2024/25
Brent Coyne, Secretary, is an associate lawyer at Pushor Mitchell in Kelowna. Brent holds a Bachelor of Arts from University of British Columbia Vancouver, and Juris Doctor of Laws from Bond University on the Gold Coast, Australia. Brent advises clients in all aspects of family law. Brent also has considerable experience in a wide variety of commercial and civil litigation matters, including contractual disputes, negligence claims, and real and stratified property disputes. Brent is a trial lawyer and has successfully represented clients at all levels of court in British Columbia.
Brent is formerly the director of governance for the Kelowna Community Music School, and currently serves as the director of governance for Canada Skateboard; national governing body for amateur and Canadian athletes at the Olympics and international events. A keen photographer himself, Brent is an art enthusiast with a particular appreciation for the medium of photography, with a particular passion for 20th century and contemporary black and white photography. Mr. Coyne was appointed to the Board in December 2022.
Richard James Deacon is an award-winning Private Office Real Estate Advisor with Engel & Völkers, the world’s #1 luxury real estate firm. With 28 years of global luxury sales and marketing experience, Richard specializes in buying and selling iconic properties in Canada’s Okanagan Valley. He is the co-founder of TIGER 21 Canada, a private investor education organization for ultra-high-net-worth families, boasting over 1,100 members with assets exceeding $135B.
Richard is a dedicated philanthropist with numerous volunteer roles, including Past-President of the National Advertising Benevolent Society, a national judge for the Courage to Come Back Awards, and a Campaign Cabinet member for the University of British Columbia’s Business Families Centre. He was nominated for the National Top 40 Under 40 Award in 2006 and has been involved with various organizations such as the Nicola Valley Food Bank, Union Gospel Mission, and Arts Umbrella.
In 2016, Richard and his family created a student leadership and mentoring program in Reston, Manitoba. He was a finalist for the City of Kelowna’s Fred Macklin Community Man of the Year Award in 2018 and the Okanagan Real Estate Board’s Realtor’s Care Awards in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Richard also developed a sustainable giving program, donating over $150,000 to more than 60 charities across North America
Richard lives in Kelowna with his wife MaryAnn, their sons Reston and Parker, their Golden Retriever Buddy, and kitten Scarlett.
Steve Huculiak began his 45-year design career in 1977 working in Vancouver, Toronto and now the Okanagan (since 1991). Focusing on the art of building design Steve created a long list of ‘works’ – architecture & urban design – as project designer, and is contracted regularly, to prominent architectural firms, cities, municipalities, and local First Nations. While attending OCAD University and Emily Carr University of Art & Design Steve developed a keen eye and skilled hand, establishing him as a notable watercolourist. Steve brings a fresh perspective to the KAG Board with his unconventional and unaccredited career path success – arriving as by the corridors of an artist. Living in Kelowna since 2010, before that Peachland, Steve enjoys time with his wife Stacey (musician and life-force) and family/friends, enjoying the outdoors hiking, skiing, paddling, and basically roaming over this Syilx Okanagan wonderland. Travelling, film/TV and reading are some other of his favourite soul enriching activities. Mr. Huculiak was appointed to the Board in January 2022.
Kara James, Treasurer, is the is the Chief Operating Officer for Pushor Mitchell Law Firm. She is an Okanagan College Alumni, a graduate of the University of BC and a CPA, CA with over 24 years experience. Kara’s career began in public practice with KPMG in 1998. In 2003, Kara joined Sysco Canada, and was with Sysco for 17 years, holding various Director and CFO roles. In 2020, she joined Pubco Reporting Solutions, a small boutique firm in Vancouver, BC and subsequently founded a sister consulting practice, JB CFO, offering fractional CFO services to start-up companies, and small to mid-sized entrepreneurial organizations and non-profit organizations. Kara is also a term professor at Okanagan College School of Business, teaching accounting and entrepreneurship. Kara is committed to giving back to her community. In addition to serving on the board of the Kelowna Art Gallery, Kara has volunteered as a business mentor for Entrepreneurship@UBC – Okanagan Campus and is currently a Mentor At Large for Kelowna Women in Business and a member of the Ellis Place Supportive Housing Community Advisory Committee. Kara is excited being a part of the Gallery community and especially assisting the Gallery in executing its 2022-2024 strategic plan. Ms. James was appointed to the Board in February 2022.
Dr. Samantha Lenci, was named Provost and Vice President, Academic in December 2023. She brings with her expertise in the design, development, implementation, and measurement of complex strategies about teaching and learning.
Samantha’s educational experience started at what was then called Mount Royal College (now University), where she earned a diploma in Early Childhood Education in 1991. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Community Rehabilitation from the University of Calgary in 1995, and returned there for her Master of Education degree, where she specialized in Diversity, Adult Education and Workplace Learning. She holds a Doctor of Education degree from U of C, where she has specialized in Professional Skill based education, in Higher Education Leadership.
Samantha has spent more than 20 years leading a variety of programs in education that provided leadership, community development, strategic planning, project management and program development during stints at Mount Royal University, Bow Valley College, SAIT, and Lethbridge Polytechnic. Most recently, she has worked as Provost at Lethbridge Polytechnic. In her new position, she looks forward to supporting and building upon the college’s teaching and learning strengths and working closely with all members of the community to realize the college’s strategic goals.
Kassie Nadler, Treasurer, is a senior accountant at BDO in the audit department, with a focus on not-for profit organizations for the last three years. She completed her CPA designation in January 2022. Kassie is experienced in accounting and the analysis of financial information through her work in the not-for-profit sector. She is an art enthusiast and has participated in several Gallery events in the past. Kassie is looking forward to working with the Gallery in her capacity as an accountant and as an engaged member of the arts community. Ms Nadler was appointed to the Board in February 2022.
June Nicolay, Past President, is the owner and operating director of DTEC Software, which develops and implements Food Industry Specific Software Systems. Locally June has been involved in many organizations including the Kelowna Yacht club, Founding Donor of the Visiting Artist Mentorship Program at University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO), Board of Director and Past Chair of Opera Kelowna. June has a long-time interest in the arts and is the mom of an internationally shown mid-career artist. Ms. Nicolay was appointed to the Board in April 2019 and is currently the Board Past President.
Camille Saltman, President, is co-founder and General Partner of OKGN WMAN Angel Funds, a group of 50 women leaders who invest in women founded and women led social impact businesses. She recently returned to Canada following a 20-year career leading technology companies in San Diego. Since her return she co-founded INCA Renewable Technologies and was co-chair of Opera Kelowna.
She was recently recognized as one of Canada’s Game Changers: Leading Companies. Powered by Women, by Natural Products Canada and with the INCA team won the global JEC Composites World Start-up Award.
Camille has held board roles with Tony-award winning La Jolla Playhouse which to date has launched 36 Broadway hits including Jersey Boys and Come from Away and La Jolla Music Society which brings top orchestras, ballet companies, jazz assembles and chamber music to San Diego to perform at The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center.
She is a recipient of the YWCA Spirit of Commitment Award, the San Diego Performing Arts League STAR Award, the YWCA Tribute to Women and Industry Award, the San Diego Business Journal Women Who Mean Business Award and the Kelowna Chamber 40 over 40 award. Camille is currently the Board President.
Lori Samuels, Vice President, is a wealth manager at Raymond James in Kelowna. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Calgary and has successfully completed several industry designations. Lori has volunteered her time with many organizations over the years including 7 years with the BC SPCA. Ms. Samuels was appointed to the Kelowna Art Gallery Board in April 2019 and is currently the Vice President of the Board and the Chair of our Advancement committee.
