Lori brings significant knowledge in board governance, community consultation, community development and the development of business opportunities to those she works with.
Lori is a passionate community champion, bringing a wealth of experience in business management, resource development, community infrastructure, and stakeholder engagement. She continues to build on a long-standing relationship with First Nations, local industries and government, and enjoys using her skills to work with community businesses seeking to understand indigenous relations.
First elected to Fort St. John City Council in 2005, Lori was honoured to serve three terms as Mayor from 2011-2022 – representing the city on many local, regional, and provincial boards and committees to raise awareness of critical issues and support community success.
In 2016, Lori was named one of the Top 35 Most Influential Women in BC by BC Business Magazine and was recognized as 2019 Canadian Energy Person of the Year by the Energy Council of Canada.
Lori spent four years working with small communities in Peru through the Sustainable and Inclusive Communities in Latin America (CISAL) Program, to improve governance, economies, community Infrastructure, and relations with the mining industry in remote regions, as well as promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. Most recently, her time is spent working with female elected officials in Cambodia assisting them in reaching their organizational goals.
Lori has volunteered with many non-profit and community service organizations over the years, including Scouts Canada, United Way, the Fort St. John Homeless Shelter Society, Rotary and Chambers of Commerce and recently vacated the Chair position the North Peace Community Foundation. In recognition of her contributions to community, Lori received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2002 and 2012, and was presented with the Scouts Canada Bar to the Silver Acorn in 2005. She is presently on the boards of, Fraser Basin Council, and a member of the TELUS Interior and Northern BC Community Board and the Board of Resource Works.
Lori has a diploma in Business Management and is a graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors’ Governance Essentials Program. Born in Manitoba, Lori settled in the Peace region in 1980. Outside of work, Lori and her husband Andy enjoy spending time with their family as well as in their garden, reading and camping.