BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Volunteer Board Member Opportunity
We are currently seeking dedicated family members to help guide our strategic direction for 2026 and beyond. This is an opportunity to use your professional skills and lived experience to ensure HRSS remains a vibrant, sustainable resource for all families.
Why Join Our Board?
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Direct Impact: Influence the policies and programs that support your family and community.
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Strategic Leadership: Help us navigate new initiatives and long-term goals.
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Advocacy: Be a powerful voice for the needs of the families we serve.
Commitment and Role
Board members serve a 2-year term, attending Monthly meetings, in person or via Zoom. We welcome diverse backgrounds, including expertise in Finance, Community Support, Business Management, Accounting, Healthcare etc. Board experience is an asset, but not necessary.
How to Apply
If you are passionate about our mission and ready to support the work of the HRSS Board of
Directors, please submit a brief statement of interest to: boardchair@highroadservices.ca
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HIGH ROAD Services Society(HRSS) is governed by a voluntary Board of Directors, who are elected members from the community. They are deeply committed to HRSS mission, vision, and values.
The Board governs the organization by defining goals and monitoring performance related to strategic and financial targets. Our Board of Directors provides governance, accountability, and strategic oversight.
Help shape the future of HRSS and strengthen our mission by serving on the Board of Directors. We’re seeking individuals who share our commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
To express your interest, please email your resumé and a short statement about why you’d like to serve on the Board to boardchair@highroadservices.ca
Directors: Beate Marquardt, Heather Tremblay, Kelly McCormack, Robi McKnight, Terrie McAloney
Beate Marquardt
I came to Canada in 1979 and started a family with my husband. Our third child was born with Down syndrome. Since I had finished my education in Germany with a PhD in Linguistics and Biology, I became an advocate for my son and an educator for his teachers early on. Our local Infant Development program sent me to several national Down Syndrome Conferences to gain more knowledge to share with local schools and organizations.
Before my retirement, I worked as an Economic Development Officer for the “Southside”, an area south of Francois Lake, BC. I was a founding member of an artist cooperative that operated the “Lakes Artisan Centre” in Burns Lake for 13 years, and I’ve served as treasurer of the Burns Lake Community Garden since its inception in 2015. I was also a director on the board of Lakes District Community Services in its closing phase, before HIGH ROAD Services Society replaced it.
I am a retired Community Support Worker who was fortunate enough to work with individuals with diverse abilities first in the community of Princeton and following my relocation, continued this work in Smithers BC. I have spent most of my adult life supporting people from all walks of life and with different life experiences. I have learned to not look at an individuals disability but rather recognize the person first—their unique personality, strengths and their lived experiences. My focus has always been to ensure that each individual no matter their circumstances is given choices and the abilities to govern the course of their own lives.
Since my retirement in 2023 I have been able offer my unique perspective and voice to many of the individuals I previously supported in my work life by becoming a member of the HIGH ROAD Services Society’s board of directors. I firmly believe in the agencies mission and values and the quality of life they provide to those receiving their services.
Heather Tremblay
Kelly McCormack
I am a 48-year resident of the beautiful Bulkley Valley and Lakes District, an avid skier and kayaker. I spent most of my career working in accounting and the retail automotive industry in various management positions including Finance, Service, Sales and General Manager. I hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree and am now the retired owner of McCormack Management, a business consulting firm specializing in Financial Analytics, Strategic Planning, Management Coaching and Human Resource development. I am a former member of the Certified Management Consultants of Canada (CMC), former board member of the Small Business Roundtable of BC and the Smithers and District Chamber of Commerce. I was engaged for a temporary 2-year position with Community Living BC (CLBC) as a Regional Finance Advisor and subsequently I was honoured to be asked by a friend, parent-advocate and long-time board member of HRSS to join the board of directors. I have been active on the HRSS Board since 2019 and currently serve as board chair.
Robi McKnight
I am a retired teacher, and our family has been involved in a variety of businesses in Smithers, including rentals, accommodation, and construction. Since coming to Smithers in 1980, I have volunteered with the BV Regional Pool Fundraising Committee, Smithers Community Services, Smithers Minor Hockey, and Girl Guides, at both the local and provincial levels. At present I am a volunteer for the Red Cross, and chair of the Friends of the Library.
Through these experiences, I have had many interactions with persons with a disability in our community. The opportunity to help to oversee housing, and programs for these individuals is a small part that I can play in ensuring our community is fair and balanced for all its citizens.
HIGH ROAD strives to help provide a high quality of life, characterized by inclusion and dignity to these individuals. Their person centred approach treats disability as part of human diversity, allowing individuals to live, work, and thrive within their community. It is for these reasons that I am pleased to be part of this board.
I am married, have 3 adult children, and 4 grandchildren. I enjoy winter sports, walking, and am a slightly improved bridge player.
I have resided in Smithers most of my life, along with Calgary, Bowser, and Francois Lake. My education is in business/accounting and I have a Masters in Education in Administration. My career was spent in accounting and post secondary education in various positions around the province.
I have extensive experience in accounting, project management, leadership, workshop development and delivery, leading groups in vision and strategic planning.
Throughout the years I have volunteered on various boards. Most recently on Friends of the Smithers Library and HIGH ROAD Services Society. I was recruited by personnel of HRSS to join the Board in 2021; currently, I am Secretary on the Board.
Terrie McAloney