Building 111
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4328
Headshot of Graham Moir

Since I graduated from the Okanagan School of Business in 2010 with my BBA, I gained a diverse set of skills and knowledge in the business world. I worked as a controller at Campion Marine, a powerboat manufacturing business in Kelowna, BC, where I was an integral part of the management team. While working with Campion was a joy, I needed to move on to obtain my Chartered Accountant designation in 2011. To do that I moved to Yellowknife, NT to work with Crowe MacKay LLP where I was lucky enough to work for clients throughout northern Canada. I earned my Chartered Accountant designation through passing the Uniform Final Evaluation, or UFE, in 2013 and earned a place on the National Honour Roll in the process. I transferred within Crowe MacKay to a role in Kelowna to be closer to my family in 2013 and became one of the firm’s trainers in the Kelowna office shortly thereafter.

In 2015 I transitioned into the world of finance with Spence Valuation Group and its sister company SVG Capital Group. With Spence Valuation Group, I worked on the valuation of countless businesses that operated in a multitude of industries across Canada. With SVG Capital Group, I worked on the sale of businesses with an aggregate value of over $100 million.

In 2019 I began teaching with òòò½ÎÑ to follow my passion. Currently, most of my time is spent with the Okanagan School of Business teaching in the finance and accounting specialty areas and working with student competition teams. Outside of the Okanagan School of Business I work on the development of content for CPA PEP and deliver material for CPA PEP with CPAWSB. I am also an active volunteer with JCI Canada.

When not working, I can be found sailing on Okanagan Lake, skiing at Silver Star Mountain, or touring the Okanagan Valley on my bike.

Credentials:
Strategic Management Certificate, CPA BC
Learner Centred Instructor Certificate, òòò½ÎÑ
Chartered Business Valuator Designation
Chartered Professional Accountant Designation
Chartered Accountant Designation
Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting Specialty, Okanagan School of Business
Minor in Consultancy, Hogeschool Zeeland

Dr. Kyleen Myrah

Business Administration
Office: E Building 221
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4678

Dr. Myrah is a Professor of Business at òòò½ÎÑ teaching in the areas of management and social entrepreneurship for over 24 years. She is also President of KyCo Management, a corporate training company specializing in leadership development, strategic planning, and social enterprise.


An active member of her community, Kyleen has held volunteer positions with organizations including Loran Scholars Foundation, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Central Okanagan Foundation, Inn from the Cold, YMCA-YWCA, Elevation Outdoors, and Community Futures of the Central Okanagan. In 2017 she co-led the City of Kelowna's Journey Home Task Force and was the founding Board Chair of the Society tasked with implementing the community's plan to end homelessness. Kyleen is also a Faculty Advisor for the award-winning student organization, Enactus Okanagan.

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Michael Orwick

Business Administration
Office: E Building 226
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4683

Degrees, Designations, Diplomas, and Certificates:

  • Master of Business Administration, Athabasca University
  • Diploma of Technology in Broadcast Communications, BCIT
  • Provincial Instructor Diploma, Vancouver Community College
  • Microsoft Office Specialist – Expert Level, Word & Excel
  • Capsim Management Simulations - Advanced Users Training
  • Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Step I & Step II Certification
  • High Potential Traits Inventory Certification


 Teaching Experience:

  • BUAD 116 Marketing
  • BUAD 123 Management Principles
  • BUAD 128 Computer Applications
  • BUAD 176 Professional Selling
  • BUAD 262 Organizational Behaviour
  • BUAD 266 Advertising & Integrated Marketing Communications
  • BUAD 272 Business Simulation
  • BUAD 335 Electronic Commerce
  • BUAD 345 Consumer Behaviour
  • BUAD 370 Leadership

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Scott Overland

Business Administration
Office: Sunoka Building 008
Campus: Penticton
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 3241
Headshot of Scott Overland

Edward Pye

Business Administration
Office: C Building 274
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445
Photo of Faculty Member Edward Pye

Ed is a Professor of Business in the òòò½ÎÑ School of Business with a focus on marketing and management. Originally from New Zealand, he has been teaching and working in post-secondary education for more than 20 years, firstly in Asia and now in Canada.

On the teaching side, he has taught a variety of topics from critical thinking and academic writing to pop culture and marketing. His administrative experience has included curriculum development, educational programming, program management and international partnership coordination.

In the business world, Ed's main focus has been in e-commerce where his connection to Canada's rugby community has evolved into a series of sports-based e-commerce companies including licensing of the global sports brand, Canterbury. His experience as a graphic designer, artist and web developer has allowed him to build a vibrant and dynamic portfolio of work and his current interests lie in the integration of AI into content creation and marketing.

Ed is a sport, music and tech lover and you will most likely catch him playing or reffing rugby at Parkinson Rec center.

Credentials:
MEd - Master of Education, Language and Literacy (University of Calgary)
BA - Bachelor of Arts, English Literature and Communications (University of Otago)

Alan Rice

Business Administration
Office: E Building 219
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4879
Headshot of Alan Rice

Alan Rice received his Master’s of Arts in Tourism Planning and Development from California University in 2010. He completed his Bachelors of Administration with honours in marketing, specializing in marketing research, at Brock University in 1991. He has been teaching in the fields of Tourism and Hospitality Management and Marketing at òòò½ÎÑ since 2008.

Alan has over seventeen years of management experience in the tourism industry. He is the owner and principal of Kettle Valley Research, a boutique marketing research consultancy. Since its establishment in 2003, Kettle Valley Research has worked with clients in the tourism industry, government, economic development, as well as several advertising agencies and private firms. From 1996 to 2003 he worked in the tourism research field at Tourism Whistler where he oversaw all aspects of market research, analytics, and competitive intelligence.

Credentials:
MA, Tourism Planning and Development, California University
BA, Marketing, Brock University

Tania Rutt

Business Administration
Office: B Building 207
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 6373

Robert Ryan

Business Administration
Office: C Building 132
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4941
Headshot of Ryan Robert

My professional life has been spread across three industries prior to my role here at òòò½ÎÑ in Education: Financial Services, Wood products, and Property Development. I held a range of roles in these industries including Controller, CFO and CEO. Today, alongside my role as a professor at òòò½ÎÑ, I continue to provide financial guidance to entrepreneurial Property Development Businesses.

 

In addition to the above, my curiosity in the many forms of Value creation in Business led me to undertakings in Ethics in Business, Design Thinking and its role in business and Behavioural Finance. Each of these subjects influences my interests in my teaching as well as efforts beyond the classroom.

 

Additionally, I have been blessed with a beautiful family who I am grateful to have fill my time and care beyond the above.

 

 

Credentials:
Bachelor of Arts, Major Economics, Simon Fraser University
Certificate in Learner Centered Instruction, òòò½ÎÑ
Certified General Accountant, CGABC
Chartered Professional Accountant, CPABC

Patrick Schryburt

Business Administration
Office: E Building 214
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4456

After a diversified business career spanning nearly 25 years, I joined òòò½ÎÑ in 2016. My passion for education has only grown since then and I bring a unique approach to all the courses I teach in marketing and management. When I'm not devoting time and energy to my functions as a college professor, I'm serving as a fire fighter with the Lake Country Fire Department.

Credentials:
Master of Business Administration, McGill University
Bachelor of Commerce, University of Ottawa
International management studies, école des Hautes études Commerciales de Paris
Learning-Centred Instructor Certificate, òòò½ÎÑ
NFPA Level I and Level II Fire Fighter Certification, Justice Institute of BC
BC Licensed Emergency Medical Assistant

Brad Steinbart

Business Administration
Office: Main Building C335
Campus: Vernon
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4915
Brad Steinbart

I recently joined òòò½ÎÑ as a Professor in the Faculty of Business Administration.  Coming to the College with 17 years of public accounting experience working in accounting and taxation.  I have a particular focus on taxation specializing in tax planning for owner-managed businesses, resolving CRA disputes, and assisting charities & not-for-profit organizations. 

Originally from Vancouver, I was lured to the Okanagan chasing the summer sun and the winter snow.  When not at the College you’ll find me outside trying to keep up with my wife and two young sons biking, hiking, fishing, and skiing. 

Credentials:
Chartered Professional Account (CPA, CA)
Indepth Taxation Course
Bachelor of Accounting, Accounting (British Columbia Institute of Technology)

Dr. Susan Thomas

Business Administration
Office: B Building 137
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4097
A Picture of Dr. Susan Thomas

Susan is a professor in human resource management and management. She has experience working in the business industry and more than 20 years’ experience in the education sector for business, tourism and health care programs. Susan worked as an International Education Consultant for various projects including projects for World Bank. She received several teaching and research awards in her role. Her publication includes top tiered journals in the field of education, health care and management. Susan supervises PhD candidates in her role as Adjunct Professor for Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University. When she is not teaching, Susan dedicates her time as Board Director, Kelowna General Hospital Foundation (KGHF) and volunteers in her church activities.

Credentials:
PhD, Faculty of Economics and Public Administration
MSc. Corporate Communications, University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
BSc. Human Development (Honours), University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Learner-Centered Instructor (LCI) Certificate, òòò½ÎÑ, Canada
Access Certificate in English Language Teaching (ACELT), United Kingdom
Foundation in Teaching, Monash University, Australia
Certificate of Achievement in Teaching and Learning, University Malaya, Malaysia

Laura Thurnheer

Business Administration
Office: E Building 224
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4361
Laura Thurnheer Photo

Accomplishments: 
In her role as an Associate Dean of the Okanagan School of Business, Laura works with a leadership team and approx. 90 faculty and staff serving 1,500 Business students across four campuses in the Okanagan, Similkameen, and Shuswap areas. Most recently, she was an Associate Dean in the Science, Technology and Health portfolio at òòò½ÎÑ working with 13 departments in the Science and Technology areas.

As an active member of her local business community Laura is very aware of the challenges facing businesses today and strives to help new and existing businesses develop and expand. Laura is a past President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, a past Director of the British Columbia Wine Authority, a current Board Director with CPHR BC & Yukon, and the current Board President of KCR Community Resources.

In addition to her professional career, Laura and her husband own a small business operating in the Central Okanagan. Laura enjoys an active Okanagan lifestyle finding time for skiing, golfing, kayaking and camping.

Research Interests: 
Governance, Women in Leadership, BC Wine Industry.

Associations and Board Memberships:
Board President, KCR Community Resources
Board Director, CPHR BC & Yukon
Member, Chartered Professionals of Human Resources, CPHR BC & Yukon
Member, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)

Credentials:
Master of Business Administration (Strategic Management), Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing), Faculty of Commerce, University of British Columbia
Provincial Instructors Diploma (PIDP), Post-Secondary Endorsement, Ministry of Advanced Skills and Education, British Columbia
Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), CPHR Canada
Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), Society for Human Resource Management, USA

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Sylvie Vidaillac

Business Administration
Office: B Building 133
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4617
Headshot of Sylvie Vidaillac

Dean Warner

Business Administration
Office: C Building 139
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4958

Steve Watson

Business Administration
Office: C Building 103
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4856

I grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, obtaining two undergraduate degrees from the University of Ottawa before moving west to earn a Master’s degree in Economics at the University of Victoria.  Subsequently, I started a tax and financial planning company that grew to serve clients in both the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan.  I enjoy sharing those real life experiences with students to enhance their learning.  I'm also an avid skier, and am fluent in French and English.

Credentials:
MA - Economics (University of Victoria)
BSSc - Honours Economics (University of Ottawa)
BSSc - Political Science (University of Ottawa)
CFP - Certified Financial Planner (FP Canada)
FMA - Financial Management Advisor (Canadian Securities Institute)
PID - Provincial Instructor Diploma (in progress - School of Instructor Education, Vancouver Community College)

Roger Wheeler

Business Administration
Office: C Building 119
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4226
Roger Wheeler photo, OSB faculty

Roger specializes in HR strategy, sustainable management, HR metrics/analytics, and quantitative decision-making.  Roger joined òòò½ÎÑ after 15 years in government, insurance, and healthcare in Ontario and BC, where he held a variety of consultant, manager, administrator and director roles focused on workplace health, organizational development, public health, and strategic corporate services.  Roger holds a MSc from Queen’s University, a MBA from Athabasca University, and he has audited the Master of Data Science program at UBCO.  His volunteer time is dedicated to the Board of CPHR (BC & Yukon), and a variety of extracurricular opportunities for business students.

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Credentials:
Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR)
Master of Science (Queen’s University)
Master of Business Administration (Athabasca University)
Member, Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD)

Robert Wright

Business Administration
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4602

I have a background that includes over 25 years of high technology business development, specializing in e-commerce, systems, and software development and spanning from startups to large companies where I have been responsible for building and transforming many successful organizations within the high technology industry.

Credentials:
MBA, San Jose State University
BSEE (Electrical Engineering), Michigan State University
CeM (Certified eMarketer), eMarketing Association
Project Management Certificate, Hewlett Packard

Mark Ziebarth

Business Administration
Office: B Building 127
Campus: Kelowna
Phone: 250-762-5445 ext. 4994
Headshot of Mark Ziebarth

Mark Ziebarth has been teaching in the òòò½ÎÑ School of Business since 2012, leading courses in the areas of Marketing and Management, including Entrepreneurship, Marketing Research and Consumer Behaviour.

Mark earned his undergraduate degree from Eastern Kentucky University and his MBA from the George Washington University, in his home town of Washington, DC.

Voted 2008 Business Leader of the Year, by the Penticton Chamber of Commerce, Mark has been involved in building and leading business information companies for almost 30 years.  As a business employee, manager, executive and owner, Mark brings decades of applicable experience and real-world lessons into the classroom.  He continues his involvement in the private sector as an owner and investor in a number of entrepreneurial technology and marketing ventures