Accessibility Tools

Staff Directory


Jennifer Wetmore, Executive Director

Jennifer Wetmore took on the role of Executive Director of CFBC in October 2025. She previously served as General Manager at Community Futures Boundary and as a Managers' Representative on the CFBC Board.

With over 35 years of professional experience, Jennifer brings extensive expertise in community economic development, project and people management, training design, and sales and marketing. Her career has been grounded in building strong, resilient rural communities through collaborative and innovative approaches.

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia, a Marketing Management credential from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, and a Graduate Certificate in Workplace Innovation from Royal Roads University.

A long-standing champion of the Community Futures program, Jennifer has held multiple leadership roles within the network. She played a pivotal role in supporting small businesses during the 2018 flooding disaster in the Boundary region and currently leads CFBC’s Rural Resiliency Initiative, a province-wide effort focused on economic continuity and recovery planning for rural businesses.

Passionate about rural development and grassroots community economic development, Jennifer has also served on the Board of the Grand Forks and District Credit Union and has volunteered with numerous non-profit organizations throughout the Boundary region. Her work is deeply informed by her interest in what fosters long-term resiliency in rural communities.


Catherine Simmons, Executive Assistant

As the Executive Assistant, Catherine provides administrative support to the Board and various committees associated with Community Futures BC. Originally from the UK, Catherine immigrated to Canada in 2002 and has lived in Mission BC since that time. Her background is 15 years in Biotech project support as a scientist and an administrator. She is interested in amateur photography.


Brandi Butts, Project Manager

Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program

As an entrepreneur with a disability herself, Brandi learned to navigate through life's obstacles, discovering her passion for project management and entrepreneurship along the way. Driven by a deep sense of purpose and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs with disabilities, Brandi has an unwavering commitment to breaking down barriers and creating an environment for aspiring entrepreneurs with disabilities to develop their ideas into successful ventures.

Brandi’s expertise in project planning, resource allocation, and management ensures the smooth execution of initiatives and the delivery of impactful services to EDP participants. Recognizing the significance of business acumen in driving social change, Brandi pursued additional certifications in Project Management, Business Coaching, Developmental Lending, GBA+, Diversity and Inclusion and Economic Reconciliation, expanding her skill set and knowledge base.

Prior to her position as Project Manager, Brandi was a certified business coach for CFBC Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program, CFBC Shuswap Tsuts’weye Women’s Entrepreneur & Innovation Network and The Consulting Hive. She facilitated Take the Stage Leadership Communication Program through WeBC She has also created and facilitated multiple business skills workshops including a series of new business start-up modules for entrepreneurs and an Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Peer Mentorship program. 

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Jennifer Paulus, Program/Project Coordinator

Jennifer brings a wealth of experience from both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, having held diverse roles in management and non-managerial roles. After over a decade in the insurance industry, including as an instructor for the Insurance Brokers Association of BC, Jennifer pivoted to event and volunteer management. Her journey has seen her support a range of clients and transition into the post-secondary sector, as a program coordinator, enhancing operations and the student experience through collaboration on committees and working groups. A lifelong learner, Jennifer holds qualifications in business and legal administration, project management, insurance, event and volunteer management, coaching, leadership, and management.


Manuel Olguin

Business Advisor 

From 2012 to 2021 Manuel served as the Business Development Officer for Community Futures Nicola Valley. He provided customized business training and counselling services to the Nicola Valley businesses. He was responsible for the planning, marketing, coordination and administration of the Lending Program; and the counselling and monitoring of clients. Manuel is a strong advocate of entrepreneurialism and small business.

Since 2015, Manuel has been volunteering at Junior Achievement Canada delivering numerous classes to elementary and high school students. His main goal is to educate students and inspire them to achieve their highest potential. Originally from Mexico, Manuel has lived in Canada for the past 11 years and thoroughly enjoys the opportunity to be able to work with existing and potential entrepreneurs to help find solutions to their business needs.


David Mitchell

Business Advisor

Until recently David was the General Manager with Community Futures Mt. Waddington (2009 to 2021).  During his time with CFMW the organization built a solid record of community economic development projects and an Investment Loan Fund that enjoys a level of activity like regions of the province with much larger populations. 

During his time with CFMW David also served 3 years on the Board of Community Futures British Columbia. Prior to joining Community Futures David enjoyed a 25-year career with the Provincial Government.  

Over his career with government, David held several positions in various ministries, including Director of Employment Programs for Persons with Disabilities and Director of Intergovernmental Relations for the Ministry of Human Resources.  In this position David negotiated extensively, on a number of key federal-provincial funding programs, with senior federal officials.   David was the driving force behind a new national funding framework for employment programs for persons with disabilities, which was introduced in 2002. David recently moved back to Victoria after spending 15 years on the North Island.


Kristi MacGillivray

Business Advisor

Kristi has been a dedicated part of the Community Futures network since 1991, helping entrepreneurs build stronger, more resilient businesses. With deep expertise in business planning, coaching, and financial forecasting, she works closely with clients to build confidence, clarity, and strategic direction.

As a member of the Community Futures BC team, Kristi supports participants in the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program (EDP), guiding them as they develop and implement growth strategies tailored to their unique needs.

When she's not supporting small business success, Kristi recharges by gardening, boating, or hiking her favorite South Kootenay trails.


Cheryl Fast

Business Advisor

Cheryl is passionate about helping businesses grow and thrive. She offers strategic planning, customized training, and consulting services to small businesses and the organizations that support them. In addition to her work with companies, educational institutions, and economic development initiatives, Cheryl has been an active contributor to the Community Futures network in various roles and regions since 2007.

She currently serves as a Business Advisor with Community Futures BC Accessible Entrepreneurship Services, supporting the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities and Pride in Entrepreneurship programs.

Contact

Community Futures British Columbia
33163 2nd Ave
Mission, BC  V2V 6T8
  1-604-289-4222
 

About Community Futures British Columbia

logo whiteCFBC is the provincial association for the Community Futures Development Corporation. Since 1992 we've been fostering entrepreneurship and economic development in rural BC through our 34 member offices. Learn More

RECONCILIATION STATEMENT

Community Futures British Columbia is dedicated to promoting Truth and Reconciliation while fostering Indigenous inclusion in BC's economy. We support Indigenous entrepreneurs, celebrating their success and prosperity through diverse, equitable, and collaborative programs that contribute to more inclusive communities.

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