Christopher McCurry

CEO, ʔaq̓am Community Enterprises

Christopher has worked for the ʔaq̓am community for six years.  He brings with him a wealth of experience in management, sales, marketing and public relations roles from the resort and tourism industry. Christopher has a diploma in resort management and four years of post secondary in education, business and economic development.

He is passionate about living and playing in mountains and has a deep love for Kootenay region. He is married and busy raising two young children in the community of Kimberley, BC.

Ryan Phillips-Clement

Business Development Assistant

Ryan Phillips-Clement was born in Cranbrook, BC and raised in the community of ʔaq̓am. Graduating from Mt. Baker Secondary in 2012, he is now looking to finish his diploma in Business Administration - Accounting at College of the Rockies. Ryan is proud to serve the community that raised him, and looks forward to working with ACE on the variety of projects that are taking shape. With a strong passion for team sports, Ryan brings a great sense of communication, teamwork, and reliability to the ACE workforce. 

Marty Williams

Board Member

Graduated from Nicola Valley Institute of Technology - Integrated Resource Management Program, Energy Tipi Pole Holder since 2011, worked in Resource Management, MInistry of Forests - Fire Protection, Silviculture, Archeaology Field Technician, Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement,  Hydro Impact Technician, served as ʔaq̓am Councillor - Ktunaxa Nation Executive Council  2012 - 2016, ʔaq̓am Community Enterprises - Board of Directors

Becky Pelkonen

Board Member

Becky comes to us with a wealth of experience in indigenous economic, business and tourism development.  She was influential in working with ʔaq̓am Council to establish ʔaq̓am Community Enterprises as previous Director of Community & Economic Development.  While also now a welcomed Board Member for ACE, she is the principal of Handspun Consulting where she continues to focus on community and economic development projects as well as in advising and coaching both business and non-profit Boards to strengthen their capacity and impact.  She is also an instructor and researcher with the College of the Rockies in both the Business and Tourism/Recreation Management Programs. 

Gord Cumming

Board Member

Gord Cumming has been an HR Leader for 35 years. Born in Ottawa ON, he attended Brock University in St. Catharines, ON and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree with First Class Honours, in Sociology. Mr. Cumming has worked in a variety of industries, providing HR leadership to both Senior Leaders and Associates. Mr. Cumming relocated to Kimberley, BC to be close to his two children and two grandchildren. Since 2019 he is the HR Manager and Privacy Officer for St. Eugene Resort.  He oversees the HR practices across the resort in addition to health and safety as well as serving on the Senior Leadership Team for the Resort. Mr. Cumming holds the Professional designation as CHRP, Certified Human Resources Professional earned in 1985. In 2011 Mr. Cumming was awarded the Professional designation of CHRE, Certified Human Resources Executive, one of only 275 who have received the designation in Canada. He lives in Kimberley with his golden retriever, Molly.