Meet the Directors
Janice Liebe
President
Janice has a passion for connecting communities through urban design initiatives. Recently retired from a 35 year career in architecture, she brings expertise in working with community and stakeholder groups to achieve their visions formed through delivering large civic and transportation projects in cities across Canada.
Now focused on spending her time giving back to her new home in the Okanagan and exploring our valley on her e bike, she is working hard to make the dream of the Trail of the Okanagans - a pan Okanagan “all ages and abilities” multi use pathway come to life
Brian Hughes
Vice President
Director - Penticton
Brian had an introduction to cycle touring at 17 years old when he cycled around Europe for 4 months and has been riding ever since.
He served on the board of governors at Okanagan College for 6 years and is familiar with the importance of connecting communities as the College has 4 campuses within the length of the valley.
Hughes is on the Lake to Lake Cycle Path Advisory Committee to the City of Penticton which is spearheading a safe cycling corridor in Penticton.
Timmothy Lezard
Director
Penticton Indian Band
Timmothy Lezard
Wai. My name is Timmothy Lezard. I am a member of the Penticton Indian Band, and I have been on council since 2004. My wife and I are parents to 6 children and 2 grandchildren. Since going back to school to earn a diploma in Sustainable Construction Management Technology, I have been a strong supporter of green initiatives. Having a trail that connects all our Okanagan communities, as it was for thousands of years will be a benefit for future generations.
Don Gemmell
Secretary
Director - Summerland
Don Gemmell has had a life long passion for bikes and cycling. A passion pursued from a start even before his years as a Vancouver Sun Paperboy, hauling a daily load of Newspapers, to supporting his sons pursuits in Triathlons and racing, competing in Ironman races, and on to a complete change of pace with euro cycling adventures. A career Accountant, Don has recognized the huge economic benefits being derived in Europe from Recreational Cycling and Cycle Tourism and has a great desire to put that to work in our Okanagan Valley
Greg Gibault
Director - West Kelowna
I have lived in the central Okanagan since 1974. I am a regular hiker, biker, skier & golfer. Our two daughters along with their spouses & five grandsons also reside in the central Okanagan and all enjoy outdoor activities. Decades ago I was on the board of the Kelowna Boys & Girls Club & was the chair during the construction of the Rutland Boys & Girls Club. I was a volunteer ski patroller at Big White for six years & was VP of Operations during the construction of the multi-use Big White facility. I am currently a director of the Gellatly Bay Trails and Park society, which I have served for over a decade. I am looking forward to being involved with the great work done by the Trail of the Okanagans Society.
Mary Trainer
Director - Summerland
Mary has been a member of TotO since its formation in 2013. Raised in the Okanagan, she brings an appreciation for creating safe, scenic, well-constructed and easily accessible local cycling trails for all to enjoy. Her cycling adventures have included dozens of trails in B.C., and routes in Idaho and Prince Edward Island.
Myers Bennett
Director - Osoyoos
Myers and his wife Judy are retired in Osoyoos where Myers sits on Town Council. He strongly believes Cycle Tourism can really become a new industry in the South Okanagan. Part of that plan would be the completion of a multi-use trail from Sicamous to Osoyoos. As a former Ironman Canada finisher, he has spent hours training on the many trails and roadways in the area. He compares our area to Southern Oregon where he attended college on a Track Scholarship.
Southern Oregon is very similar to the Okanagan with the beautiful weather, vineyards , scenery, festivals and tourism. Since they have started promoting Cycling in the off season, the area has become very successful. We have all the same attributes and we also have the First Nations Culture Center and the new Wine Village to promote our neighbours culture and stories. Myers was excited to be invited to join the board as feels he has found other volunteers from the Valley that share the same dream.
Vic Jensen
Director - Summerland
Vic joined TotO out of a concern for safe and accessible active transportation options between communities within the Okanagan. TotO’s motto of “Link the Okanagan by Trail” gives voice to these concerns and calls for actions that are good for the planet and good for community health and good for the economy.