Brenda Josephs
President
Originally from Manitoba, Brenda grew up in Calgary, AB and spent the first part of her career in the golf and hospitality industry in Calgary and Chilliwack, BC. After returning to Calgary in 2002, she worked as an Executive Director for seniors in independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Her experience exemplifies her passion for supporting seniors and their families to navigate the challenges of aging with dignity and grace. A lifelong learner, Brenda completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Gerontology in 2018 and has completed several courses in supporting people living with dementia and their care partners. Brenda also served as the Chair of the IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer’s for 3 years.
Tracy MacDonald
Vice President
Tracy is a former nurse and retired health care executive, who enjoyed a career spanning 40 years. She obtained her Nursing Degree from Queens University, and her Master’s in Health Administration from Ottawa University, as well as being a Certified Health Executive. She has governance experience in both education and health care at a provincial, national, and international level. She has worked in senior leadership roles across the county in multi-system healthcare organizations overseeing operations in acute & long-term care and community. Her work with seniors in this capacity has contributed to her knowledge of the challenges facing seniors served by SOSS. Tracy’s strategic planning and quality management skills are an asset to the Board, and she served on the Board of Directors for the Kelowna Senior Citizens’ Society before its union with SOSS. Tracy and her husband, Brian, have made Kelowna their home and they enjoy spending time at their cabin in the Chilcotin, with hiking, fishing, and kayaking.
Evelyn Burnett
Treasurer
Evelyn was born and raised in Calgary, AB where she completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree and her Certified Professional Accountant designation (CPA). She spent her career in the oil and gas industry, gradually assuming more responsibility and expanding her role until she took on the Chief Financial Officer role at several junior oil and gas companies. Her son’s involvement in athletics resulted in her volunteering as both Treasurer and President at a Calgary Athletics Club as well as Business and Finance Directorships at Athletics Alberta. After retiring, she was finally able to fulfill her dream of moving to the Okanagan where she enjoys hiking, golfing and making new friends. Her financial skills and experience are an excellent benefit to SOSS and its service to seniors.
Ed Stephens
Director
Ed retired from a 40-year career working in the private and public sectors as a Project Management Professional, Professional Engineer, and manager. He led operations
and project teams to effectively deliver major, multi-disciplinary projects for transportation, commercial, industrial, residential, educational and defense infrastructure. His experience included all phases of project planning and implementation, including budget preparation, initiation, execution, monitoring, construction administration and close-out for feasibility studies, preliminary, design, and design-build assignments. Since moving to the Okanagan in 2015, Ed has been a leader within the community, including serving as Director for Seniors Outreach Service Society for 2 years, Vice President of the Greater Westside Board of Trade for 5 years, and Secretary for Crossing Creek Community Theatre for 1 year.
Karen Erickson
Director
Karen co-runs a mother/daughter financial planning team at IG Private Wealth Management. Karen obtained her Certified Financial Planner (CFA) designation in 2007 and during her 25-year career at IG Private Wealth Management, has been an Administrator, Advisor, Division Director and Regional Director and now back to Senior Executive Consultant since 2019. She served the maximum term of 6 years on the Board of Directors for United Way continuing her work with them by serving on numerous committees that supported their fundraising and community investments. She was also on the organizing board and a host for the Alzheimer’s Walk for many years and volunteered and fundraised for our local food bank. Karen was looking for her next volunteer role that aligned with her values when she joined the SOSS board. Her financial planning team deals primarily with seniors and their services, so she is well versed with the needs of the population.
Craig Garries
Director
Craig is a seasoned business leader with a career spanning over four decades in corporate and entrepreneurial roles. He spent 30 years in national senior management with Acklands- Grainger, leading initiatives in general management, sales, marketing, and branch development across Canada. In 2010, Craig transitioned to business ownership, founding PostNet West Kelowna. Under his leadership, the startup grew into a successful provider of printing, signage, graphic design, and courier services until its sale in 2023 upon his retirement. Beyond his professional roles, Craig held leadership positions with the Greater Westside Board of Trade, including Director and Past President, and represented the organization on the YLW Airport Advisory Board and the Central Okanagan Economic Development Committee. He also served as a board director and past President of the Kelowna Sunrise Rotary Club. Known for his strategic vision and community-minded leadership, Craig has made a lasting impact on the corporate, small business and community service sectors.
Julia Blasl
Director
Julia is a marketing and brand leader, currently serving as Brand Manager at Quails’ Gate Winery. Originally from Ontario, she came west for a summer sales program and chose to make the Okanagan her home. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Windsor and certificates from the Canadian Marketing Association. Julia has built her career in the wine and hospitality industry through progressive roles in digital marketing and brand management, with a focus on strategic planning, product development, and revenue growth across multiple channels. Her experience includes launching new brands, repositioning portfolios, and supporting long‑term market expansion, with an emphasis on creating welcoming, community‑focused experiences. She is actively involved in the local wine industry and is passionate about supporting organizations that strengthen community connection, access, and well‑being. In her free time, Julia enjoys hiking and exploring the local food and wine scene.
Robert Evans
Director
Robert recently completed a distinguished career spanning over 40 years as a Registered Professional Planner and Registered Professional Landscape Architect, with the majority of his career spent in British Columbia. His experience has included senior leadership roles in the land development sector, municipal government and private consulting. Robert successfully built his consulting practice into a recognized leader in the marketplace, ultimately leading to its acquisition by a large multinational firm. He subsequently served as a national director with the company, providing leadership on projects across Canada and Internationally. Throughout his career, Robert has balanced his business interests with a strong commitment to giving back to his community. His volunteer leadership has included serving as President of the BC Society of Landscape Architects, Board member Canadian Society of Landscape Architects, President Downtown Kelowna Association, Chair of the Kelowna Gospel Mission, Chair of the Kelowna Christian School, and Board member of both the City of Kelowna Planning Commission and Kelowna Arts Foundation. Robert brings to his community a unique combination of professional expertise, business leadership, and a longstanding commitment to public service.
Ian Gerbrandt
Executive Director
Ian has dedicated his career to strengthening communities and supporting people at every stage of life through quality social services. He has a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Manitoba and Bachelor of Arts in social research from Brandon University. Ian has managed community-based social services and recreation programs for three decades. His professional background includes leadership roles with Boys & Girls Clubs of Winnipeg, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kamloops & Region, OneSky Community Resources in Penticton, and United Way in Winnipeg and Kelowna. Ian currently serves as a member of the Provincial Leadership Council for Community-Based Seniors Services. Outside of work, Ian is active with sports, paddling, and spending time with his family in the Okanagan.