Connections. Resources. Advocacy.
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Paris GaudetExecutive DirectorVancouver Island born and raised, Paris is a talented connector who builds community through relationship building and collaborative partnerships. She has extensive experience with inspiring community leaders, businesses and stakeholders toward a common vision. Paris is an inclusive leader, community champion, speaker, mentor, advisor, and catalyzer in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. From managing innovation programs and working with entrepreneurs, businesses and boards, to championing diversity and executing project plans, Paris is a strategist who brings valuable skills and passion to the Chamber.
Caroline CodyChair 2020 - 2024Caroline Cody is a professional services consultant with 20+ years’ experience. Caroline’s consulting business focuses on business development and revenue growth strategy, business and strategic planning, client relationship management, market research, corporate communications, proposal writing, public and media relations, community investment/strategic alliances and event planning. Caroline also provides coaching to professionals to improve their profile, practice management, and financial performance.
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Robyn ClarkeVice Chair 2021 - 2023A longtime resident of the Comox Valley, Robyn has been working in media, marketing, and management roles in the valley for the past 15 years. She’s managed a local small business with a staff of 10 - which has given her an in-depth understanding of what local businesses face in the Comox Valley. She’s managed the marketing campaigns of an automotive dealership, and primarily as an on air personality and sales and marketing representative with Jet FM. Working in Radio has been especially personally rewarding for Robyn, as it has given her a passion for seeing local businesses thrive and succeed, and being one of the key voices of her community. Robyn has developed lifelong relationships with local business owners, she appreciates their challenges and successes, and helps many of them on their paths to growing and maintaining their businesses. Robyn and her husband Mike and their daughter Sofija love living in the Valley, spending their free time camping and exploring the Comox Valley and Vancouver Island.
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Jason KnodelTreasurer, 2022 (Appointed)Jason is a born and raised Comox Valley resident. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration from North Island College in 2014 and his Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 2018. He has been in finance and administrative roles for many years and has been at Cloutier Matthews LLP since 2014, where he currently works as an Accounting Manager. He’s made many enjoyable, professional connections over the years and is thrilled to continue doing so in his role at the Chamber of Commerce. He has past served as a treasurer to a local chapter of Scouts Canada. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and newest little one, snowboarding on the ski hill in winter and hiking the local peaks during the summer.
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Kelley GiorgianniDirector 2019 - 2021Kelley Giorgianni is a Work Experience/Careers Program Worker with School District 71. Kelley has worked in private Post-Secondary education in Admissions and Career Departments. Professional as a Certified Career Practitioner, Kelley is integral to the Work Experience, Grad Transitions and Career Exploration for students within School District 71. Kelley has created several new programs and initiatives over her career utilizing her skill set from her background in marketing and sales. Kelley has been an active member of the Chamber of Commerce for several years and has made lifetime business connections. Kelley is excited to take on the new challenges and opportunities offered in the role of Chamber of Commerce Board member.
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Pam WilliamsDirector 2021 - 2023Pam is the Practice Manager for Holland and Company Barristers & Solicitors in Comox BC. Pam was born in Grande Prairie, Alberta and has over 25 years of business management knowledge. She started and operated her own catering and event coordinating company in Alberta. Through contacts in the public and Catholic school divisions, Pam implemented healthy, made-from-scratch meals. She also taught students cooking skills and other duties required with running a business. Those skills have been put to use in the Comox Valley, primarily through volunteer efforts with Rotary and LUSH. Pam believes in sourcing products and services locally. Her commitment to small business and entrepreneurship helps her make a community unique and special. She has a tireless work ethic and exceptional skills in team management, business promotion and planning. She moved to the Comox Valley in 2018 and is proud to call Vancouver Island her home. |
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Ramon RamirezDirector 2021 - 2023Ramon Ramirez has over 22 years of banking experience; a career that started in South America. He held roles in Vancouver, Bermuda, Southern Alberta, and Vancouver Island; working in several areas of banking including Operations, Payments and Cash Management, e-Commerce, and Commercial Banking. He holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Capilano University. He worked for BDC, HSBC, Costal Community Credit Union, Citibank, and owned a retail business. He worked with companies of all sizes, from start-ups to large multinationals. He has experience with a wide a range of banking services including Commercial lending, Trade Financing, Leasing, International Banking, FX, Treasury, and Payments and Cash Management. Outside work, he is a fully certified firefighter with Comox Fire Rescue, a member of the Rotary Club of Courtenay, an avid cyclist, and competes in long distance triathlons. He lives in Comox with his wife, Amy, and two children, Lane and Sebastian.
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Allison DymondAppointed Director 2022Allison has been involved in the aviation industry for 30 years. She served as a pilot in the Canadian Armed Forces for 20 years and then transferred those skills into civil aviation ten years ago. She had the opportunity to return to Vancouver Island in 2018 and was a member of the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and Vancouver Island Economic Alliance. Throughout this time, she was an active volunteer in the Aviation Leadership Foundation, BC Aviation Council, Give Them Wings and currently volunteers with the Canadian Red Cross. Allison returned to the Comox Valley in 2020 to be closer to family. She joined the Reserves in 2021 and is looking forward to further serving this community.
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Susan CarsonDirector 2022Susan comes from a family of entrepreneurs and has run her own Wealth Management Practice for the past 25 years. Specializing in meeting the needs of business owners, professional women, healthcare professionals, and retirees, Susan combines her personal life experiences with empathy to help clients align their values and goals to confidently create enduring financial plans. Susan merged her practice with that of Rick Morson, her business and life partner after moving to the Comox Valley 8 years ago. In 2021, the Morson Carson Wealth Counsel then moved their practice to Richardson Wealth, a leading Canadian Independent Wealth Management Firm, because of the synergistic match of family values and entrepreneurial legacy.
A graduate of Mount Royal University in Calgary, Susan started her career in commercial interior design before transitioning to a career in wealth management. Susan is committed to lifelong learning and has attained the Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM), Fellow of Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI), Real Wealth Manager (RWM), and Responsible Investment Advisor Certification (RIAC) designations. Susan is proud to call the Comox Valley home. Having lived in 4 provinces in both large and small communities, Susan is passionate about contributing both personally and professionally to this remarkable Valley. She balances her passion for her profession with her personal interests of cooking, cycling, entertaining, reading, travelling, as well as spending time with family & friends and playing with her grandchildren. |
A volunteer board of officers and directors—comprised of up to 12 business leaders from our community—provides governance for the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. Board members typically serve a two-year term starting in April. Chamber members interested in serving on the board of directors in the future are encouraged to contact the current chairman of the board by email.
