CONNECT
Our People
Building Up Our Communities
AMANDA HENTCHEL
Chief Financial Officer
Profile Coming Soon!
Kristopher Alphonse is a citizen of the Quw’utsun Tribes with Stz’uminus and Quw’utsun heritage and acts as Finance Administrator for the Khowutzun Development. He previously spent two years working as an Administrative clerk for the Quw’utsun Tribes and is grateful to have begun his journey of working for Indigenous Peoples in this capacity. Kristopher feels that the skills he acquired in this previous role made it possible for him to develop a strong ability to serve his community. He has been active in the Quw’utsun community for the past five years and believes this engagement brings meaningful fulfillment to his current experience working with the KD and supporting Quw’utsun Tribes Citizens. Kristopher is also grateful for the skills he’s developed within his current position with the Khowutzun Development, which he feels will better equip him to serve his community. He looks forward to being a part of the growth of the KD in the near future and is happy to share in the momentum the team brings toward bettering us as a united community. Kristopher appreciates the team at KD, as he feels they’ve taught him a lot about teamwork, positivity, and enlightenment.
Umit Kilic is from Istanbul, Turkey. He came to Canada in grade 11 and graduated from high school in Langley. He then completed his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree at the University of the Fraser Valley where he majored in Finance and minored in Economics. In March 2022, Umit joined the KD team as a Finance and Project Administrator with his duties primarily revolving around invoice and contract management. Umit will be working closely with Renée Olson, Senior Project Manager, and Mark Ashfield, CFO, to ensure smooth project management. He is extremely excited to be a part of the KD team and looks forward to learning new skills and growing with the KD team.
When he is not in the office, Umit loves to watch hockey, as he was on the Turkish National Hockey team before coming to Canada. He also enjoys going on long hikes and being in nature. Coming from Istanbul, a massive metropolitan city, he is grateful to be living on the Island where he’s able to experience amazing nature and mesmerizing landscapes everywhere he goes.
Renée is a passionate and results-focused professional with a track record that demonstrates effective planning, strategic execution, and winning results. She loves the construction and land development industries and has a diversity of experience within the corporate and not-for-profit arenas. She has proven success in project management, client relationship management, LEAN delivery, and business development, and is known for her ability to build consensus, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
She is a director with Women in Construction (WiC) Victoria chapter, and it is her passion to engage women and Indigenous Peoples to explore the many opportunities that exist within the construction industry. Previously, she worked for and with, WestUrban Developments, Langham Properties, Clark Builders, Mike Geric Construction, and was a founding member of CREW, Edmonton chapter.
Renée has had the good fortune to work with inspirational people on exceptional projects and shares that it’s the relationships she’s fostered and maintained that she is most proud of. Her natural curiosity for the world that we live and work in and her genuine love of a good story is what drives her. She is deeply committed to working with the KD team as we strive for the success of the communities we serve, and is honored to be welcomed by the community to participate in meaningful engagement that will bridge opportunity with our future-focused initiatives.
Kimberly Sullivan was born and raised in the Quw’utsun Valley. Her late father is Quw’utsun, and mother is from Elwha, located in Washington. Kimberly started her journey at Khowutzun Development in 2013 until 2016. Where Kimberly left to complete her Bachelor of Business Administration degree major in Management. In May 2019 returned to the Group of Companies.
Kimberly loves learning, adapting, and growing as an individual, as well as within the Khowutzun Development organization, and she feels this new role has provided her with these opportunities.
LEONA AMBROS
Administrative Assistant
‘Uy’kw’unus’i lumnamu “thunu sne Leona Ambrose, is an Administrative Assistant at Khowutzun Development (KD). In her role, she has quickly become an invaluable team member, contributing to filing, event planning, and overall organization.. Leona’s expertise in administrative tasks ensures that all aspects of daily operations run smoothly, providing support wherever it is needed.
Leona’s commitment to creating opportunities and assisting with events for community members is deeply rooted in the skills she honed at Malaspina University. Her dedication and efficiency at KD have not gone unnoticed, earning her recognition for her eagerness and quickness in handling tasks. A cup of coffee and a desire to learn something new each day are what drive Leona as she looks forward to seeing her team members at work.
Outside of her professional life, Leona enjoys watching crime and thriller movies and spending quality time with her family. Her roots in Quwutsun Territories are a source of pride, and she is always happy to share more about her family history. Her maternal grandparents are the late Abraham C Joe Sr. and late Doris Joe (George), and her paternal grandparents are the late Dr. Sti’tum’atul’wut, Ruby Peter (Alphonse), and late Ronald Peter Sr. Leona’s mother is Barbara A Joe, and her father was the late Alphonse E Peter. Born and raised in Quwutsun Territories, Leona carries forward her rich cultural heritage in all aspects of her life.
HOW WE PARTNER
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The KD has established dozens of strategic partnerships that align with our values and support the shared mission of uplifting our communities. With forward-thinking leaders in the forestry, energy, development and cannabis industries, we are proud to partner with each one of these businesses that make meaningful contributions to our collective goals.
