Staff & Board

Meet our team

Our small staff bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to this work. They are the champions supporting our many partnerships, grantees, donors, and community initiatives.

Staff members

from left to right:

Leanne Hammond

Executive Director

Lisa Deargle

Communications Director

Leanne Edwards

Financial Administrator

2025 Board of Directors 

Our volunteer board has been the strategic heart of our organization, ensuring that in our work with community organizations, we deliver real results, respond to changes in our community, and always deliver the highest ethical standards to be worthy of our public support. 

We thank our Board of Directors for generously volunteering their time and energy to lead the community foundation.

  • Senior Consultant, IG Wealth Management

    As Chair of the Board, Dominik Dlouhy brings more than two decades of volunteer leadership in Vernon to the Community Foundation North Okanagan. With a professional background in IT, engineering, and financial analysis, he combines strategic thinking with a deep, personal commitment to giving back. For Dominik, contributing to the greater good is part of his DNA, just as it is for the Foundation.

    He was drawn to CFNO because of its quiet strength: helping donors align their values with meaningful action. His aligned goals; volunteering, contributing, and adding value in the community, mirror the Foundation’s mission to support initiatives that make a lasting difference.

    Dominik has served on numerous boards and donates his time, resources, and expertise to several local nonprofit groups. His experience as a member of Vernon Search and Rescue, where he played a role in successful searches and rescues, remains one of his most rewarding forms of service.

    Whether facilitating board strategy or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, Dominik approaches every challenge with resilience, humility, and purpose. He believes in the power of collaboration and care to build a stronger North Okanagan, and leads with the conviction that real change happens when we show up, listen, and serve together.

  • Peter Moore has been an active volunteer in Vernon since 1976, dedicating his time and financial expertise to strengthening the community. As Board Treasurer and the Finance Committee Chair for the Community Foundation North Okanagan, he brings decades of financial expertise and a deep understanding of the region’s evolving needs.

    A CPA by profession, Peter believes that true community belonging comes from service. His deep-rooted commitment to philanthropy aligns with his passion for supporting those most in need. He takes particular pride in contributing to initiatives that address the challenges of a growing population and rising costs of living, ensuring that essential services remain accessible to all.

    Beyond his work with the Community Foundation, Peter has been actively involved with Kalamalka Rotary, Vernon Restholm, and Men’s Shed Vernon, supporting initiatives that foster connection and improve quality of life for local residents. His guiding philosophy is simple: “Your time and skills are worth more than money.”

  • Jacquie Gijssen has spent her career working with the nonprofit sector, championing causes that create lasting, positive impact through arts and culture, social and community services, the environment, and preserving and creating space for community. A strong advocate for engagement and philanthropy as a driver of community well-being, she joined the Community Foundation North Okanagan's Board to both learn and share her expertise, contributing to the Foundation’s growth and impact.

    Jacquie is particularly excited about the Foundation’s 50th Anniversary and the opportunity to raise awareness about its vital work across this diverse and dynamic community. She also sees a role for building understanding and commitment to impact investing, seeing it as a powerful way to deepen the reach and effectiveness of philanthropic funds. With a strategic approach and a commitment to accessibility, she seeks to build on the Foundation’s strong roots, expanding opportunities for community participation and support.

    Beyond her role with Community Foundation North Okanagan, Jacquie serves on the Vernon Jazz Club Board, is a member of 100 Women Who Care, and has previously been a member of Regional District of North Okanagan Advisory Planning Commission, and Advisor to the Sovereign Lake Nordic Club Lodge Renewal Project. Jacquie believes that belonging is about finding the people and causes that matter to you and taking an active role in shaping your community. Just as she sees the Community Foundation as an opportunity for fostering a strong, engaged North Okanagan, her advice for those looking to make a difference is straightforward: “Pick an organization or two that is active in areas you care about—and dive in!”

  • Broker Owner, RE/MAX Vernon

    As a REALTOR® and Broker Owner of RE/MAX Vernon, Krista Blankley understands the power of investing in local communities. She was inspired to join the board of the Community Foundation North Okanagan to be a part of its lasting impact—turning donations into meaningful, sustainable projects that strengthen the region. Serving on the board allows her to give back in a meaningful way, helping to support programs that create lasting positive change.

    For Krista, her community involvement started when she joined the local Kalamalka Rotary Club where she began to volunteer for the Starfish Backpack Program. One of the most powerful moments she has witnessed in philanthropy was during her time as co-chair of the program, which provides meals to students facing food insecurity. Each year, she read anonymous feedback from parents sharing how the program eased their struggles and gave them peace of mind knowing their child would have food to bring home from school. One parent’s words stayed with her: “It provides us all with confidence that we're not going to go hungry. It is a blessing.”

    These experiences reinforced just how life-changing community support can be. For Krista, it was a profound reminder that even a simple act—like filling a backpack with food—can provide more than just nourishment; it brings hope, dignity, and security to those who need it most.

    Beyond her work with the Community Foundation, Krista is an active member of the North Okanagan Realtor Committee and the Kal Rotary Local Donations Committee that both support and contribute to meaningful community initiatives. Her approach to community service is rooted in building strong relationships, giving back through volunteer work, and raising awareness of vital social programs.

    Her advice to those looking to make a difference? “Start small, but start somewhere. Whether it’s volunteering a few hours a month, supporting a local nonprofit, or mentoring someone, every action counts!”

  • Executive Director, Community Futures North Okanagan

    Leigha Horsfield believes that strong governance and strategic investment are key to building a resilient community. As a Board Director with the Community Foundation North Okanagan, she brings an economic and business development perspective, helping to shape impactful initiatives that foster inclusion, equity, and belonging.

    Her leadership in community-building extends beyond the Foundation—through her role with Community Futures, Leigha actively engages with local organizations, supporting programs that drive economic growth and social well-being. She was particularly inspired by the Community Foundation’s nimble response to COVID-19, which reinforced her belief in the power of philanthropy to create real change.

    Leigha hopes to continue strengthening the Community Foundation’s impact by ensuring thoughtful stewardship of resources and fostering collaboration. She believes that every effort—big or small—contributes to a stronger, more connected community, reminding us that “Even the smallest act of generosity helps create a better community for all.”

  • CEO, Taproot Community Support Services

    Mike Fotheringham believes that strong communities are built through connection, contribution, and collective care. As CEO of Taproot Community Support Services and an engaged community member for over 11 years, he joined the board of the Community Foundation North Okanagan to help strengthen local philanthropy and ensure vital support reaches those who need it most.

    Leading an employee-owned B Corp, Mike’s values naturally align with the Community Foundation’s mission of making positive contributions to the community. He has a deep understanding of both the opportunities and challenges in the region, shaped by his experience as a parent, a partner of a frontline healthcare worker, and his work in Indigenous communities.

    Mike is particularly passionate about fostering belonging, recognizing that “so much in our world pulls us apart, but when we work together, we are stronger.” Through his role on the board, he hopes to build on the Community Foundation’s recent momentum and learn even more about creating meaningful impact.

    Outside of his work, Mike volunteers as a youth football and high school rugby coach and remains active politically. His guiding philosophy is simple but powerful: “If not me, then who?”—a reminder that giving back is not just an opportunity, but a responsibility.

  • CPA, CA, CFO Okanagan Beverage Co./Juicing Dot Systems Inc.

    As a CPA and CFO of Okanagan Beverage Co. and Juicing Dot Systems Inc., Noelle Crombie brings both financial expertise and community-minded leadership to her role on the Community Foundation North Okanagan board. She was drawn to the Foundation after years of observing how it quietly and consistently supports vulnerable populations through impactful, local giving.

    Noelle is a founding member of the 100 Women Who Care Vernon chapter and also serves on the board of the Greater Vernon Minor Hockey Association. A natural connector, she values the relationships that philanthropy can build. With a background in sociology and finance, she brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and empathy, helping bridge the gap between resources and real-world needs.

    As a mother of young children, Noelle remains deeply connected to the challenges facing families, especially when it comes to balancing access to food, sport, and well-being. She is passionate about making nature, recreation, and healthy lifestyles accessible to everyone, recognizing the essential role that outdoor spaces play in both mental and physical health.

    Whether on the ice, in the boardroom, or in the mountains, Noelle leads with a strong belief in sustainability, connection, and community impact. She believes that “everyone, regardless of age, has valuable insights and experiences—and we need all perspectives to contribute to a vibrant community.”

  • CEO, Vernon and District Association for Community Living

    Ryan Cucheron is committed to strengthening the North Okanagan by ensuring local organizations have the resources they need to thrive. As CEO of the Vernon and District Association for Community Living, he understands firsthand the vital role that philanthropy plays in supporting essential programs and services. Drawn to the Foundation’s mission, he joined the board to help uplift other organizations and contribute to the well-being of the region.

    Ryan sees CFNO as a key pillar in sustaining and enhancing local programs, not just through funding, but by fostering connections and collaboration. His experience in the nonprofit sector has given him a deep appreciation for the power of charitable giving and the impact it can have on people’s lives. One of his most meaningful experiences with philanthropy comes each year at the Smart & Caring Community Grants event, where he witnesses firsthand how funding helps turn ideas into action.

    Beyond his role with the Foundation, Ryan engages with many local organizations through his work, always looking for ways to create opportunities and strengthen community ties. He believes in giving back to make things better for all, and encourages others to get involved by finding causes that resonate with them and taking an active role.

    Recently, Ryan achieved a personal milestone, completing his Master’s Degree in Community Development. His advice for those looking to make a difference? “Give your time and get connected with things you care about.”