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Board of Director Elections
Nelson & District Credit Union’s Board of Directors has nine members. This year, three terms are expiring. An election will occur for the Director at Large positions, with 4 individuals running for election to 2 positions.
Director at Large representatives - Four candidates running for 2 positions, each position with a three-year term:
- Laureen Barker - incumbent
- Coleen Driscoll - incumbent
- John Dutton - new candidate
- Glenn Sutherland - new candidate
Candidate Statements
Laureen Barker
Greetings NDCU members, I am honoured to be asking again for your support in the upcoming board elections. I have been back on the NDCU board for a bit, a year and half, experiencing the challenge that a changing world brings to governance of our local Credit Union.
I am retired from a 20-year career in local business, Gaia Rising a Baker Street retail shop, where as the owner-operator I gained knowledge and experience in management, operations, finance, strategic planning, community engagement and probably most importantly building customer satisfaction through meeting peoples’ needs and expectations.
Currently I have just joined the board at the West Kootenay Boundary Community Investment Co-op at the February meeting. In the past I have served on numerous City of Nelson committees and advisory groups such as the Housing and Cultural Committees as well as the Carshare co-op. Community involvement is a love and a lifestyle that I find very fulfilling.
These days, you may see me at the dog park or browsing Baker Street or shopping at the Co-op or in my garden. I do love my little quiet life but also the engagement in local organizations working to make our region a better place for us all.
I thank you for your ongoing support.
Coleen Driscoll
I have been a proud member of Nelson & District Credit Union for over 25 years, and it has been an honor to serve as a director for the past three years. As I seek a second term, I bring both experience and a deep commitment to cooperative values and community service.
Before retiring, I worked as a registered nurse—a career that taught me the importance of compassion, collaboration, and integrity. Those same values guide my volunteer and board work today. Over the years, I have served on numerous boards including the College of Nurses, Nelson Hospice, and Special Olympics. I currently serve on the Seniors Coordinators Society board, where I continue to advocate for the needs and well-being of our aging population.
For more than 15 years, I have been an active Rotarian, dedicated to service above self and building stronger, healthier communities. I am also a long-time member of the Kootenay Co-op, Co-op Radio, and Co-op Gas—organizations that reflect my belief in cooperation, shared responsibility, and local resilience.
During my first term on the NDCU board, I completed the Accredited Canadian Credit Union Association (CUDA) training and am now preparing to write the final exam. Through committee work and collaboration with fellow directors, I have developed a strong understanding of the credit union system and the vital role NDCU plays in supporting our members and local economy.
I believe in the power of cooperative principles to create positive change, and I am eager to continue contributing my experience, skills, and dedication to the board. I would sincerely appreciate your support as I seek a second term and the opportunity to continue serving our members and our community.
John Dutton
I have lived in the Nelson area for 17 years and have built a career around entrepreneurship, outdoor pursuits and community service. My wife and I have two wonderful kids who are school age and we are actively involved with the Wildflower School Parent Advisory Council.
In the winter, I work as a Supervising Guide at Monashee Powder Snowcats, where I am responsible for the safety and risk management for all on-mountain operations, staff and guests. I am a Canadian Avalanche Association Professional Member and Level 3 holder, as well as a full ski guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. This work requires disciplined risk assessment, a clear structure, and accountability—skills applicable to financial oversight and board decision-making.
In the summer, I own and operate Nelson Paddleboard and Kayak Rentals at the Prestige Marina, where I am the manager and a partner. I have founded and operated two small businesses from the ground up, including Nelson Whitewater Rafting Co., which I ran for ten years. Through these ventures, I have developed experience in small business finance, bookkeeping, cash-flow management, and long-term planning, as well as a practical understanding of the challenges facing local entrepreneurs and business people.
I am an NDCU member, and the credit union was instrumental in financing a local rental property development which my wife and I recently completed. This reinforced my appreciation for NDCU’s role in supporting its members and strengthening the local economy.
My governance experience includes serving as an appointed member of the Selkirk College Board of Governors (2018–2025), the Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism board, and the Slocan Valley Riverwatch Society, including two years as chair. I am motivated by a commitment to give back to the community and bring a practical, business focused perspective to board service.
Glenn Sutherland
I am expressing my interest in a Directorship opportunity where deep governance experience, strategic oversight, and a proven commitment to ethical, stakeholder- focused decision-making competencies are required. I graduated from the Professional Director Program at Rotman School of Management University of Toronto with the pinnacle designation of ICD.D. Over my career, I have held executive, ownership, and board leadership roles across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, with a focus on organizational sustainability, financial stewardship, and service excellence.
As President, Ardvreck Ventures Inc., I lead the development of “The Lab” a multidisciplinary health and wellness facility in Nelson. This initiative reflects my long-standing commitment to integrated service delivery, innovation, and collaborative professional models improving outcomes for clients and communities. My wife Ruth and daughter are both Nurses and my son owns a small business, and is employed with a Credit Union.
I served over 25 years as Owner and President of Sutherland & Associates, where I built a successful financial advisory practice specializing in employee benefits, financial protection, and investment management. My work emphasized client-first principles, rigorous ethical standards, and long-term financial security for individuals and organizations.
In parallel, I have extensive governance experience, including service as National Board Chair, Canadian Automobile Association, Director and Committee Chair, Interior Health Authority, Trustee, Healthcare Benefit Trust, Vice Chair, Health Employers Association of roles, I chaired governance, audit and finance, and human resources committees, overseeing complex organizations serving millions of members and thousands of employees.
I bring a disciplined, analytical approach to governance, strong financial and risk oversight capabilities, and the ability to contribute meaningfully at both strategic and operational levels. I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the NDCU Board of Directors.
NDCU's 75th Virtual AGM
Save The Date!
Tuesday May 5, 2026 @ 7:00 pm.
Zoom meeting.
Call for Nominations - Build Your Credit Union & Your Community
Serve on the NDCU Board of DirectorsWe’re excited to share an opportunity for you to make a meaningful impact in your community and with your Credit Union.
We encourage candidates who wish to contribute to their credit union and its board’s diversity, including those under 40, or those with skill sets and backgrounds that bring a unique perspective. Human resources, enterprise risk management, accounting, ESG, and change management skills would round out our board’s expertise. Above all, we seek people with a broad perspective, who know their community, and are eager to learn and grow with us.
Serving as a Director on our Board is more than a leadership role—it’s a chance to represent fellow members, guide the strategic direction of the Credit Union, and contribute to the financial well-being and growth of our financial co-operative.
Why Consider Becoming a Director?
- Learn and Grow: Gain valuable experience in governance, finance, and strategic planning while working alongside a dedicated team of community-minded peers.
- Make an Impact: Help shape policies and initiatives that directly affect our members and the communities we serve.
- Represent Your Community: Ensure member voices are heard and reflected in the decisions that guide our Credit Union.
- Strengthen Your Co-operative: Support our mission of enriching lives locally.
NDCU seeks nominations on an annual basis. Please chack back in late 2026 for our next Call!
If you’re interested in learning more about a role, the nomination process, or receiving a nominations package, please review our Corporate Governance Report, our most Frequently Asked Questions and contact Karla Whitaker at kwhitaker@nelsoncu.com.
Your Board of Directors
More than 5.3 million Canadians and business owners are members of co-operative financial services in Canada. Their financial security and success depend on the commitment and capabilities of the board of directors they elect.
That's why it's surprising how many credit union members are unaware of what their board of directors do and how important it is to be an educated participant in the electoral process. As in any democracy, the people elected to represent member interests are responsible for and accountable to the economic well-being of the people who voted them into office.
Here is some quick schooling to bring you up to speed on the duties of a board of directors, your role in the decision-making process, and what you should know if you want to run for a position.
A credit union is a business and must be run accordingly. Your board of directors set short- and long-term strategies and the policies and procedures affecting everything from business operations, to community involvement, to dividends. The board also represents the membership's collective values concerning social, environmental and economic responsibility.
A director position is voluntary although expenses are covered and an honorarium is often provided. A director can devote up to 20 hours a month preparing for and attending regular monthly board meetings. Additional time is also spent serving on various advisory committees with specific responsibilities such as Community Leadership, Financial Policy and Governance.
While a good heart and clear mind are important attributes, a prospective director should also possess pertinent experience and skill sets. Overall the board needs to be strong in many areas, so a diversity of directors who bring different knowledge is important. Annually, the directors look at the competencies of the board and identify areas to strengthen. A director should have experience and knowledge in some of these key areas:
- Diversity
- Audit and Compliance
- Financial Literacy
- Co-operative Governance and Ethics
- Regulatory Environment
- Community Minded
- Financial Services Industry
- Coaching & Mentoring
- Legal & Accounting
- Innovation & IT
Are you passionate about the well-being of the community at large? Do you understand financial statements? Can you analyze management reports? Strong governance, leadership, communications and technology skills are assets, and previous board or committee experience of some kind is a plus.
A credit union is only as good as its board of directors. That's why it is so important for well-informed members to show up when election time comes around.
Interested in Joining Us?
Are you interested in learning more about your Board of Directors or running to become a Director?
Speak with a current director or contact Karla Whitaker, Executive Assistant, at 877.352.7207.
Nelson & District Credit Union posts its Call for Nominations on an annual basis in December.
