Judy Burns
President

Judy moved to the Okanagan with her family in 1993.  She has both a Sports and Leisure Management degree and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from UBC. As an entrepreneur, she has been involved in a number of business ventures independently and with her husband Graham. She has also been very involved in supporting the community through her volunteer endeavours which include Chair of the Public Art Committee for the City of Kelowna, helped facilitate the formation of the art collective, Ars Longa, Chaired the Canadian Culinary Championships for 10 years, Fundraising coordinator for the Okanagan Symphony Society and since 2019 has been the Board President of the OSS. 

She is a strong advocate for having and supporting arts in the community. “It is the total spectrum of the arts that connect a community. We celebrate cultural diversity through our unique art perspectives. Art evokes laughter and anger, joy and sorrow. We dance and sing and share our stories through art. When we share food and toast our bounty, we share an art form. Art has the ability to create connections despite our differences.” 

Glen Doiron
Director

Glen Doiron, owner of GeoPrl Insights Corp., has over 20 years of diverse experience in transportation, logistics IT, and business consulting. He works closely with start-ups, fostering innovation and novel approaches through strategy. Since moving to Kelowna in 2021, Glen enjoys the region’s creativity, talent, and natural beauty, becoming an advocate for the area. He is eager to serve the community he now calls home by supporting the Okanagan Symphony’s mission of inspiring and connecting audiences.

Deborah Sterritt
Treasurer

Deborah is a retired Deloitte LLP partner who is passionate about making a meaningful difference during her lifetime by bringing an experienced perspective to matters and issues that impact our quality of life. Music has always been part of her life. Deborah has extensive NPO board experience. She is founder of Lymphoma Canada (registered Canadian Charity) established in 1998 in response to a personal health challenge- empowering others by educating, supporting and advocating for lymphoma patients for over 25 years. She has been a Chartered Accountant (CPA) in good standing since 1982 and has her Institute of Corporate Directors Designation (ICD.D). Deborah is an independent thinker with good judgment, understands the importance of strong corporate governance and robust financial oversight.

Micki Ruth
Director

With a significant background in HR, Micki Ruth brings a solid management approach to boards. Micki’s board experience is significant in the Arts, nonprofit organizations and public safety. She is a former chair of the Edmonton Police Commission, the Halifax Board of Police Commissioners and a former board member of the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton, the Edmonton Recital Society as well as the Neptune Theatre in Halifax. Micki is currently on the board of the Canadian Association of Police Governance (CAPG).

Vincent Jones
Director

Vincent Jones has championed Kelowna’s creative scene for over a decade, contributing to Tourism Kelowna, CBC Radio West and KelownaNow, and supporting events like BreakOut West, Kelowna Fringe, Living Things International Arts Festival and many others. A UBCO Bachelor of Arts grad and co-owner of By Jove Co., Vince is also the Business Development Manager at Findan Software.

Alexis MacMillan
Director

Alexis MacMillan runs her own instructional design and eLearning development business, Micro Learning Bursts, in Kelowna. Alexis has designed a number of award-winning programs for clients such as Parks Canada and the United Nations (UN). She has been recognized as one of Canada’s top 100 women business owners by PROFIT Magazine’s W100 list for three consecutive years. Alexis has a passion for live music and is an amateur pianist herself. She believes in the critical importance of helping musicians bring their artistry and talent to the stage, especially here in the Okanagan.

Elena Tilton
Director

Elena Tilton joined the OSO board after retiring from a diverse, international career in corporate human resources leadership and community service across Canada, the US, and New Zealand. Holding a Master of Education in Counselling and being a lifelong amateur pianist, Elena brings a passion for the power of music to nourish mental health and foster community well-being.

John P. Crawford
Director

Dr. Crawford has a passion for music in all its forms and values being of service to the community. Prior to retirement, he was a healthcare educator, researcher and clinician, specializing in the sports medicine field – concussion. His deep board experience spans health, arts, and education sectors. He brings creativity and energy to all of his pursuits.

Board of Directors

The Okanagan Symphony Society is a not-for-profit organization governed by the BC Societies Act. Our Board of Directors is made up of a group of community volunteers recruited for their special knowledge and expertise in many areas. It is with our Board’s skill and commitment that we are able to support the continued success of our orchestra.