CSISS is represented by a board of directors and staff from a variety of non-profit organizations and government agencies all working to stop the spread of invasives in our region.
Robyn Hooper
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Robyn Hooper is the Executive Director of the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society and a Professional Agrologist (BCIA). Robyn has been working with CSISS since April 2014 overseeing fund development, administration, Board governance, staff management, invasive species outreach programs, field mapping and monitoring programs, and partnership engagement. Robyn has a Dual Masters degree (Masters of Science, SLU and Masters of Forestry, UBC) and has worked throughout BC and Sweden engaging local communities and key stakeholders in climate change adaptation issues. Robyn is the Vice President of the Kootenay Branch of the BC Institute of Agrology, a member of the Columbia Basin AIS Steering Committee, the National Clean Drain Dry Committee, and East Kootenay Stewardship Committee (Kootenay Conservation Program).
Laura Gaster
FIELDS OPERATIONS PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Laura is the Field Operations Program Coordinator for the Columbia Shuswap Invasive Species Society. She joined CSISS in 2015 and coordinates terrestrial invasive plant inventory, treatment and monitoring. Laura is dedicated to creating an efficient and effective program focusing on preventing the introduction of new invaders, reversing the spread of existing species and restoring native ecosystems to a healthy functioning level. Laura has a BSc in Biology as well as a course in environmental monitoring. She has previously worked as a wildlife biologist for an environmental consulting firm and assisted with woodland caribou studies in the North Columbia Mountains.
Kim Kaiser
OUTREACH PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Kim Kaiser joined CSISS at the beginning of the 2018 season after working with the BC Mussel Defense program in 2017 and training with the ISCBC job Creation program in 2016. She completed a Bachelors of Science in Biology at The University of Victoria in 2014. She began work with CSISS as the Education officer in 2018 and is continuing with a new role Coordinating the CSISS outreach program in conjunction with Aquatics Coordinator Sue Davies.
Sue Davies
AQUATIC PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Sue Davies-McGill joined the CSISS team in 2017 as our Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator. Sue has a Masters degree in Ecology from New Zealand and many years work experience in environmental education. She coordinates the Invasive Mussel Lake Monitoring program within the CSRD. Sue also responds to reports of other aquatic species, and to non-plant invasive species such as insects, birds and mammals. Sue concentrates on education and outreach to help prevent the spread of aquatic and non-plant species within our region. Contact Sue to book outreach presentations and workshops related to aquatic and non-plant invasive species.
Jess Booth
Invasive species program assistant
Jess Booth is the CSISS Invasive Species Program Assistant for 2021. She has a Bachelor of Outdoor and Environmental Education- Natural Resource Education from Australia. Jess is interested in sharing knowledge of invasive species in the Columbia-Shuswap and will be involved with the Outreach programs primarily. Her position is made possible in part with the generous Columbia Basin Trust Job Experience wage subsidy.
Kathleen Meszaros
Invasive species program assistant
Kathleen Meszaros is the CSISS Invasive Species Program Assistant for 2021 focused primarily on Field Programs. Her position is made possible in part with the generous Canada Summer Jobs wage subsidy.
Besides our dedicated staff we have an amazing team of our board of directors, volunteers and part time and seasonal staff.
Current CSISS Board of Directors:
Adam Croxall – based in Revelstoke he is a Senior Environmental Coordinator with BC Hydro and has served on the CSISS Board since the fall of 2013. Current Board Term: CSISS Board member 2019-2021.
Joe McCulloch – Operations Manager for the District of Sicamous. He has been with the CSISS board since October 2019. Current Board Term: CSISS Board member 2019-2021.
Chris Cochran, CSISS Vice Chair – the Manager of Operations for the Town of Golden where he has been the last four years. Prior to moving to Golden, he served in the Office of Public Works for the City of Castlegar for 7 years. Chris has an educational background in Civil Engineering and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Parks Canada Advisory Development Board as well as the board of BC Water Supply Association. Chris enjoys camping, exploring the back roads with his quad and building models. Chris is currently serving as Vice-Chair of CSISS. Current Board Term: CSISS Board member 2019-2021.
Chris Gill – with 20 years of experience in applied conservation biology he has a primary focus on protecting rare and endangered species. In 2010 Chris founded Coastal Conservation, an organization whose mission is to restore island ecosystems in Canada and internationally that have been impacted by invasive vertebrate species. Chris resides in the Shuswap and joined the CSISS Board in September 2017. Current Board Term: CSISS Board member 2019-2021.
Darren Komonoski – the Operations Manager with the city of Revelstoke, he joined the Board in 2013 to represent municipal interests. CSISS Board member term 2020-2022.
Diane Millar – working with the Ministry of Forests as well as Lands and Natural Resource Operations as a Natural Resource Technician based locally out of Revelstoke. She recently joined the CSISS Board of Directors in September 2015. Current Board Term: CSISS Board member 2019-2021.
Hamish Kassa, CSISS Board Chair – the Environmental Services Coordinator for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District. He currently manages the Eurasian Water Milfoil Control Program, three mosquito control programs, the CSRD Noxious Weed Control Program and eight groundwater monitoring functions. He is also responsible for inspections and maintenance of CSRD dikes, and partners with the Ministry of Environment to conduct water quality monitoring in addition to his participation in the Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process (SLIPP). Hamish has worked with the Okanagan Basin Water Board, Ministry of Environment, Taranaki Catchment Commission in a variety of positions related to water quality, protection, management and invasive species. He has extensive underwater experience logging more than 4000 hours on SCUBA as well as receiving underwater photography awards while working in New Zealand. The winter months often find Hamish sliding on fluffy powder snow with friends and family. Hamish is the current Chair of CSISS. Current Board Term: CSISS Board member 2019-2021.
John Braisher – a rancher based south of Golden BC he brings extensive knowledge of agriculture and land management to the Board since joining in the fall of 2016. CSISS Board member term 2020-2022.
Laurel Corrigan – based out of Revelstoke she joins the Board representing Revelstoke residents. She is a former City foreman. Current Board Term: CSISS Board member 2019-2021.
Warren Fortier – Referrals – Consultation Administrator, Little Shuswap Lake Band. CSISS Board member term 2020-2022. Warren receives and responds to proposed developments concerning the Little Shuswap Lake Band – providing a voice for the flora and fauna as well as future generations. Also is involved in the government-to-government relations with Qwelminte Secwepemc Office, Pespesellkwe Regional Table, and B.C. Ministry Offices – seeking to protect the four (4) pillars of Land & Resource Stewardship, Forests, Wildlife, and water.
Peter Tarleton – Resource Management Officer II (Vegetation Specialist), Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks, Parks Canada / Government of Canada. Peter leads the invasive alien plant management program in Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Parks, as well as contributes to ecological monitoring and ecosystem restoration in both parks. CSISS Board member term 2020-2022.