The Board of Directors of the Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses is pleased to introduce the newest member of their team, Gary Wilson. Gary will be replacing the current Chief Executive Officer Stan Coleman who has advised the Board that he will not be seeking an extension at the expiration of his contract at the end of January 2016.
Gary is a citizen of the Heiltsuk Nation, located on the central coast of B.C. (Bella Bella). He began his career as a commercial fisherman. From there he decided to pursue post-secondary education, obtaining his Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Royal Roads University. His quest for learning continues, as he is currently enrolled in the Executive Masters of Business Administration Program at SFU.
Gary comes to Huu-ay-aht with a broad set of skills and a great deal of knowledge from his operational, academic and management experiences. He has worked with First Nation communities and organizations for the greater part of his career and spent fifteen years working in various management positions for CIBC in the banking industry.
Over the past decade, Gary has operated his own management consulting company, specializing in comprehensive planning, project management, corporate finance and business development. He also served the Heiltsuk Nation in its resource management department and that Nation’s Economic Development Corporation as General Manager. In his role with the Economic Development Corporation, he was responsible for overseeing a group of ten business units, including an airport, fisheries, forestry, fuel company and various retail companies.
CEO Stan Coleman has already had Gary on site, meeting staff and leadership and touring Huu-ay-aht territories and businesses.
“Working together over the next six weeks will allow for a seamless transition period in the CEO position,” says Stan. “The transition period will provide Gary with the opportunity to orient himself with Huu-ay-aht and to put his experience and expertise to work developing his own ideas that will lead us into the next phase of growth of our businesses.”
“It is an extreme honour to join the Huu-ay-aht team as the incoming CEO for the group of businesses. I look forward to working with the Staff, the Board, Huu-ay-aht leadership and partners, carrying on the good work of the corporation,” says Gary. “I am very excited to play a part in enhancing and building a sustainable economy for the current and future generations of Huu-ay-aht!”
“We are very excited to have Gary bring his experience and enthusiasm to the Huu-ay-aht group of businesses,” says Operating Board Chair Angela Wesley. “He will be a great asset to our Nation and our businesses. The Board is confident he will continue on with the great work that Stan has started over the past few years as well as bringing his own ideas for growth into our businesses.”
The Board looks forward to continuing to introduce Gary to our citizens, Ḥaw̓iiḥ and elected leadership.
čitakinʔaała n̓ačuʔał suw̓a and welcome to Team Huu-ay-aht.
Congratulations 👍
Congratulations Gary, I am very happy for you in your new endeavour. With all that I have seen and heard of your accomplishments, I see it only getting bigger and better. Huu-ay-aht is blessed to have you on their team. Blessings sent your way. 👍
Welcome to our territory Gary! I look forward to meeting you and look forward to working indirectly with you. As I look at your photo I can see the strong Carpenter resemblance. At least 3 of your uncles attended the Alberni Indian Residential School, so there is your connection to Nuu-chah-nulth. All the very best!!