Our People

As a member-driven organization, directors are elected by the membership to provide governance oversight and guide the Chamber’s direction, grounded in the needs of local businesses and community organizations.

With 25 years of experience in sales and marketing across the fashion, food, and beauty industries, Noémie brings a deep understanding of both big-brand business and the unique challenges faced by small, rural entrepreneurs. After relocating to Pender Island, she launched Pacifique Skin & Scalp Therapy, where she now offers advanced natural skin and hair loss treatments. As a small business owner navigating both growth and disability, Noémie brings empathy, creativity, and real-world insight to the Chamber board. She also serves on the board of The Pender Post Society and is passionate about fostering collaboration, visibility, and support for the island’s local businesses.

With more than 30 years in the esthetics and skincare industry, Daunne brings a wealth of experience, passion, and warmth to her work on Pender Island through her business, Ello Medi Spa. A second-generation esthetician who has now passed the trade on to her daughter, Daunne is proud to continue a family legacy of helping people feel their best. Having trained and taught in several countries, her career has taken her far and wide, but she’s happiest here at home on Pender, where she offers advanced skincare and esthetic treatments from her cozy studio. When she’s not in the treatment room, you’ll likely find her out walking or hiking one of Pender’s many trails.

Melody has called Pender Island home since 2006, when she arrived to take on the role of Human Resources Manager at Poets Cove. Since then, she’s become a familiar face in the community and a strong advocate for the Southern Gulf Islands. Melody is the Executive Director of both the SGI Community Resource Centre and the SGI Neighbourhood House, which she helped to found. With a background in finance, HR, and community development, she brings valuable experience to her long-time role on the Chamber board, always working to build strong partnerships and support local needs across the islands.

Mary is the owner of Hurricane Home Services on Pender Island and brings extensive leadership and governance experience to the Chamber board. Over the years, she has worked across government, regulatory, business, and non-profit sectors in BC, Yukon, Saskatchewan, and internationally. Her background includes strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, policy development, and community consultation, along with experience running her own businesses, including a restaurant. Mary is passionate about supporting Pender Island through collaboration, strong governance, and building connections within the community.

Carolyn is the owner of Talisman Books & Gallery on Pender Island, an independent bookstore offering new and used books along with a selection of local art, pottery, glass, woodwork, and handmade items. The shop has become a familiar stop for both residents and visitors looking to browse books and locally made work. Through her business, Carolyn supports local artists and makers while contributing to the island’s small business community. She brings a practical, community-minded perspective to the Chamber board and an appreciation for the role small businesses play in island life.

Joyce is actively involved in community initiatives on Pender Island, including Housing NOW and the Pender Island Food Bank. Through Housing NOW, she supports efforts to connect local workers with affordable housing opportunities across the Southern Gulf Islands using a community-based home share model. She is also involved with the Pender Island Food Bank, a long-running volunteer organization that provides weekly food support to island residents in need. Joyce brings a strong commitment to community wellbeing and a practical understanding of the challenges facing island communities.

Matthew is president of the Pender Post Society and has quickly become involved in a number of community organizations since moving to Pender Island a few years ago. In addition to the Pender Post Society, he has contributed to the Otter Bay Arts and Media Society, Moving Around Pender Alternative Transportation Society, Scouts, and the Pender Island Parent Advisory Committee. Matthew has helped rebuild the structure and direction of the Pender Post newsletter and has led projects focused on improving communication and community information sharing. He brings a collaborative, action-oriented approach to the Chamber board.

Sherry is the owner of VIP Relocation Services, helping retirees and others relocate to Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands with confidence and ease. Taking a community-first approach, she connects clients with trusted local resources and professionals while helping them find the right fit for their lifestyle and goals. Sherry brings experience in real estate, technology, economic development, and community leadership, with volunteer involvement including Rotary, 100 Women Fraser Valley, the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society, and the Pender Island Legion. She is passionate about strengthening connections among local businesses and creating opportunities for collaboration both locally and regionally.

Kye is the owner of Dog Mermaid Eco Excursions, Kayak Rentals & Retreats, the only Indigenous-owned and operated ecotourism business in the Southern Gulf Islands. Based on Pender Island since 2011, Dog Mermaid offers guided outdoor experiences, kayak rentals, retreats, yoga, and youth eco camps that help connect visitors with the natural environment and island way of life. Kye is passionate about sharing a love of the outdoors, creating meaningful visitor experiences, and encouraging people to explore the coast respectfully and responsibly. Through her work, she contributes to the island’s tourism economy while bringing a unique perspective rooted in community, culture, and the environment.

Heather is a realtor with Macdonald Realty and a long-time Pender Island homeowner with a strong connection to the Gulf Islands community. Originally from BC, Heather has lived in several cities across Canada and abroad before returning to Pender Island with her husband, where they have owned a home for more than 20 years. Much of her professional background has been in venue and facility management within the performing arts sector, where she developed strong organizational and people skills. Heather brings a thoughtful, community-minded approach to her real estate work, along with a deep appreciation for island life and the unique character of the Southern Gulf Islands.