Our Executive

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Mary Koffski

As President, it’s my responsibility to work with this year’s executive team to ensure the smooth operation of the Nanaimo Newcomers’ Club.

I moved to Nanaimo in 2022 from Sidney and have loved getting to know the other members and learn more about my new city. I grew up in Fort St John but have lived in Edmonton, Calgary, Kelowna, Vancouver and Oak Bay before moving to Nanaimo. We share our property with our son and daughter-in-law and our new grandson Freddie. I have owned a business providing facilitating and strategic planning since 2005 and have worked with many Boards, so I hope to bring this background to continue to grow and shape this amazing organization. I am looking forward to having fun and forming friendships over the next year! 

Brenda Muress

 The role of Vice President comes with a long list of duties and responsibilities, but they all boil down to me supporting the President and the rest of the board in providing our members with a fantastic year.

I lived in North Vancouver and worked in the insurance industry for 30+ years. When I moved to Nanaimo in 2021, I was knew it would be challenging for me to meet new people. I joined Nanaimo Newcomers that September as a way to connect with other ladies new to Nanaimo. It has been a very rewarding 4 years. I've met lots of new friends and explored new areas of town. I've had some fantastic meals and read a book or two that I've enjoyed. When I was asked to consider joining the board for the coming year, I thought what a great way for me to give back to the club. 

Kieran Dickson

 Hi there, I’m the Club’s Treasurer, and I’m loving life here in beautiful Nanaimo!

I bring over 10 years experience in finance, and I’ve held an executive position on three previous boards. In my role as Treasurer, I have overall responsibility for maintaining the Board’s sound financial practices and ensuring adherence to our budget. I also manage various financial functions on behalf of the Club, including banking and accounts payable & receivable. 

Joan Stinert

I'm Joan Stinert, and I’m delighted to serve as your Activities Director again this year. Activities are at the heart of our Club—they offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, build friendships, and have fun along the way. We currently offer a wide variety of member-led activities, and we’re always open to fresh ideas.

Have something new in mind? I’m here to help you get it off the ground! Whether it’s a one-time special event or a recurring activity, the sky’s the limit when it comes to Newcomer activities. Let your creativity shine—I'd love to hear from you! 

Bronwyn Fraser

Hi! As Membership and Privacy Director I have the pleasure of welcoming and registering new and returning members to the 2025/26 NNC season (hopefully keeping the process as streamlined as possible!), and ensuring the Club’s adherence to the Privacy Policy to protect your personal information.

I have enjoyed being an Activity Coordinator every year since I joined NNC in 2019, and have also served as Newsletter Editor in 2020-21 and Activity Coordinator (now called Activity Director) in 2022-23. Getting involved and making the dear friends I have through NNC has made my move to Nanaimo the most wonderful experience, and it is the reason I readily agreed to take on another volunteer role for the organization – it is simply the best!

Paige MacFarlane

 Hi there - I’m Paige and I’m back on the Board for a third year - this time as your Welcome Director. This role is primarily responsible for the onboarding and welcoming of new members to the Nanaimo Newcomers' Club, helping them integrate into club meetings and activities.

Along with Sue Hendricks and Heather Baylis, we are your ‘welcome team’ this year.

One of us (usually Sue!) is often the first person you’ll meet as a new member at our monthly club socials. Heather is the person behind the e-cards that are sent out from time to time to members on behalf of the Board. 

Kate Lancaster

 My role entails administration of the STACK APP (the app the club uses to research and sign up for activities, as well as for membership communications), the website, the monthly newsletter and anything else I can support the wonderful board with. 

If you have any issues or comments regarding STACK or our website, feel free to reach out to me. And please either send me your activity photos or post them to our Facebook group or in the Gallery on Stack! 

Jan North

 Hi, I am excited to join the 2025/26 board as the social director.

My goal in this role is to ensure the club's social calendar is vibrant and engaging. I am focused on planning, coordinating, and managing social activities that foster a welcoming atmosphere, enhance membership enjoyment, and facilitate community integration.

Sonja Lebans

 Hello, I am very excited to be a part of the 2025-26 Board. As Secretary, I am responsible for the minutes of the Board meetings as well as special meetings including the AGM according to the Societies Act. I am keen to work with Mary and all the members to help make the experiences of the club the best they can be.

I moved to Nanaimo in April 2020 the day they shut down the Horseshoe Bay Ferry! It was a total transition so when things opened up in 2022 joining Newcomers was really exciting and a wonderful experience. I am a retired nurse who married a pilot therefore moving and developing new connections was a given. We each have our own story and Newcomers is a great place to share them and be again a part of a community.