Our Board
Kerri Keeler (Chair)
Kerri is the Principal and Owner of TallSky Consulting Group, and manages a team of full-time consultants and a practice that focuses on providing recruitment support and human resources expertise and partnership to business owners, indigenous and non-profit (including health services) organizations. As a Certified Management Consultant, she ensures their work meets the highest ethical and professional standards.
Kerri has previous Board experience with the Motorcycle Ride for Dad (former name) and as a Board Member and Registrar for a community Little League organization for several years. Through her work, she frequently supports and provides guidance to the Boards of many of her clients, working directly with the Chair and select committees.
Her interest in the Creating Community Wellness Society reflects her personal belief that every person deserves access to quality health care. She is honored to support the Creating Community Wellness Society as the chair of the CCWS Board.
Kim Heyman (Treasurer)
Kim is a retired municipal administrator, as well a retired Director of Policy for the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. Kim has twenty five years of experience of overseeing all aspects of municipal management while liaising between elected council and staff to ensure the direction of council and/or the board of directors was fulfilled.
Kim was previously the chair of the boys and girls club in St. Paul, Alberta. Prior to moving to Alberta, Kim was a Finance Officer for the Municipal Finance Authority of BC.
Her involvement in the Creating Community Wellness Society is a reflection of her belief that those in our community who are less fortunate need a hand up as well as a hand out.
Lyn Stewart (Secretary)
A resident of Victoria since 2008, Lyn has been a dedicated volunteer with the Creating Community Wellness Society (CCWS) since 2017. Deeply committed to the belief that everyone deserves consistent and accessible healthcare, Lyn brings both passion and practical experience to the board.
With over 25 years of experience in the finance sector, Lyn has held a variety of roles and currently works with a financial advisory firm. Her financial expertise initially supported CCWS in the role of Treasurer and continues to contribute meaningfully to the organization’s operations. She currently serves as Secretary for CCWS, combining her professional skills with a strong commitment to community wellness.
Beyond her professional and volunteer work, Lyn is a strong advocate for physical fitness and healthy aging. A year-round cycling commuter and regular gym-goer, she leads by example and encourages others to embrace physical activity as a key to long-term health and well-being.
Joyce Rankin
Joyce Rankin, MBA, CACE, has been a member of VCHC since 2009. She developed the first business plan for the co-op in 2010 and went on to be Chair of the Board in 2011. Since then, she has focused on her social enterprise and consulting activities, while continuing to write numerous proposals on behalf of the co-op. In 2022 she was invited to develop a new strategic plan. She has 38 years of experience in social enterprise, organizational development and financial management. She became Chair again in June 2023.
Kim Dixon
Kim has been the Executive Director of James Bay New Horizons since 1995. In this position, the Centre has been able to provide programs, activities, support and advocacy to seniors in the community.
During her time in Cold Lake, Alberta, she worked to establish the first military Family and Community Support Services (now known as Military Family Resource Centres) in Medley, Alberta.
She has had the privilege to sit on several Boards for non profit organizations including;
Western Communities Seniors Low-Cost Housing Society, Beckley Farm Lodge Society, Target Theatre, Victoria Accessibility BC Act committee, Building Resilient Neighbourhoods, Committee member REMP (Regional Emergency Management Program) and the Community Mobilization and Response team and other organizations..
She has been recognized with the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award,
The AMSSA Diversity Awards recognizing member organizations, staff and volunteers for innovative contributions to diversity and inclusion in BC, Victoria’s Honorary Citizen Award and the VIATEC Covid Hero’s award for “exceptional contributions” during the COVID-19 pandemic. This past spring she was presented with the King Charles Coronation Medal for her exceptional community work with seniors.
Mary Gradnitzer
Mary is a retired Community Health Nurse. She has a wealth of non-profit experience including with the following organizations: Quesnel Women’s Resource Centre, Baker Creek Enhancement Society, Cariboo Regional Health Board, Quesnel Child Development Centre
She is honoured to support Creating Community Wellness Society in providing health services, education and advocacy for people needing to navigate through the medical system especially if you do not have a doctor.
Kim Duffus (Executive Director)
Kim began her nursing career in Regina, Saskatchewan, before moving to Victoria in 1984. Over the past four decades, she has served as a nurse educator and administrator, primarily in non-profit, community-based organizations. Her work has focused on health and human services, with a strong commitment to developing and managing services that support seniors. Kim currently contributes her expertise through roles with CCWS and Qualicare Home Care.
Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with her family—especially her two grandsons—as well as practicing yoga, gardening, reading, and pursuing lifelong learning.