Board Bios

Tania Bennett

Tania grew up in Salmon Arm and has fond memories of completing Okanagan College university transfer courses there in 1990 prior to eventually completing her degree in Victoria. Tania has lived in beautiful Kelowna with her family for the past 10 years.

Tania has been in the career development sector for the past 15 years and has worked for the last 9 years for WCG International HR Solutions developing, implementing and leading successful employment programs that have improved the lives of thousands of people.

In addition, Tania had the privilege of leading a career development networking and professional development association where she spearheaded the development of employer forums to educate career practitioners on hiring needs. An experienced presenter, Tania has spoken at the National Consultation on Career Development (NATCON), and she is a certified Myers Briggs Type Indicator practitioner.

Tania received a Bachelor of Arts (Hon.) in Political Science from the University of Victoria after transferring from Okanagan College. She also has a Diploma in Journalism from Grant MacEwan Community College in Edmonton.

Troy Berg

Gordon Ficke

Born in Penticton and raised in Westbank, Gordon worked at various jobs and travelled extensively after graduating high school in 1970 from George Pringle Secondary School. After returning from a year abroad, Gordon decided to pursue a new career in electronics and enrolled in the Electro-Technology program at Okanagan College. Upon graduation in 1978, Gordon was hired at Pitney-Bowes as a service e technician but since has changed career paths and owns and operates a nursery with his wife, Trish. Gordon has three daughters, all of whom have attended Okanagan College’s predecessor, OUC.

Gordon has been involved with the Alumni Association for more than 10 years. He has served two terms as President, one term as the Chair of the Distinguished Alumni Award committee and is always willing to lend a hand volunteering at events. We’re lucky to have such a dedicated alumnus on our team!

Kara Kazimer (née Berg)

Nick Moffatt

 Jamie Morrow

Jamie decided to go back to school in his early 40’s. As a mature student, he wanted to get the most out of his student experience as possible and ran for the External VP executive position at the Kal Campus Students’ Association. It was in this student role when Jamie first got involved with the Alumni Association as a student representative at Board meetings. Almost immediately upon graduating from the Business Administration diploma program in 2004, Jamie was elected to the Alumni Association Board.

Jamie is Past Presdient of the Board.  When he’s not promoting the Alumni Association, Jamie is the Event & Program Coordinator for the Okanagan School of Business and enjoys spending time with his wife Jane and his two sons James and Daniel.

Michelle Plamondon

Raised in the Kootenays, Michelle moved to the Okanagan to pursue her business degree. After completing her first year of management studies at UBCO, Michelle transferred to Okanagan College to complete her studies. Throughout her studies at Okanagan College, Michelle was actively involved in student programs such as OBSA and SIFE Okanagan. She also had the privilege of representing Okanagan College at the 2010 Intercollegiate Business Strategy competition bringing home first place for both Top Performance and Top Reports. Graduating with a BBA with an accounting specialization, Michelle worked as a staff accountant in both public practice and industry before returning to Okanagan College to pursue her passion of working with students. Michelle continues to stay involved in the community through JCI Okanagan, heading up the 2010 FH&P Lawyers Urban Race which raised over $21,000 for the Tiny Bundles program. Michelle looks forward to continuing her involvement on campus with the Okanagan College Alumni Association and as a SIFE Alumni.

Debbie Smith

Born in Kelowna and raised in Cranbrook, BC, Debbie chose to move back to Kelowna and enter the academic world.  She began her post secondary education by completing the Fine Arts diploma program in 1993 at OUC while living life on the Kelowna campus. Debbie continued her education in graphic design and later graduated with honours in Marketing and Business in 2001. Debbie started her career working with the grocery chain Thrifty Foods on Vancouver Island as the Advertising Assistant, and continued her career path by working in the print industry in a variety of capacities. Established in graphic design and marketing, Debbie credits past instructors at OUC with initiating the creative spark within her.

In the past, Debbie has won the OUC Fine Arts poster competition, been interviewed locally for a fine arts prospective, opened her home to a Japanese exchange student, traveled through Europe and been included in a local commercial promoting the United Way Drive Thru Breakfast campaign – a cause she has been involved in annually. Debbie is an enthusiastic movie watcher, avid walker and can be caught on a daily basis trying to keep up with her young son. Debbie is looking forward to contributing to the Alumni Board and giving back to her alma mater.

Katerina Hay has been in the advancement industry since 2003 when she started in student recruitment in Alberta. In 2004, Kat joined the Alumni & Development office at Okanagan University College where she helped transition the Alumni Association from OUC to Okanagan College. In her role at Okanagan College, she coordinates all alumni communications, events and engagement activities and is always looking for innovative projects to introduce to Okanagan College students and alumni.

In addition to working full time, Kat is also in the process completing her Business degree. When not working, going to school or volunteering in her community, Kat is the proud mom of two beautiful little girls who keep her very, very busy.