Kootenay Career Development Society is a non-profit society with charitable status operated by a volunteer Board of Directors
A Message From Our Board
February 2024
Executive Director Transition
Kootenay Career Development Society (KCDS) will bid farewell to Executive Director Jocelyn Carver in September 2024. After nine years in the role, Jocelyn plans to take some time off before moving on to her next professional endeavour. Ms. Carver joined the organization in 2015, taking over the role of Executive Director from KCDS’ founder, Jan Wright. During her time, KCDS significantly expanded its service region, program offerings, staffing, and partnerships with community organizations in the Boundary, West, and Central Kootenay regions. KCDS is a regional non-profit society incorporated in 2004 and well known as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for employment services. Currently, KCDS is the prime contractor for the WorkBC program in the Boundary, West, and Central Kootenay region, providing career development, employer, and employment services to thousands of job-seeking residents in partnership with seven other community organizations. KCDS also delivers a wide variety of specialized employment programs focusing on workforce development targeted job seekers with barriers to employment, such as Headwaters, Career Connect, and SmartLaunch. Information about KCDS’ programs can be found at www.kcds.ca.
The organization is led by a volunteer Board of Directors and managed by an Executive Committee, including the Executive Director, who is responsible for all day-to-day operations. The 60+ employees in their Trail, Castlegar, and Nelson service areas are committed to the resilience of the communities they serve and have created a safe and supportive workplace culture that has earned them ‘Great Place to Work’ certification for five years in a row.
“I am excited about the future, for both KCDS and myself personally, and grateful the organization is doing so well. Even though I’m looking forward to my next adventure, I’ll be sad to leave KCDS and its wonderful network of partner organizations. It’s been such an unrivalled privilege to work with so many caring, committed, and competent people. And if I need help finding my next job, I know where to go!” said Carver.
Every ending is a new beginning! The Board is currently preparing to launch the recruitment for KCDS’ next Executive Director and anticipates sharing the good news regarding KCDS’ next leader this Spring. “We are fortunate that the organization has attracted a strong team and great programs, and we are looking forward to launching a new strategic plan this Spring. We are sad to see Jocelyn go, but we are thankful for the strong position KCDS has achieved during her time as Executive Director. Our Board is excited to support our next Executive Director as they make their unique contribution to KCDS in the coming years,” says Sheila Achilles, Board Chair.
KCDS Vision: Vibrant and resilient communities sustained by diverse and inclusive workplaces with opportunities for all. KCDS Mission: Guided by our commitment to clients, community growth, and resilience, KCDS provides expert career development, employer, and employment services.
