Okanagan 2036: CEOs on the Future of Our Valley

Tuesday, May 5 2026

Theater S104 Okanagan College Main Campus

Student Services Building 1000 KLO Road, Kelowna

7:30 - 8:10 Networking with coffee and pastries

8:10 - 8:15 Welcome Ceremony

8:15 - 9:30 Panel discussion

9:30 - 9:45 Q&A

10:00 Event concludes

Join us for Okanagan 2036: CEOs on the Future of Our Valley, a dynamic morning panel bringing together influential leaders to explore the opportunities, challenges, and transformations ahead for Kelowna and the broader Okanagan Valley.

Hosted through a collaboration between MacKay CEO Forums and the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Okanagan College, this event will feature an engaging conversation with regional leaders who are shaping the economic, social, and entrepreneurial future of our community.

The discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Neil Fassina, President of Okanagan College, guiding a forward-looking conversation about how the region may evolve over the next decade.

Featured Panelists

• Allyson Graf – CEO, YMCA of Southern Interior BC
  Leading a major regional organization serving communities from Vernon to Penticton, Allyson brings insight into the social infrastructure needed to support a growing region.
• Brian Hawkins – CEO, BigSteelBox
  Based in Kelowna and operating across Canada, Brian offers an entrepreneurial perspective on growth, logistics, and the region’s evolving business landscape.
• Simon Mills – President, Valley First Credit Union
  As leader of the Okanagan’s largest credit union, Simon will share insights on the region’s financial health, investment trends, and economic outlook.
• Jennifer Hollis – Managing Partner, MNP (Okanagan–Thompson Region)
  Representing one of the region’s leading professional services firms, Jennifer will provide perspective on regional business trends, growth sectors, and opportunities ahead.

The conversation will explore key questions such as:

• What will the Okanagan economy look like in 2036?
• What industries and opportunities will drive growth?
• How will population growth reshape our communities?
• What leadership will be required to build a resilient and prosperous region?

This event brings together CEOs, entrepreneurs, community leaders, faculty, students, and emerging business leaders for a forward-looking conversation about the next decade of growth in one of Canada’s most entrepreneurial regions.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Okanagan College School of Business