By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Feb 13, 2015
Four community members have joined the Squamish Community Foundation as board of directors. Ron Sanders, Darren Roberts, Deidre Plaatjes, and Larry McLennan joined the board at a critical time in its development, said the foundation’s chair Doug Hackett.
“We would like to see everyone take pride in the fact that as we build our endowment, we also have the opportunity to enrich our community,” said new director Darren Roberts. Here is more information about the new board members.
Ron Sander – is the VP, Major Project and Environment of Neptune Bulk Terminals in North Vancouver. Before joining Neptune in 2010, Ron worked as the Operations Manager of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, managing operations, capital projects and planning for the 2010 Olympics. Ron just completed his three-year term as Councilor with the District of Squamish;
Darren Roberts – is a self-directed executive with extensive experience in business development, strategic marketing, sales operations and project management, Darren is quick to absorb new trends with a special focus on strategy. He is currently the Publisher of The Squamish Chief and Vice-President of Whistler Publishing Partnerships Ltd. Darren is passionate about philanthropy, having spent four years heavily involved with the Community Foundation of Whistler;
Deidre Plaatjes – was born in Cape Town, South Africa but has called Squamish home for the past 40 years. Deidre has worked at Quest University for the past seven years and has been volunteering in Squamish since 1990 primarily with the volunteer Centre, Chamber of Commerce, and Big Brothers/Big Sisters Organization. She also sits on the Board of the Squamish Historical Society;
Larry McLennan is a Professional Accountant (RPA) with RIA/CMA designation, Larry has owned a private accounting practice in Squamish for 25 years. Larry is currently Treasurer of the Sea to Sky Forestry Society President and a member of the Squamish Lions Club.
Established in 2003, the Squamish Community Foundation is managed by 11 volunteer directors. Endowment funds are invested and the interest earned each year is granted to qualifying community groups. From 2004 to 2014 the Foundation has granted a total
of $188,000 back into the Squamish community. The Foundation produces the Vital Signs report, which was last published in 2014.
