Meet The '26-'27 Board of Directors
Kate Smyth
President
Kate Smyth is the co-owner of Click Local Digital, a lead generation agency she runs with her husband, David. They help home-service and trades businesses generate consistent, high-quality leads through strategic digital marketing. Kate also does Sales Consulting for businesses, helping them increase revenue.
With more than 18 years of experience in sales leadership, Kate brings a practical, results-driven approach to business. After leaving the corporate world and relocating to Vancouver Island, she combined her passion for relationship-building with her sales and marketing expertise to help business owners grow with confidence.
Kate loves supporting fellow entrepreneurs, building meaningful connections within the local business community, and helping businesses create sustainable growth!
Angela Heit
Vice President
For more than 25 years I’ve supported 100s of small business owners grow their business with high performing aligned teams.
Whether you’re getting ready to hire your first team member or you’re restructuring an established team, I’ll help you build the team your business needs to grow with ease and to do it in such a way that it frees you from day-to-day operations.
The result is:
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A more valuable business
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Freedom from constantly managing
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A team that gets you, your vision and provides deep support
Heather Doty
Treasurer
Heather Doty has been a Parksville resident and a dedicated member of OWBN for over 30 years. Her focus during that time was on helping individuals and business owners navigate their paper and digital worlds while efficiently managing daily workflows. Heather enjoys learning, especially when it helps her educate others, and is currently taking a course to become an insurance agent. She plans to work alongside an established financial planner and a financial psychologist, providing a holistic approach to personal and business succession planning.
She is always happy to share insights from her long history with OWBN on how member interactions and knowledge can be invaluable to other members.
Sherrin Western
Communications Director
Sherrin Western is the co-owner of Shervin Communications, a Vancouver Island branding, graphic design, and marketing agency she has operated with her partner, Kevin, for more than 34 years.
Passionate about helping businesses grow with purpose, she works with organizations to strengthen their brands, elevate customer experiences, and communicate with clarity and confidence.
An engaging speaker, Sherrin shares practical insights on branding, networking, and customer experience that audiences can apply immediately. As Communications Director of the Oceanside Women's Business Network, she is committed to fostering meaningful connections, supporting women in business, and helping entrepreneurs succeed through collaboration and community.
Paddy Briggs
Membership Director
Paddy Briggs is an Author, Practice Management Consultant & Trainer, and a Jack Canfield graduate as a Transformational Coach. Paddy delivers leading-edge training programs and continuing education for dental and health professionals, as well as business owners.
Pam Shaw
Secretary
The Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region (MABR) inspires a positive future for all living species by facilitating collaboration, coordinating participatory research, and supporting environmental, social, cultural, and economic sustainability.
Bonny Belanger
Website and Marketing Director
Bonny is a Technology Specialist and the founder of Parksville Tech, providing tech support and education throughout the Oceanside region; services include hardware/software computer repairs, website maintenance, small business support, and in-home tech assistance.
Passionate about digital literacy for seniors, Bonny empowers community elders to navigate technology with confidence. Currently pursuing a B.Sc. in Cybersecurity, she stays at the forefront of digital safety to better protect her community's data and devices.
Bonny is also the founder of Parksville Home Watch, offering reliable, insurance-compliant property services for vacationing homeowners.
Contact Details
1-250-228-6520
https://ParksvilleTech.com/Contact
https://ParksvilleTech.com
Karen Petraschuk
Director at Large / Sunshine Lady
Karen is a licensed Financial Advisor with PFSL Investments Canada, dedicated to helping individuals and families build confidence in their financial futures. With a mission-driven approach, she focuses on making financial literacy accessible, practical, and empowering.
Drawing from her work across Vancouver Island, Karen provides personalized guidance in areas such as budgeting, debt strategies, insurance planning, and long-term wealth building. She is passionate about creating supportive, judgment-free spaces where people can learn, ask questions, and make informed decisions that strengthen both their financial stability and overall well-being.
Contact Details
1-778-241-6089
Vivien Sears
Director at Large / Sunshine Lady
Vivien brings a compassionate and intuitive approach to her role, drawing on a diverse professional background in diplomacy, human resources, and government administration. Known for her exceptional listening skills and dedication to doing what is right, she ensures everyone she connects with feels genuinely supported and valued.
Deeply woven into the community, Vivien is a former President of the Oceanside Women’s Business Network and led The Old School House Arts Centre for 14 years. Enriched by her lifelong volunteerism and the everyday joy of being a grandmother, she naturally radiates the empathy and gratitude that perfectly embody our Sunshine Lady.
Contact Details