Harry Jennings, President
Harry Jennings has been involved in arts and culture in Williams Lake for several years as Town Crier, Quintet Plus choir member, Studio Theatre actor and executive, Community Band tuba player, Community Arts Council of Williams Lake President, Treasurer and Director, Elvis tribute artist, Performances in the Park MC, and audience member/supporter at untold events. He was one of several directors at the initiation of the CCACS in 2010.
He started making Williams Lake his home in 1996 after stops in Chatham, Ontario (birthplace); High Prairie, Alberta; Fort Frances, Ontario; and Kenora, Ontario; intending to stay here a few years and he’s still here, loving it. Lately, since mostly retiring, he’s also taken on the role of Big Brother, and singer to the Seniors, regularly entertaining at Senior’s Village, Cariboo Place and Deni House.
Thomas Schoen, Vice-President
Thomas Schoen, a native of Germany, immigrated to BC in 1993 where he established the award-winning Xats’ull Heritage Village as one of BC’s premier First Nations Tourism sites. He restored and successfully operated two businesses in Barkerville Historic Town, the St. George Hotel and McMahon’s Confectionery.
Thomas, a settler Canadian hailing from Williams Lake, on the traditional and unceded territory of the Secwépemc. As the CEO of First Journey Consulting, a trail planning and construction company, Thomas is passionate about crafting extraordinary experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
In addition to his professional endeavors, Thomas is the President of the Cariboo Mountain Bike Consortium, where he channels his passion for biking and community development. He is also a co-founder of the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program, an initiative close to his heart that empowers the next generation of Indigenous youth through outdoor recreation.
As a director for the Cariboo Arts and Culture Society and CC CARES, Thomas is dedicated to giving back to his community. When he’s not making a difference, you’ll find him soaring through the air with his paraglider, taking in the breathtaking vistas of the Cariboo.
Erich Zirnhelt, Treasurer
Despite building a family in Toronto, Erich’s always felt the call of his Cariboo roots, and in 2008 Joanne (Meyrick) and he moved “back” here to raise their children. This started in Horsefly, but the demands of teenager activities led them into Williams Lake in 2014. While in Horsefly, Erich often volunteered with Arts on the Fly, and fell in love with the local arts community.
Erich’s been working in IT for over twenty-five years, in various roles with several enterprise software vendors based out of the US. It’s this foundation of “remote work” that granted him the flexibility to choose to live in the Cariboo.
Fawn Wiebe, Secretary
Fawn Wiebe is a finance professional with expertise in non-profit and government. Born in the lower mainland and raised in the Cariboo, Fawn has attended Thompson Rivers University for studies in business and management. She is currently pursuing her accounting designation with CPA Western School of Business.
Fawn is passionate about supporting arts and culture in the Cariboo. She regularly volunteers her time with various events and organizations around the City and is enthusiastic in her support of our community’s exposure and opportunities to arts and culture. In her spare time, Fawn enjoys photography, painting and music.
Lindsey Brise, Director
Lindsey Brise has been calling Williams Lake home since the fall of 2019. Attracted by the small town vibes and accessible outdoors, she jumped at the opportunity to relocate for work. Lindsey currently works at the Williams Lake Optometry as an optometrist where she enjoys meeting patients and learning more about the area. Having attended optometry school in Memphis Tennessee, Lindsey is a lover of everything live music and is excited to support the local arts. In her spare time you can find her out on the bike trails or cross country skiing at Bull Mountain.
Matt Granlund, Director
Matt Granlund was invited to audition for a Williams Lake Studio Theatre production within weeks of moving to Williams Lake, and he’s been an active participant in the club ever since. He is a dedicated songwriter and musician and performs locally as a solo artist and with his band 10 Day Notice. Matt has been delighted to transition from his work in Poverty law into management of the long-running music store The Guitar Seller, where his passion for community service continues to be expressed.
Stacey Poirier, Director
Stacey was born and raised in Williams Lake and is proud to call this beautiful city home. Her one true love is found in the local theatre company; Williams Lake Studio Theatre Society and she has been a stage goonie for 32 years after performing for the first time at age 6. Nourishing the arts of every shape and form is pivotal in creating a thriving community so when she was nominated for a Board position with CCACS, Stacey accepted immediately. Learning the inner machinations of this Society has given her a better understanding and appreciation for the immense Arts and Culture community that exists in Williams Lake.
Emma Swabey, Director
A settler Canadian born and raised on the Prairies, Emma Swabey (she/her/they) relocated to Williams Lake in 2019, drawn by the Cariboo’s accessible outdoor adventures—mountain biking, climbing, paddling, and more. The region’s vibrant arts, culture, and community events quickly made it feel like home.
With over 13 years in natural resource management, environmental science, and program development, Emma brings a wealth of experience to her endeavors. In 2024, she transitioned from a government career to launch Delve Recycled, a sustainability studio offering consulting, facilitation, and small-scale recycling services.
Emma embraced the opportunity to join the CCACS board to support the organization behind many of Williams Lake’s prominent arts and culture events and to learn from seasoned directors about non-profit governance and operations. Her community involvement includes active roles with the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society, the local branch of the BC Institute of Agrologists, Williams Lake Cycling Club, Streets for All Williams Lake, and the Williams Lake Climbing Association.
STAFF
C. Melissa Normandin, Executive Director
Hailing from the vast expanse of the “Land of the Living Skies” in the heart of the prairies, Melissa’s journey into the arts began amidst the endless horizons and boundless horizons of her childhood. From a tender age, she immersed herself in the world of expression, finding joy in the rhythm of dance and the melody of song. As she grew, Melissa’s passion for the arts flourished, leading her to join choral groups and even spend two transformative summers with the esteemed Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company’s youth program, RWB School. Transitioning into adulthood, Melissa continued her journey in the exploration of her passion for arts journalism, co-hosting a locally aired arts programming cable show. Her creative endeavors have extended further, including an audition for Canadian Idol and forays into fashion and design blogging, adding dynamic layers to her artistic pursuits.
In 2016, Melissa’s path led her to the vibrant community of Williams Lake, where she found a new canvas upon which to paint her passions. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Melissa’s interests span the spectrum, from nurturing her garden and exploring the intricacies of novice beekeeping to embracing her role as a shepherdess, attuned to the rhythms of the land.
With a wealth of professional experience spanning diverse administrative and planning roles, Melissa brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to her role within the Central Cariboo community. With experience garnered from institutions like the Government of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, and Emily Carr University of Art + Design, she possesses a profound understanding of the nuanced interplay and balance between creativity and effective organizational administration essential for achieving success.
Above all, Melissa takes immense pride in the vibrant arts and cultural landscape that thrives within the Central Cariboo community. From the captivating visual arts to the enchanting performances that grace its stages, she celebrates the rich tapestry of talent and heritage that defines this remarkable region. Inspired by its limitless creativity and enduring spirit, Melissa eagerly embraces her role as a steward of arts and culture in her role as Executive Director, dedicated to nurturing its growth and fostering a legacy of artistic excellence for generations to come through the work of the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society.
Sophie Galván, Arts Centre Administrator
Sophie moved from Ottawa, Ontario to Williams Lake in early 2023 after having left a 30 year career in 3 of Ottawa post-secondary institutions. She names this next step her “semi-retired life” where she gets to do all the fun things both in work and in play!
After arriving, she quickly began to seek opportunities and experiences in the community that would lead to learning more about Williams Lake’s rich history and enjoying everything the region has to offer. One offering in particular led to her auditioning at the Williams Lake Studio Theatre where she became a cast member of the play Mamma Mia! during the Studio Theatre’s 2023-24 season. Having enjoyed this first experience so much, she auditioned again and became part of the cast of another musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, which is part of the Studio’s 70th season. She is grateful for the opportunities not only to perform, but to be part of this community of wonderful and talented people.
Sophie’s love of the arts combined with her experience in building collaborative relationships and providing great customer experience led her to join the Arts Centre team in early 2024. She deeply enjoys meeting the many users of the Arts Centre, and Arts and Culture groups at large in our community.
