Managing Tsartlip FN's economic development and business operations; maintaining accountability to membership
WHAT’S NEW
september 16, 2024
TSARTLIP GROUP OF COMPANIES GP LTD ANNOUNCES NEW DIRECTORS JOINING THE BOARD
Brentwood Bay, BC: The Tsartlip Group of Companies General Partnership (TGoC) is pleased to announce the appointment of four (4) additional directors to its expanded board adding to a slate of 5 current directors. After a comprehensive search by the CEO, the Board of Directors and Tsartlip First Nation Chief & Council (Tsartlip FN C&C) to identify individuals who would best suit the needs of the current board and the management team, the Tsartlip FN C&C have appointed the following individuals:
Deborah Bowman is recently retired from the BC government where she was a senior level executive for over 20 years. During that time, Deborah worked closely with a variety of boards of directors in the transportation sector as well as chairing and being a member of several internal boards across government. Her expertise includes leading and developing high-performing teams, building partnerships, strategic planning, policy and program development, issues management, stakeholder relations, intergovernmental relations and communications. During her tenure in the provincial government, Deborah held positions as Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) at the ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the BC Public Service Agency as well as roles in a variety of ministries at the Executive Director and Communications Director level.
Donny van Dyk is the City Manager at the City of Delta. Prior to joining Delta, he held similar roles with the City of Penticton and the District of New Hazelton. Outside of his work in local government, Donny spent six years with Enbridge, where he worked in various roles in community and Indigenous relations, government affairs, and finance. Donny is a Chartered Professional Accountant, holds degrees from the University of Victoria and University of Northern BC, as well as a diploma from Coast Mountain College, where he served for eight years on the Board of Governors as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. He is a passionate advocate for Indigenous self-determination through economic development.
Will Morris is a member of the Tsartlip community and has been the head of the Marine Stewardship Program for the Tsartlip FN for the past two years. He was previously the Manager of the Lands, Resources and Economic Development Department in Tseycum for 5 years. Will has a passion for self-determination for the Tsartlip FN. He has a passion to assist the TGoC succeed in the business environment and has shown his skills as a collaborative and critical thinker. Will was a member of the Tsartlip FN C&C for several years and has experience and knowledge in indigenous business, organizational strategy, innovative ideas, indigenous governance, risk, marine safety and security. Will’s education includes Indigenous Lands Management Certification from the University of Saskatchewan and an undergraduate degree in Anthropology and Indigenous Studies at the University of Victoria.
Gordon Elliott is also a member of the Tsartlip Community and has been appointed to replace Chief Don Tom who has stepped down from his TGoC board position. Gord has many facets of management experience and is the Director of Operations for the W̱ SÁNEĆ Leadership Council and the Operations Manager for the W̱ SÁNEĆ School Board, where he has served as a director for 30 years. He has been on the Tsartlip Chief & Council the past 12 years. He has been involved in many Tsartlip FN and business projects across the region. Gord’s knowledge of business endeavours and other W̱ SÁNEĆ First Nations will add to the success of the board.
These four new directors add to the current slate of five directors:
Adam Olsen ... Chair
Jeanine Cooper
Fiona Morgan
Salman Azam
Michael Pucci
The TGoC is very excited with these new additions to the board and the work that will be done with the existing directors. The board has high expectations for continued success of the Tsartlip Group of Companies as it enters a crucial time of growth of the business entities. Congratulations to Deborah, Donny, Will and Gordon on your appointment to the Tsartlip Group of Companies Board of Directors!
August 8, 2024
Tsartlip Group of Companies 1st Annual Business Review Meeting
W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip) Community Members are invited: Tsartlip Group of Companies 1st Annual Business Review Meeting
Wednesday, August 21st, 2024
W̱SÁNEĆ School Board Gymnasium
Community Dinner at 5:00 pm Business Review Meeting 6:00 pm
Business Results of 2023-24 … Plans for 2024 and Beyond!
july 24, 2024
TSARTLIP GROUP OF COMPANIES GENERAL PARTNERSHIP EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR BOARD OF DIRECTOR POSITIONS
Brentwood Bay, BC: The Tsartlip Group of Companies General Partnership (TGoC) is seeking Expressions of interest for open positions on the TGoC GP Board of Directors (BoD).
About the Tsartlip Group of Companies (TGoC):
TGoC is the umbrella organization that oversees the Tsartlip First Nation’s economic development and businesses including wholly owned and joint venture partnerships, and is based in Brentwood Bay, BC. The goal of TGoC is to provide improved capacity as well as help drive economic independence and sustainability for the W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip).
TGoC was formed in 2023 and is in the process of growing businesses organically and inorganically through start-ups, acquisitions and partnerships. It maintains the values of the W̱JOȽEȽP culture and language, while using environmental, social and governance principles in continuing to build the business. It will be using the collective knowledge and strength of the W̱JOȽEȽP to supply a range of high-quality competitive services while providing a challenging and rewarding work environment.
About the Board and the Role:
The TGoC Board of Directors is searching to fill three seats, due to vacancy and expansion of the board size. The director positions are appointed by the Tsartlip First Nation Chief and Council. A recommended short list of individuals will be made by the BoD to the Chief & Council for their consideration. The TGoC Board consists of Tsartlip citizens, Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals from business and who are subject matter experts. It assists the CEO in shaping the strategic direction and governance, oversees business and financial performance and ensures compliance with our statutory obligations. The BoD invites expressions of interest from Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals who will complement and strengthen the board with their unique skills, qualities, and experience.
The current term is for three (3) years, though individual and board evaluation occurs annually, and the Chief & Council can adjust the board at any time. Board meetings are held monthly (4 hours), primarily virtually with one annual in-person meeting for strategic planning. Committee meetings are held either monthly or quarterly, depending upon the committee.
Responsibilities of board directors include the following:
Approve, where appropriate, policy and other recommendations received from the BoD, its committees and senior management.
Monitor and maintain all board policies.
Assist in developing and maintaining positive relations among the board, committees, staff members, and community to enhance TGoC.
Provide guidance and leadership to, and support of, the CEO and staff as they develop and implement the strategic and operational plans.
Participation in committees that support revenue generation, governance, marketing and finance.
Review of board packages and supporting material prior to board and committee meetings.
Approval and monitoring of annual budget and audit.
Contributing to the BoD and CEO annual evaluation.
Representing TGoC to the community and stakeholders and acting as an ambassador to the organization.
The board consists of nine (9) directors, with a minimum of three (3) being Tsartlip citizens. The Chair is a member of the Tsartlip community. Currently the board and Chief & Council are searching to fill three (3) open seats.
The board seeks passionate individuals with skills, qualifications, and/or proven experience in one or more of the following areas:
Knowledge of Indigenous business
Organisational strategy
Innovation
Governance and risk
Finance
Subject matter experts in:
Property development
Energy
Construction
Marine services
Agriculture and fishing
Business, systems and networking
Tourism
Forestry
Management services
An ideal candidate will also have a minimum of 2 years experience as a director or senior leader in an Indigenous organisation and possess the following qualities:
A commitment to improving Indigenous capacity
Is prepared to be a member of or lead a subcommittee on behalf of the Board
A passion for Indigenous self-determination and innovation
Is pragmatic, solution-focused, collaborative and a critical thinker.
Interested individuals please send the following to Mark Brajer, CEO of TGoC, by August 16, 2024:
A current resume
A cover letter with specifics on why you believe that you are a fit for one of the director roles on the Tsartlip Group of Companies Board of Directors Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
Please Contact:
Mark Brajer
CEO, Tsartlip Group of Companies Limited Partnership
mbrajer@tsartlipgoc.com
(250) 217.9267
july 19, 2024
RANDALL STOYKO JOINS TSARTLIP GROUP OF COMPANIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AS DIRECTOR, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Brentwood Bay, BC: The Tsartlip Group of Companies Limited Partnership (TGoC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Randall Stoyko as Director, Business Development.
Randall Stoyko is a strategic and results-driven executive with over 20 years of experience in business development, financial management, and strategic planning. As Principal Consultant at J&R Consulting, Randall has delivered sustainable business transformations, driving growth and efficiency for diverse clients, including the Business Development Bank of Canada. His notable achievements include restructuring Natural West Beef, creating strategic plans for Hemp Oil Canada, and developing a transformational strategic plan for Unipet Trinidad.
Randall has also excelled in senior roles at NTT DATA, the District of Squamish, and the District of Sechelt, where he led organizational change and strategic initiatives. As Director of Agriculture Services at SGS, he expanded the product portfolio and secured significant government contracts. His earlier career includes impactful roles in the Province of Manitoba’s Department of Agriculture and Canada Bread, where he drove substantial revenue growth and market share. Randall holds an MBA from Athabasca University and certifications in Lean Six Sigma, Balanced Scorecard, and Agile Project Management.
“The TGoC looks forward to Randy joining our executive team and expanding our ability to develop the business at an increased rate and building quality partnerships along the way! This is another great step for the business”, stated Mark Brajer, Chief Executive Officer for the Tsartlip Group of Companies.
JUNE 24, 2024
PING ZHAO JOINS TSARTLIP GROUP OF COMPANIES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Brentwood Bay, BC: The Tsartlip Group of Companies Limited Partnership (TGoC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ping Zhao, CPA, CA as its first Chief Financial Officer.
Ping joins TGoC’s Executive Leadership Team and brings over 16 years of experience working at public, private and semi-government sectors in providing them with financial strategy, tax planning, internal controls, system implementation, compliance, and various other business services.
“This is a great day for the Tsartlip Group of Companies, as we take a major step forward toward growth and attaining our goals! We look forward to what we can do with Ping joining the team as our first CFO and us working together and building this business in the future!” said Mark Brajer, Chief Executive Officer of Tsartlip Group of Companies
Ping and holds a Bachelor' of Art degree from Wuhan University and a Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting degree from Mount Royal University. Ping articled with Ernest & Young LLP and obtained the CPA, CA designation in 2010.
Outside work, Ping enjoys gardening, site seeing and walking, you’ll also find her volunteering at a local tax center at tax season.
JUNE 11, 2024
Job Opportunity: Director Business Development
The Tsartlip Group of Companies is pleased to invite qualified applicants to apply to the permanent, full-time Director Business Development position.
This new position reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is part of the executive team. The Director Business Development is responsible for continuing to further build the business including development of new market initiatives, analysis of new markets and business opportunities. This position is key to the organization and presentation of results to the Chief Executive Officer are critical for decision making and the profit of the business.
Qualified applicants are invited to email their resume and cover letter to Lori Fitzgerald, CPHR at hrgbc1704@gmail.com by 4:00PM on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
The annual salary range for this position is $90,000 - $110,000 plus bonus plan. For further information about this position please visit www.tsartlip.com.
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in commerce, MBA or equivalent;
• Advanced education in business and partnership development;
• 7+ years of experience in business development and managing accounts, including
4+ years with a First Nation business;
• An equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Understand and develop joint venture and partnership development;
• Business growth strategies and market analysis including diverse business opportunities;
• Experience compiling and interpreting data, budgets and statistical analysis;
• Experience developing and preparing a variety of written reports, analysis, forecasting, presentations and other documentation in accordance with CEO directives or regulatory guidelines;
• Proven track record of partnership development and business growth;
• Clean criminal record check.
Thank you for your interest in this position, only those short listed will be contacted.
Tsartlip Group of Companies Announces New CEO
Mark Brajer appointed to oversee economic development arm of Tsartlip First Nation
Brentwood Bay, BC: The Tsartlip Group of Companies (TGOC) is pleased to announce Mark Brajer was selected to fill the role of Chief Executive Officer this February.
As the CEO, Brajer works closely with Tsartlip First Nation, reporting directly to the TGOC Board of Directors. Primary responsibilities of the role include overseeing TGOC’s economic development and business operations – including all subsidiary companies and joint ventures – ensuring TGOC’s accountability to Tsartlip First Nation members.
Mark Brajer’s background includes undergraduate degrees in Chemical Engineering (B.Eng.) and Chemistry (B.Sc.) from McMaster University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Heriot-Watt University, and a Food Science Certificate from Guelph University. He is a licensed engineer in British Columbia, Ontario, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon. He has three decades of experience in the economic development, operations, supply chain and engineering fields. Additionally, he has fifteen years of experience in senior management, most recently as CEO of the Tlicho Investment Corporation (TIC), the economic development and business arm for the Tlicho First Nation.
February 9, 2024
“We are excited to welcome Mark Brajer as CEO of the Tsartlip Group of Companies. We are committed to building a resilient economic development body for Tsartlip. There is tremendous opportunity for our community to have a much bigger role in the economic landscape in our territory and beyond. Mark will be a key leader in building that capacity.”
Before starting with TGOC, Mark Brajer worked across North America for E.D. Smith, Alberto-Culver, Unilever, Epicure, and TIC. He currently sits on the boards of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and the Corporate Indigenous Relations Council.
About the Tsartlip Group of Companies:
TGOC is the umbrella organization that oversees Tsartlip’s businesses, including ventures such as Tsartlip Pump and Tsartlip Construction. It is the economic development arm of the Tsartlip First Nation and is based in Brentwood Bay, BC.
Media contact:
Mark Brajer
CEO, Tsartlip Group of Companies
Tsartlip First Nation
mbrajer@tsartlipgoc.com
(250) 217.9267
Accomplished new Board of Directors will guide Tsartlip Group of Companies to future success
The Tsartlip Group of Companies (TGC) is getting a leadership upgrade this Summer.
TGC is the umbrella organization that oversees Tsartlip’s businesses, including the Tsartlip Pump and Tsartlip Construction. In order to better identify and execute on new economic opportunities, an impressive new Board of Directors has recently been appointed by Chief and Council.
Tsartlip made the decision to restructure after consulting with MNP, a leading national accounting, tax and business consulting firm in Canada. Based on this expert advice, and considering the liability, tax efficiency, and governance implications, TGC is making the switch to a tiered limited partnership structure.
Under the new structure, the new Board of Directors will hire a CEO to oversee the group of companies.
Tsartlip Chief and Council is pleased to introduce the seven impressive individuals that will serve on the TGC Board of Directors.
In addition to well known Tsartlip community pillars Chief Don Tom and Councillor Jeanine Cooper, the new Board includes Adam Olsen, Firman Latimer of the Serpent River First Nation, Michael Pucci, Fiona Morgan, and Salman Azam.
The combined expertise the group brings in Indigenous leadership and economic development is remarkable.
July 7, 2023
Chief Don Tom has a long history of advocating for the Title and Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Chief Tom holds the traditional name, Kwul’thut’stun, and is a SENĆOŦEN and Hul’q’umi’num language speaker. He was first elected in 2005 as a Councillor for the Tsartlip First Nation, and then elected as Chief in 2013.
Michael Pucci is the current Chief Executive Officer of the Prince Rupert International Airport and an elected School Board Trustee for School District 52. He brings his extensive experience working on First Nations economic projects and long-held connections with the governmental, transportation, financial, and industrial sectors to his new position on the Board.
Councillor Jeanine Cooper, whose traditional name is Snauqia, is currently serving her second year as an elected member of Council for Tsartlip. She studied Human Relations and Business Administration at Camosun College and recently retired from a full career as a secretary and administrative assistant. She has been proudly married for 45 years. Now, she supports the community through extensive committee and volunteer work, and she looks forward to continuing her life of service as a member of the Board.
Adam Olsen is well known as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Saanich North and the Islands. As a member of the Tsartlip First Nation, he is eager to bring his 14-years of experience as an elected representative and his unique understanding of intersectional government to work to support the community.
Fiona Morgan worked as the Economic Development Officer for the Songhees Development Corporation of the Songhees Nation in Victoria. There, she identified partnerships to support reconciliation and new development while overseeing their businesses, including Sounglees Tours and Songhees Events and Catering. Additionally, Fiona spent six years as a Board Director for the Victoria Women’s Transition House Society, and five years volunteering for Saanich Ground Search and Rescue.
Salman Azam brings bountiful experience in the world of development. He serves as an Indigenous Economic Development Board Member for Xax’lip Development Corporation and for Kwikwitlem First Nations Enterprises. Additionally, he is the Chief Operating Officer for Legal Aid British Columbia.
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