Board of Directors
Board Member Profiles
Elizabeth Zweck Von Zweckenburg, Board Chair
Elizabeth came to Smithers in 1987 and has never looked back. She enjoys both the amenities and the outdoor activities that Smithers and the surrounding area have to offer. Elizabeth spent most of her career working for the Provincial Government in the natural resource ministries. For the past 5 years, she has worked part time for the University of Northern British Columbia helping to place 3rd year medical students in rural family practice rotations throughout northwestern British Columbia. Elizabeth has also served in various volunteer capacities over the years including the Smithers Public Library, Bulkley Valley Cross Country Ski Club, Bulkley Valley Youth Soccer, Bulkley Valley Concert Association, the Bulkley Valley Backpackers Society and the Smithers Second Sheet of Ice committee. Elizabeth has a strong interest in community services and appreciates the opportunity to serve on the Smithers Community Services Association Board of Directors.
Christine Birnie, Vice Chair
Christine moved to the Bulkley Valley in 1977 as a young teacher. After a few years she moved away to go back to school and returned to Smithers in 1987 to start her career in law and to raise a family. She has worked in the criminal justice system for many years as defense counsel and as a prosecutor, and then worked in all aspects of the justice system for ten years as a provincial court judge. This is Christine’s second stint as a director with Smithers Community Services - the first being in the late 80’s. Her interest in SCSA flows from a belief that a healthy supportive community is essential to the well being of every individual and every family.
Ryan Hill, Secretary
Originally from southern Alberta, Ryan moved to Smithers in 2016. He graduated with a BA from the University of Victoria in 2011 and spent a semester abroad studying at Sciences Po in France. After taking a few years off from his studies, he went on to obtain a JD (Juris Doctor) from Dalhousie University in 2016. Throughout his studies he worked eight seasons as a wildfire fighter with the Ministry of Forests in Burns Lake and Revelstoke. Ryan enjoys the world class recreation opportunities that Smithers and the surrounding area have to offer. In his first few years in Smithers, Ryan has seen the positive impact that the SCSA has in the community and is excited to be a member of the Board.
Helga Steenhof, Treasurer
Helga grew up in Burlington, Ontario where she graduated from McMaster University with a BA in Psychology. Helga and her husband Chris moved to BC shortly after they were married, and they have never looked back. They raised their 5 children (Justin, Natasha, Aaron, Nathan and Lexa) here and whenever possible, find time to visit their twin granddaughters Brooke and Emma. Helga works at Bulkley Valley Christian School as an educator, working with high school students and as a resource worker in the Distributed Learning program. In her spare time she enjoys knitting, baking and outdoor activities. Helga has volunteered in many different capacities in the community including coaching soccer and serving as Referee in Chief for Smithers Minor Hockey. With all of her kids graduating from school, retiring from community sports, moving on to post-secondary endeavors, and getting married, Helga was looking for a different way to serve the Smithers community and applied to become a Board Member. She has really enjoyed learning more about the organization and all the ways it seeks to help those in the Smithers community and is looking forward to continuing to serve her term on the Board.
Trever Morris, Director
Trever grew up in Houston, BC, and went to university at UNBC in Prince George. He moved to Smithers in 2012. Trever and his wife Rebecca have three children (Dylan, Penelope and Evangeline). Trever is a CFP® certified financial planner and partner of FCM Financial Services Inc. Trever volunteers locally in different capacities including at the Bulkley Valley Christian School and the Smithers Chamber of Commerce. His interest in SCSA stemmed from a desire to help those who have not been given the same opportunities in life.
Lucy Gagnon, Director
Lucy was born and raised in the Bulkley Valley. Lucy recently retired from her position as Executive Director for the Witset First Nation after 17 years of employment. During this employment there were a number of capital improvements and the housing got back on track after being derailed, due to funding. Currently Lucy is the Project Manager for the Office of the Wet’suwet’en and one of her major tasks is to turn the retired Lake Kathlyn School into a Governance Centre for the Wet’suwet’en. Lucy holds the feast name of Dunen and is the bookkeeper for the Gitumden Clan, is a Director on the CFNR Radio board, is treasurer of the Wit’suwit’en Language & Culture Society, is bookkeeper for Kyah Development Corporation. Lucy has worked hard on Community Development and looks forward to working with the team at the Smithers Community Services table.
Shar McCrory, Director
Shar has lived in northern BC for 30 years. She and her daughter relocated to Smithers from Hazelton in 2020. Shar also has two sons who live and work in Hazelton. While raising her family, she has been involved in a variety of community and sport groups. Shar is also an advocate in public education and currently is school trustee for Coast Mountain School District. She works for Northern Health, supporting physicians in Smithers, Houston and Dease Lake. Shar has a strong understanding of governance and community development. She is new to the Board of Directors and looks forward to supporting the SCSA team in providing programs, wellness and housing options to people in the Bulkley Valley.
If you are interested in becoming a Board Member please contact Smithers Community Services for more information.