ABOUT US
Our People
Building Up Our Communities
JODEE DICK
CEO
Jodee Dick is a member of the Weiwaikum First Nation in Campbell River and has been working in First Nations Lands and Economic Development for over 30 years. She was the Facilitator for Indigenous Services Canada for the Lands Management training program for staff and First Nations across Canada for many years. Jodee has been working with Cowichan Tribes for roughly seven years, first as their Lands Manager and now as the CEO for Khowutzun Development Corporation. She has expertise in Lands, Economic Development, Governance, Taxation and Government, and Industry Negotiations.
Jodee believes that First Nations economic success is measured not only in the direct benefit to the Nation, but also the participation of individual members’ businesses, as well as in KDC partnerships and projects. She feels strongly that empowering members and supporting their businesses is a key goal of the KDC and creating economic stability for Cowichan members is a top priority. Jodee is committed to ensuring that KDC partnerships include meaningful employment and training opportunities, as well as sub-contracts for the Khowutzun Group of Companies. Jodee strongly believes that adopting this model has long-term positive effects for membership and the community as a whole and serves to empower the next generation.
BRAEDEN GEORGE
Project Coordinator
Braeden George is from Snuneymuxw (Nanaimo) and Quw’utsun (Cowichan), and serves as KDC’s Project Coordinator, joining the team in December 2020. He is excited to be joining the KDC in this capacity, having previously fulfilled various roles in administration, sustainable housing and social development. Braeden’s current duties include retrieving, organizing and opening mail, filing, and coordinating meetings. He will also be working closely with Kristopher Alphonse, Project Coordinator, performing a variety of tasks, such as the delivery of community communications and the facilitation of youth outreach events. Braeden is excited about learning new skills and working in a small team environment, researching and documenting information, and sharing knowledge with his community.
KIMBERLY SULLIVAN
Project Administrator
Kimberly Sullivan was born and raised in the Quw’utsun Valley. Her father is Cowichan and mother is from Elwha, located in Washington. Kimberly started her journey at Khowutzun Development Corporation in 2013 as a Receptionist. In 2017, she took an absence to finish her Bachelor of Business Administration degree and returned to the Group of Companies in the summer of 2020 as an Intern. Kimberly loves learning, adapting, and growing as an individual, as well as within the KDC organization, and she feels this new role has provided her with these opportunities.
ROBERT RODVIK
Chief Financial & Operating Officer
Robert Rodvik is the Chief Financial Officer for Khowutzun Development Corporation and a seasoned First Nations Executive Manager with more than 38 years professional experience across a vast array of industries. His education includes an undergraduate degree, a BBA in Business Finance with a joint major in Economics and a double concentration in Organizational Behaviour. He has a master’s degree in business administration, MBA from Royal Roads University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA). He is currently completing his certificate in Business Valuations through the CPA society. His Economic Development experience includes energy to infrastructure, cigarettes to cannabis, resource to retail, the marine environment and real estate development. Robert has been honored to work with many First Nations in several capacities, including positions as a Consultant, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. Robert is a trusted advisor to CEOs, Chief & Council, and partner stakeholders.
The mother of Robert’s son is Status, and his cousin’s father was a revered member of the Haisla First Nation. His uncle John Cashore was the Minister of Aboriginal Relations & Reconciliation under the Harcourt government (92’) and his grandparents worked with First Nations families in Prince Rupert for many years, which is also the place of his birth.
KRISTOPHER ALPHONSE
Project Coordinator
Kristopher Alphonse is a member of the Cowichan Tribes with Stz’uminus and Quw’utsun heritage and acts as an Administrative Clerk for the Khowutzun Development Corporation. He previously spent two years working as an Administrative clerk for the Cowichan 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 Cowichan community for the past five years and believes this engagement brings meaningful fulfillment to his current experience working with the KDC and supporting Cowichan Tribes members. Kristopher is also grateful for the skills he’s developed within his current position with the Khowutzun Development Corporation, which he feels will better equip him to serve his community. He looks forward to being a part of the growth of the KDC 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 KDC, as he feels they’ve taught him a lot about teamwork, positivity, and enlightenment.