PATRICK BOBYN
KELOWNA – The Kelowna Chamber announces its new Board of Directors for 2026-2027 following the conclusion of all electronic voting on February 18.
“We are pleased to name the Chamber’s new Board of Directors for the coming year,” said incoming Chair-Elect Patrick Bobyn. “Our Board reflects a strong mix of returning directors who bring valuable experience and institutional knowledge, along with new members who offer fresh perspectives and ideas. Together, the Board represents a broad cross-section of our business community and a shared commitment to the Chamber’s mission.”
Table Officers were elected by acclamation and include incoming Chair-Elect Patrick Bobyn, Partner at Pushor Mitchell LLP; Vice-Chair Elect Treena Piva from Century 21 Assurance Property Management Services; and Secretary-Elect Laurel Hogg, Senior Lawyer at Heinrichs Richards LLP. Derek Gratz, UBC Okanagan is automatically appointed to the Board as Past Chair.
Eleven Director positions were open during member voting in early February, and the following candidates received sufficient votes through electronic balloting to be among those to represent membership on the Board for 2026-2027. Four new Directors join seven incumbents. In alphabetical order directors are:
1. Andrew Shaw – BDO – New
2. Binny Boparai-Gill – Farming Karma – Incumbent
3. Dobrila Braunstein – Sandhill Winery – Incumbent
4. George Marine – GMK Consulting – New
5. Jessica Samuels – HUB Office Furniture Inc – Incumbent
6. Joe Baker – Okanagan College School of Business – New
7. Kristian de Pont – Good Sorts Property Services – Incumbent
8. Manik Dhir – Stepping Stones Early Learning Centre – New
9. Narinder Nagra – Mission Group – Incumbent
10. Rhona Stanislaus – Prep Academy Tutors Interior BC – Incumbent
11. Trevor Moss – Central Okanagan Food Bank – Incumbent
The Board also includes an advisory position representing the City of Kelowna, currently filled by City of Kelowna Councillor Maxine DeHart.
“I would also like to sincerely thank those directors who are stepping down this year, and specifically highlight outgoing Chair, Derek Gratz, for his significant contributions,” Bobyn adds.
In looking at the year ahead, Bobyn says: “This year marks the Chamber’s 120th anniversary, an important milestone that gives us the opportunity to reflect on our history, celebrate the businesses and leaders who have shaped our community, and recognize the lasting impact of the Chamber’s work over this timeframe.”
“At the same time, this anniversary is very much about the future. Our members continue to face real and evolving challenges, and the Chamber remains focused on being a strong advocate for the business community and a collaborative partner in addressing those issues. By honouring our past while continuing to look forward, we are committed to ensuring the Chamber remains relevant, responsive and impactful.”
“With the leadership of our Chamber staff and the dedication of our new Board, we are well positioned to work collectively to deliver value to our members and the broader business community.”
Directors will be ratified at the in-person AGM Tuesday March 31, 4:00pm-5:00pm at the Innovation Centre on Doyle Avenue.
Patrick Bobyn is the new President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
