Craig Leverman, BA (Honours) MBA, MA, B.Ed. brings a wide range of experience to the Board. He received his Masters Business Administration from Queen’s University, specializing in Finance and Marketing. Craig completed his Masters in Urban Sociology from Carleton University.
He has served as President, Vice-President and Director of Membership for the Kalamalka Country Club. Craig was the Chair of the Transportation Advisory Committee for the City of Vernon. He serves as a Judicial Council member with the BC Teachers’ Federation, and is the past executive member responsible for Occupational Health and Safety for the Vernon Teachers’ Association and Co-Chair of the District Joint Health and Safety Committee for the Vernon School District. He has also taken on the duties as the President of the Strata Council for Silver Creek Lodge at SilverStar Mountain and serves on the SSPOA Sewage Action Fund Oversight Committee.
As the 2022 elected Board President of the Caetani Cultural Centre Society, Craig believes that the Caetani house has a unique role to play in the Vernon cultural community. Serving on the Board for the last 7 years, he has participated with other Board members in creating a dynamic, engaging facility that is an integral part of the Vernon community for residents and a must “experience” for visitors.
Sherry Price has over 40 years of experience working with industrial, banking and educational organizations: TD Bank, Cyanamid Canada, and Okanagan College. She has a wealth of experience as a Human Resource Manager, Consultant, and Professor, with her main focus directed towards either strategic planning or human resource management.
Community service has included Municipal Counsellor, Vernon Chamber of Commerce Past President and Board Member, Board Member of the Arts Council of the North Okanagan, Advisory Committee Member for CN Rail, Riverside Mill, and Okanagan College.
Now retired, Sherry now has time to continue her education as a student in a number of art courses. She brings a well rounded and varied perspective to the Caetani board.
Maria Besso PREC*, has a Bachelor of Science Spec. in Geology from Concordia University in Montreal.
She also studied Management Development at the University of Calgary, and completed her BC Real Estate Degree at UBC Sauder School of Business.
Maria served for 6 years as a Municipal Councillor for the District of Coldstream, and has held numerous positions as a director on many Boards, including: the Okanagan Regional Library Board, the Okanagan Symphony Society Board, the Bishop Wild Bird Sanctuary Board, and currently the Association of Interior Realtor’s Board.
Maria is currently a real estate agent, and is a vocal advocate for the importance of arts and culture in our society.
Karen relocated to Vernon in 2012 from Regina, Saskatchewan and was actively involved in educational instruction and counselling for over 30 years.
She worked extensively with adults and retired from a post-secondary institution, Sask Polytechnic, in 2012. Her educational background includes a BA, BEd, PGD, and MEd. She practiced as a Registered Psychologist and was actively involved in the professional associations guiding psychologists.
Karen volunteered for non-profit organizations in Regina. Since moving to Vernon, she has become involved with the Newcomers group, the Probus Club and the Vernon Golf and Country Club.
Karen is an avid skier and enjoys kayaking, hiking and biking. Golf has become a passionate pursuit for Karen, through taking lessons and spending time on the course improving her game.
Karen raised two daughters in Regina. Both have been pursuing their careers and family life. Karen has three grandchildren and she spends time with them at their various activities.
Becoming involved on the Board of Directors for the Caetani Cultural Centre provides a new challenge. The Caetani family bequest of the house and artifacts provides a fascinating historical perspective.
Sveva Caetani gave Vernon a unique artistic and cultural gift. Being involved with the Board of Directors gives an opportunity to realize the dream of sharing the Caetani heritage with the community and encouraging the house to become a part of the highlights of Vernon for visitors.
Thomas Fletcher, B.A., LLB., Q.C. arrived in Vernon with his wife, Brenda-Ann in 1971, to practice law at Davidson and Co. Tom became involved in community affairs shortly after settling here and was involved in incorporating The Vernon Housing Association, an entity which built an apartment for low income families.
He was a director for Big Brothers and served many years as a director of the Vernon Winter Carnival, becoming it’s Chair in 1986. He was a charter member of the Silver Star Rotary Club and during his membership his family hosted several international exchange students.
As a lawyer Tom had a varied and versatile practice, being both a barrister and a solicitor. He was a member of the Provincial Council for the Canadian Bar Association for several terms.
Now retired, Tom is honoured to be joining the talented Board of Directors for the Caetani Cultural Centre and looks forward to assisting in expanding awareness of the Centre and its benefits to the citizens of Vernon and British Columbia.
Kathy first became involved with the Caetani Centre by attending a Splash of Red event.
With a strong love for art and colour, she volunteered to decorate the Caetani Centre’s annual fundraiser and then became involved with the fundraising committee.
She most recently chaired the Caetani Splash Viva d’Arte event in 2022.
Kathy has also been involved with the Wine, Women and Wood charitable organization that annual organizes golf tournaments at the Vernon Golf Club and at Predator Ridge. Together, she and the other women have helped raised funds towards the purchase of equipment in the Mammography Unit at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
SaveSave