Harry Jennings, President
Harry Jennings has been involved in arts and culture in Williams Lake for several years as Town Crier, Quintet Plus choir member, Studio Theatre actor and executive, Community Band tuba player, Community Arts Council of Williams Lake President, Treasurer and Director, Elvis tribute artist, Performances in the Park MC, and audience member/supporter at untold events. He was one of several directors at the initiation of the CCACS in 2010.
He started making Williams Lake his home in 1996 after stops in Chatham, Ontario (birthplace); High Prairie, Alberta; Fort Frances, Ontario; and Kenora, Ontario; intending to stay here a few years and he’s still here, loving it. Lately, since mostly retiring, he’s also taken on the role of Big Brother, and singer to the Seniors, regularly entertaining at Senior’s Village, Cariboo Place and Deni House.
Erich Zirnhelt, Treasurer
Despite building a family in Toronto, Erich’s always felt the call of his Cariboo roots, and in 2008 Joanne (Meyrick) and he moved “back” here to raise their children. This started in Horsefly, and after a stint in Williams Lake to support their daughters through their teen years, they’ve returned to Horsefly — completing the circle.
Erich’s been working in IT for over twenty-five years, in various roles with several enterprise software vendors based out of the US. It’s this foundation of “remote work” that granted him the flexibility to choose to live in the Cariboo.
Fawn Wiebe, Secretary
Fawn Wiebe is a finance professional with expertise in non-profit and government. Born in the lower mainland and raised in the Cariboo, Fawn has attended Thompson Rivers University for studies in business and management. She is currently pursuing her accounting designation with CPA Western School of Business.
Fawn is passionate about supporting arts and culture in the Cariboo. She regularly volunteers her time with various events and organizations around the City and is enthusiastic in her support of our community’s exposure and opportunities to arts and culture. In her spare time, Fawn enjoys photography, painting and music.
Matt Granlund, Director
Matt Granlund was invited to audition for a Williams Lake Studio Theatre production within weeks of moving to Williams Lake, and he’s been an active participant in the club ever since. He is a dedicated songwriter and musician and performs locally as a solo artist and with his band 10 Day Notice. Matt has been delighted to transition from his work in Poverty law into management of the long-running music store The Guitar Seller, where his passion for community service continues to be expressed.
Stacey Poirier, Director
Stacey was born and raised in Williams Lake and is proud to call this beautiful city home. Her one true love is found in the local theatre company; Williams Lake Studio Theatre Society and she has been a stage goonie for 32 years after performing for the first time at age 6. Nourishing the arts of every shape and form is pivotal in creating a thriving community so when she was nominated for a Board position with CCACS, Stacey accepted immediately. Learning the inner machinations of this Society has given her a better understanding and appreciation for the immense Arts and Culture community that exists in Williams Lake.
Emma Swabey, Director
A settler Canadian born and raised on the Prairies, Emma Swabey (she/her/they) relocated to Williams Lake in 2019, drawn by the Cariboo’s accessible outdoor adventures—mountain biking, climbing, paddling, and more. The region’s vibrant arts, culture, and community events quickly made it feel like home.
With over 13 years in natural resource management, environmental science, and program development, Emma brings a wealth of experience to her endeavors. In 2024, she transitioned from a government career to launch Delve Recycled, a sustainability studio offering consulting, facilitation, and small-scale recycling services.
Emma embraced the opportunity to join the CCACS board to support the organization behind many of Williams Lake’s prominent arts and culture events and to learn from seasoned directors about non-profit governance and operations. Her community involvement includes active roles with the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society, the local branch of the BC Institute of Agrologists, Williams Lake Cycling Club, Streets for All Williams Lake, and the Williams Lake Climbing Association.
STAFF
C. Melissa Normandin, Executive Director
Melissa grew up in the “Land of the Living Skies” on the Canadian prairies, where her early love of the arts took shape through dance, music, and performance. As a young artist, she participated in choral groups and spent two summers in the youth program at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Her creative interests later expanded into arts journalism, where she co-hosted a locally aired arts programming cable show, along with projects in fashion and design blogging.
In 2016, Melissa moved to Williams Lake and found a new community to channel her passion for arts and culture. Outside of her professional work, she enjoys gardening, researching family genealogy, and studying the Irish language.
Melissa brings a diverse background in administration and planning to her work with the arts sector, with experience at the Government of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, and Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Today, as Executive Director of the Central Cariboo Arts and Culture Society, she is dedicated to supporting and celebrating the vibrant creative community of the Central Cariboo.
Sophie Galván, Arts Centre Administrator
After a 30-year career working in post-secondary institutions in Ottawa, Sophie moved to Williams Lake in early 2023 in search of a different pace of life and new community connections. She jokingly refers to this chapter as her “semi-retired life,” though she quickly discovered that “semi-retired” can still involve a surprising number of adventures.
Shortly after arriving, Sophie found her way into the local arts scene and onto the stage with the Williams Lake Studio Theatre, performing in Mamma Mia! and later Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Through these experiences, she discovered not only a love of performing but also a deep appreciation for the creativity and generosity of the Cariboo arts community.
In early 2024, Sophie joined the Central Cariboo Arts Centre as Administrator. She enjoys supporting the many artists, groups, and organizations who use the space and helping ensure the Arts Centre continues to be a welcoming and vibrant hub for creativity in the region.
