Chris Insull
Executive Director
Arriving in the Columbia Valley in 2021 after calling Winnipeg home for his entire life Chris was lucky enough to land at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, where he served as Manager of Administration & Operations for nearly 5 years. Appointed as the Executive Director in July 2026, Chris is keen to continue the work that Chamber does to support business in the valley.
Fourteen years working as manager of Winnipeg’s premier independent camera store imprinted an awareness and respect for the role of community, support and solidarity of local business. Spend just a few moments talking to Chris, and you won’t miss his passion for local business. Invest a little longer, and you’ll come away inspired to try a local hike, enjoy a great meal, or source some local produce.
“Working in a small local business for 14 years gave me a deep understanding of what it means for a business to be more than just a place to buy products or services. The valley business community is vital to our region’s future, and they deserve support. Big or small, thriving or facing challenges, every business owner could use a hand. I look forward to connecting with them, hearing their stories, and finding ways for the chamber to help them, and our communities, flourish.”
Deanna Berrington
Communications and Member Events Coordinator
Deanna Berrington was born and raised in Invermere and was delighted to have the opportunity to return after her post-secondary education. Seeing the Columbia Valley expand and grow over the years has inspired her to help small business thrive in this charming little corner of the world. After completing her bachelor’s degree in English (with a specialty in History) from the University of Victoria, she decided to come home and work in retail!
With over 25 years of providing exceptional customer service in the valley, Deanna has spent a lot of time in customer-facing management roles and has honed her sales skills over the years in specialized industries. Her enthusiasm and energy is contagious, and she is well-known in the valley for going above and beyond in service.
She felt that taking a step away from working for one business at a time, and expanding her horizons to help the community of businesses in the valley that she has called home for so long was a step in the right direction. She is a believer in collaboration over competition and is excited for the valley to grow even stronger together.
Pete Bourke
Director of Strategy & Partnerships
With over 20 years of senior management experience throughout tourism, hospitality and customer service sectors, Pete is a culture focused leader with a coach approach mindset.
He understands the value of enhancing managers and business leaders with the tools to succeed. Having owned his own business in Invermere and worked in senior roles with some of the larger employers in the region, Pete has a firsthand appreciation for what it takes to be successful in the Columbia Valley.
Pete places high importance on building a sense of community and giving back to others, as evidenced through his continued commitments to non-profit organizations.
An alumnus of Royal Roads University, he holds a Graduate Executive Coaching Certificate and is EQ-i2.0 & EQ360 certified for Emotional Intelligence. Pete is also currently challenging for his Associate Certified Coach credential through the ICF and undertaking his Masters in Business Administration.
Pete is happy to call Invermere home.
Theresa Wood
Economic Development Contractor
Theresa has an extensive background in hospitality and tourism working in food and beverage, housekeeping, guest services, sales and marketing, and event planning. This gives her a solid understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the tourism industry. During her time as Events Coordinator for the District of Invermere she thrived on bringing the community together.
More recently, working at Taynton Bay Spirits, Theresa gained invaluable experience in business growth and strategies needed to be successful in local economies as well as abroad.
Theresa serves the community on the board of directors for Wings Over the Rockies, The Lake Windermere Rowing Club, and is a member on the Whiteway Committee.
Theresa is currently in the final phase of completing a Community Economic Development certificate from the University of Waterloo. She believes strongly in the importance of leaving an economically, environmentally, and culturally sustainable community for future generations.
The Business Recovery Advisor position is made possible with funding through the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC).