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Meet our Directors
Bill Collins
Board Chair
Williams Lake Representative
Beth Veenkamp
Board Vice-Chair
Williams Lake Representative
Mark Denny
Director
Williams Lake Representative
Crystal Hoelzler
Director
Williams Lake Representative
Brittany McCausland
Director
100 Mile House Representative
Surinderpal Rathor
Director
Williams Lake Representative
Karen Weightman
Director
100 Mile House Representative
Erik Zwiers
Director
Williams Lake Representative
Williams Lake and District Credit Union Director since 2021.
Bill retired from the Credit Union system in 2015 where he had worked in operations for over forty years. He and his wife returned to Williams Lake in 2020 so that they could be close to family and friends. Working within the credit union system allowed him to gain hands-on experience in the areas of governance, strategic planning, anti-money laundering legislation, privacy, and the legislation governing the day-to-day operation of a credit union.
"Being a Credit Union Director over the past few years has been very rewarding, helping guide the Credit Union through some difficult times has been a challenge that your Board has taken on headfirst. As a co-operative we need to work together, members, board, and staff to continue to be a successful and independent organization. Our goal is to continue to provide all members and our communities with the best financial and personal service possible."
As part of a very active Board, Bill is proud to say that we are working together to that end. In Bill's personal life, he enjoys travelling with his wife in their motorhome, travelling throughout BC and most of the provinces. Bill also enjoys bowling in the winter and golf in the summer months.
Beth grew up in Williams Lake and moved back with her family in 2017, taking on the role of Manager of Economic Development with the City of Williams Lake. Her role with the City is to assist in developing a business climate that will attract investment and residents to the area. She works directly with businesses to link them to local services and supports and brings with her a strong entrepreneurship development background.
Beth is keenly interested in community development and sees joining the Williams Lake and District Credit Union as a way to support achieving better economic prosperity and investment in the region. She is looking forward to learning more about the financial industry, co-operatives, and the benefits to be had by communities with a robust roster of Credit Union members.
Beth is the Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors.
Mark was born and raised in Williams Lake, only leaving for a short time to learn saddle making. He returned to the community to work with and eventually take over the family business, Cariboo Saddlery. In 2018, Mark was awarded the Joe Marten Award for the Preservation of Cowboy Heritage in BC. Though he is retired now, leatherwork remains a passion and a hobby.
Mark has an interest in expanding his financial knowledge and sees being part of the Williams Lake and District Credit Union Board of Directors as an opportunity to grow in that area. Mark has dedicated thirty years to volunteer work with each the Williams Lake Stampede Association, in the position of director for eight years, and the Kiwanis Club, serving as President for two years.
Williams Lake and District Credit Union Director since 2020.
Crystal is a licensed REALTOR® working with her husband as a team - Hoelzler Property Group out of RE/MAX Williams Lake Realty. She has always had a big passion for encouraging people however she can. From a past of esthetics, gym owner and fitness instructor, personal coaching, and now real estate, her experience in service makes being a director on this community-minded board a great fit. Crystal has lived in Williams Lake almost all her life, knows that it is a great place to raise a family, and wants to see it flourish.
Brittany is a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for community engagement and a strong background in business ownership, real estate, and finance. Her commitment to giving back and her expertise in marketing and finances make her a valuable addition to the Board of Directors. Brittany owns successful businesses, daycares, in the vibrant community of 100 Mile House. In addition to her entrepreneurial values, she is a Licensed Real Estate Professional with RE/MAX 100 who recently completed her Property Management course in 2023, enhancing her expertise in the real estate industry. Brittany is currently working towards obtaining her Managing Broker License, further demonstrating her dedication to professional growth and excellence.
Brittany is a people person at heart and actively participates in community initiatives and volunteer work. Her genuine desire to give back to the community aligns with the values of Williams Lake and District Credit Union. Brittany's community involvement and dedication to making a positive impact will enhance the Credit Union's relationships with its members and stakeholders.
Surinderpal retired from Tolko Industries Ltd. as a certified journeyman electrician after serving for 46 years. He resides in Williams Lake and has been a member of the Credit Union since 1989. Surinderpal holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Political Science, English and Military Science, and an honours degree in Political Science.
Surinderpal is familiar to many because of his 21 years as a Williams Lake City Councilor. He has been an active volunteer throughout his life, serving on a variety of boards including the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Board, the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple, and the Williams Lake Museum and Historical Society. Surinderpal has been involved with the Canadian Volunteer Income Tax Preparation Program since 1975 and has been the Williams Lake and District program coordinator for over 20 years.
Surinderpal was elected and sworn in as Mayor of Williams Lake in the fall of 2022.
Karen has lived in 100 Mile House since 1992 and has extensive business, marketing, sales, management, and facilitation experience from a diverse work history. Karen retired in 2018. After taking quilting classes, she worked part time and taught classes at the quilt store until March 2024. She is now Vice President of the Quilt Guild in 100 Mile House and is on the Programs Committee
Karen believes in the philosophy of cooperative systems and the benefits to the communities they serve. Karen enjoys her position as a Director for the Williams Lake and District Credit Union and supporting the membership it serves.
Erik has over 35 years of business experience and is an owner, president, and operator of Papyrus Printing Ltd., a successful family owned and operated commercial printing company with physical locations in Williams Lake and Prince George, primarily serving Northern BC and the Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast regions since 1977. Erik resides in Williams Lake and has been a member of the Credit Union since 2004. Erik holds a Bachelor of Technology degree (Graphic Arts Management 1985) from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute (now Ryerson University).
Erik has served as Board Chair (5 years), Vice-Chair (4 years) as well as on the majority of the Credit Union's board committees. He has served as Chair of the Audit Committee, Chair of the Investment and Lending Committee, and Chair of the Nominating Committee. Prior to moving to Williams Lake, Erik served as a Director of Prince George Savings Credit Union (now Integris Credit Union) from 1996 to 2002. Erik has served and volunteered with many community groups over the years ranging from Rotary Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, church boards, and minor sports associations.
