Chief Executive Officer (CEO) —
Mark Brajer
Mark Brajer started in January 2026 as the Chief Executive Officer of the K’ómoks Economic Development Corporation (KEDC), the business and economic development arm of the K’ómoks First Nation.
More About Mark
Executive Administrator — Community & Cultural Liaison
Emily Palmer
Emily Palmer serves as Executive Administrator, Community & Cultural Liaison for the K’ómoks Economic Development Corporation (KEDC). In this role, she supports executive leadership, coordinates operations and strategic initiatives, and helps strengthen relationships with K’ómoks First Nation members, community stakeholders, partners, and external organizations.
A proud member of the K’ómoks First Nation who lives in community, Emily brings a strong administrative background together with professionalism, cultural awareness, attention to detail, and adaptability. She approaches community and cultural matters with sensitivity, respect, and genuine care, helping ensure KEDC’s values, culture, and objectives are represented with integrity.
Emily is passionate about fostering meaningful connections and supporting initiatives that create sustainable opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and advance the Nation’s long-term economic growth and well-being.
Chief Finance Officer —
Ping Zhao
Ping Zhao, CPA, CA, serves as Chief Financial Officer for the K’ómoks Economic Development Corporation, bringing more than 17 years of post-designation experience in financial management, strategic planning, tax compliance, audit, corporate governance, and business advisory services.
She has worked across both the public and private sectors, supporting organizations through growth, operational change, regulatory compliance, and complex financial decision-making. Ping has also worked closely with Indigenous communities, supporting financial management, transparency, and strong governance.
Ping is committed to improving operational efficiency and supporting sustainable economic growth that reflects the long-term vision and prosperity of the K’ómoks people.
Finance Officer —
Mavis Alkenbrack
Mavis is the Finance Officer for K’ómoks Economic Development Corporation, where she supports the organization’s financial operations with professionalism, accuracy, and attention to detail. Her expertise in finance and payroll helps ensure the smooth day-to-day operations of the organization while supporting staff and leadership across the KEDC family of businesses.
A graduate of Vancouver Island University with studies in Finance, Financial Management, and Payroll, Mavis is dedicated to delivering reliable financial support and exceptional service. Her collaborative approach and commitment to excellence make her a valued member of the KEDC team.
Manager, Property and Facilities —
Rick Restell
Rick is a seasoned leader whose career has taken him from the harbour to the boardroom – with many meaningful stops along the way. Deeply rooted on Vancouver Island, he brings decades of hands-on experience in tourism and visitor services, regional economic development, facility and property management, and executive financial leadership.
His career has been anything but one-note. As a former Harbourmaster, Insurance Broker, and Residential and Commercial Property Manager, Rick has developed a practical, grounded understanding of how communities and local economies work – not only at a strategic level, but also on the ground, where relationships, trust, and follow-through matter most.
Rick understands the importance of long-term thinking and building systems, partnerships, and opportunities that last. He brings a strong track record of revenue growth, operational development, and meaningful community impact – often helping to build initiatives from the ground up.
A proud great-grandfather, Rick knows that the decisions made today help shape the world future generations will inherit. Outside of work, he can often be found exploring Vancouver Island on his motorcycle or following Formula 1 races from around the globe.
Rick is honoured to have been invited to join K’ómoks Economic Development Corporation and looks forward to contributing to the K’ómoks First Nation community’s vision for the future.
Manager, Puntledge RV Campground —
Tim McKernan
Tim brings more th
an 30 years of experience in law enforcement and construction to his role as Manager of Puntledge RV & Campground. Since retiring in 2020, he has overseen the day-to-day operations of the campground, applying his diverse background in leadership, project management, and problem-solving to enhance the guest experience and support the campground’s continued growth.
Proudly owned by K’ómoks First Nation, Puntledge RV & Campground is a 120-site, year-round destination in the heart of Courtenay, British Columbia, offering a variety of campsites and modern amenities. Under Tim’s stewardship, the campground has undergone significant revitalization and modernization, ensuring it remains a welcoming, well-maintained destination for visitors while reflecting the values and vision of K’ómoks First Nation.
Manager, I-Hos Gallery —
Taz Zandboer
Taz joined I-Hos Gallery in 2023 and brings a deep care for the gallery, the artists it represents, and the community it serves. Since joining the team, they have grown immensely in their knowledge and appreciation of Indigenous art, while also developing personally through their work and relationships within the gallery.
Originally from Calgary, Taz grew up across the street from the Tsúūt’ínà Nation reserve, an experience that helped shape their early awareness of Indigenous culture and community. At I-Hos Gallery, Taz is proud to support a welcoming space where visitors can learn, connect, and appreciate the work of Indigenous artists.
Taz is committed to continuing to learn, building meaningful relationships, and contributing to the gallery’s role in sharing art, culture, and stories with the wider community.
Manager, Natural Resource —
Guy Wright
Guy is a K’ómoks member, and his given name is wa’kadzi ala’kila, ‘good great man and giver of elk blankets’. In his downtime, Guy loves to hunt, camp and explore nature with his wife Ashley and kids, Rylan, Colten, and Dakota. His parents are Roger and Linda Wright, and his family comes from the SaLαLt Clan.
3rd generation forestry worker with 25 years of forestry experience and is working for K’ómoks First Nation Forestry Limited Partnership under K’ómoks Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) for over 11yrs. Guy serves as the Natural Resource Manager for KFN Forestry LP, which provides forested land management and operations for K’ómoks First Nation’s 2 woodlots, a forest licence and a shared First Nations Woodland Licence, N2L, with Qualicum First Nation. Guy is responsible for planning and implementation of forest management strategies, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, maintaining a high standard in harvest planning relative to safety, environment, quality, productivity, and costs. All KFN Forestry LP tenure lands are SFI Certified under- Sustainable Forestry Initiative “SFI- Indigenous Peoples and Families Module”. KFN Forestry LP is a “Safe Certified” under BC Forests Safety Council Safe Companies program.
Strategic Leadership —
OUR DIRECTORS
Representing K’ómoks leadership and community interests, the Board of Directors helps shape the vision, priorities, and long-term success of KEDC.
