2026 Board Candidates

Name: Don McMillan

Occupation/Primary Profession: Business Manager

How have you supported your community outside of work?

• Founding Chair, Peace Region Chapter, CPABC and Director since 2015
• Treasurer, North Peace Pride Society since 2016
• Active participant in many community events such as, Art Gallery Fundraiser, Hospital Foundation Gala, Santa Claus Parade, Moose FM Block Party.
• Chetwynd Pride and Chetwynd Trade Show.

Why do you want to serve on the Fort St. John Co-op Board of Directors?

• Want to continue my work representing the Co-op membership
• Advocating for modernization of Co-op rules, to encourage broader membership involvement.
• Provide insight and guidance on accounting and risk management issues

How will you represent the interests of the full membership, not just a specific group?

• Advocate for the expansion of member access to voting for directors and resolutions, and access to a hybrid version of the AGM.
• Advocate for more communication and interaction with the membership.

Why should Co-op members choose you to represent them?

Reliability, honesty, integrity, accessibility, and continuity.

Name: Mitchel Chilcott

Years as a Co-op Member: 25 years

Occupation/Primary Profession: Team Lead, Business Banking, Scotiabank

How have you supported your community outside of work?

Through volunteering with FSJ Co-op: North Peace Seniors Housing Society, and the Chamber of Commerce.

Why do you want to serve on the Fort St. John Co-op Board of Directors?

To participate in governance to ensure the continued success and sustainable growth of the co-op. and continued membership value.

How will you represent the interests of the full membership, not just a specific group?

The mandate of an elected Co-op director is to provide governance in the best interest of the Co-op. The Co-op is defined as all members. I here can be no consideration for self-interest or specific / select members.

Why should Co-op members choose you to represent them?

I have extensive cooperative governance and employment experience in member owned organizations. This provides a deep appreciation tor Co-operative Rnncipies and memoer benefits.

Name: Julia Fellers

Years as a Co-op Member: Over 10 years

Occupation/Primary Profession: Self-employed, Agriculture

How have you supported your community outside of work?

Outside of work, I've supported my community through many years of volunteer involvement, including serving on several boards and committees and helping with numerous local events. As a riding instructor, I've also donated my time to youth programs, agricultural events, and community activities that promote safe, positive experiences with horses. After more than 22 years in the Fort St. John area, giving back has been an important part of how I stay connected to and support the community.

Why do you want to serve on the Fort St. John Co-op Board of Directors?

I want to serve on the Fort St. John Co-op Board because I value the cooperative model and enjoy contributing through board work. With over 22 years in the area and 15 years of farming experience, I understand the needs of rural members and the importance of a member‑owned organization. I'm interested in helping the Co-op stay strong, community focused, and responsive to both its commercial fuel customers and everyday local members.

How will you represent the interests of the full membership, not just a specific group?

I will represent the full membership by listening to a wide range of perspectives and making decisions based on what benefits the Co-op as a whole. With experience in both rural life and community boards, I understand that members have different needs depending on whether they are commercial fuel customers or everyday local families. My goal is to balance those interests fairly, focus on long term stability, and ensure all members feel heard, valued, and supported by their Co-op.

Why should Co-op members choose you to represent them?

Co‑op members should choose me because I'm committed to representing both individual members and large commercial fuel customers with fairness and impartiality. I understand that the long term viability of the Fort St. John Co-op depends on balancing the needs of high volume business accounts with the value and relevance offered to everyday members. My goal is to support decisions that strengthen the Co-op's future, maintain member trust, and ensure the organization continues to serve the whole community effectively.

Name: Curtis Whitford

Years as a Co-op Member: 20+ years

Occupation/Primary Profession: Oil and Gas Permitting and Engagement

How have you supported your community outside of work?

On the FSJPA Executive for the past 8 years, currently on the executive as the past president and as an advisor to the current president. Was on the Tracker Hockey Club Board for 7 years, held the position of the transportation director for 7 years;
2020-21 on the Bert Bowes Pac committee and helped raise 240k for the Track & Field improvement.

Why do you want to serve on the Fort St. John Co-op Board of Directors?

I believe I can bring value as I have served on many boards and executives in the past 20 years in the community that has focused on making our community a better place to work and raise a family.

How will you represent the interests of the full membership, not just a specific group?

I believe being a father of three children who are in post secondary school I have the fair outlook on what is working and what is not on multi generational issues and concerns.

Why should Co-op members choose you to represent them?

I come from a long line of professional truck drivers and business owners that are CO-OP users and I maintain a commercial license and volunteer to drive the bus for the local hockey teams. I believe I bring common sense approach to projects with the customer focus as the primary concern. I am local that was born and raised in Fort St John and my Grandparents have been in the community since 1920.