Coastal First Nations Board Chair Patrick Kelly is pleased to announce the hiring of Gary Wilson as the new General Manager, effective June 12, 2017.
Gary brings to the General Manger position broad experience in operations, finance and business development, leading and developing teams, leading corporate change, project management and building strategic alliances. He has worked as a senior executive with the Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses and the Heiltsuk Economic Development Corporation. As a leader, he is recognized for strategic planning and his ability to guide change in diverse cultural, political and business environments.
Gary is excited about taking on the challenges of his new role: “As a leader, my focus has always been on environmental, economic, and financial sustainability. I look forward to being a part of a team that moves our progressive and ambitious agenda forward as well as supporting a vibrant workplace for our employees/contractors and a renewed relationship with our communities and various partners.”
About Gary Wilson
A member of the Heiltsuk First Nation, Gary has a strong connection to our coast. Coming from a strong lineage of fishers on the Carpenter, Gladstone and Wilson side of his family, each of whom are well-known and respected in the fishing industry, naturally Gary started working in the commercial fishing industry from the age of 13.
After the passing of his Grandfather, Basil Carpenter, he relocated to Richmond from Bella Bella in 1981 at the request of his Grandmother, where he completed high school and received a General Business Diploma at Kwantlen College/University.
A strong believer in lifelong learning, Gary received a Bachelor of Commerce from Royal Roads University and has just graduated from Simon Fraser University’s Masters Business Administration Program.
Gary is well versed in adapting to different cultures and communities. He previously worked with the Heiltsuk, Huu-ay-aht, and CIBC.
He’s a great communicator and a great listener. He understands that Coastal First Nations is a unique organization and really embraces that difference. Gary is ready to help us move towards our goal of developing a sustainable coastal economy.
