College of the Rockies vice-president, academic, Robin Hicks has announced the appointment of Vanessa Lozecznik as the new manager of workforce development and campus operations at the Creston campus.
“We are excited to welcome Vanessa to the college,” Hicks said. “Her management experience, in combination with her passion for collaborative, inclusive decision-making and community-centred leadership, will be a tremendous addition to our team.”
Lozecznik brings more than a decade of experience living and working in the Creston Valley, where she has built a strong reputation for creating inclusive and sustainable educational and community programs.
Since 2014, she has served as the Community Action Program for Children (CAPC) co-ordinator at Valley Community Services Society, managing multi-site programming across six East Kootenay communities and co-ordinating staff, volunteers and community partners.
She also serves as a prevention specialist with Gambling Support BC, where she develops tailored educational workshops for diverse audiences and strengthens partnerships with regional agencies.
Previously, as the healthy foods project co-ordinator for the Northern Association of Community Councils from 2011 to 2014, Lozecznik designed and implemented food security initiatives across 26 Indigenous and Métis communities. Her work included securing external funding to expand under-resourced programs, including organic beekeeping co-ops, U-pick orchards and food preservation projects.
Lozecznik holds a Master of Natural Resources Management from the University of Manitoba. Her graduate research explored platforms for public participation and adult transformative learning in marginalized rural communities—an area of expertise that aligns with the college’s focus on community connection and lifelong learning.
“I’m really excited to begin this new journey with the college,” Lozecznik said. “I’m looking forward to supporting the diverse needs of our learners in Creston and building strong, meaningful relationships with stakeholders to help create a vibrant and welcoming campus.”
Lozecznik began her role on Dec. 1 and will be available at the Creston campus three days a week.
More information about the Creston campus is available at cotr.bc.ca/creston.
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