Lynn Hutton | CEO

Lynn Hutton is part of the Wolf Clan of the Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin in Dawson City, Yukon.  As a voice and advocate of Indigenous business and growth, Lynn has spent the past 10+ years assisting organizations across the North to further their development in both business and public awareness. Her passion for giving back gave opportunity to volunteer as the President of a not-for-profit organization which she helped build from the ground up, while simultaneously holding the position of President & CEO of her First Nation’s Development Corporation. Lynn has worked with NGOs, Federal/Territorial Governments, Indigenous Trusts/Groups, as well as resource and private sectors, providing a unique understanding of the needs of the clients of these complex portfolios and the outcomes expected in creating lasting growth for generations to come. Prior to her work with First Nations, Lynn spent many years in private sector business as a change specialist in operational, financial and risk management and more than 10 years’ experience in construction management, HR, marketing and public relations. As a key driver to success, Lynn also believes in empowering and mentoring the next generation of women in business.

Amanda Johnston​ | VP - People & Culture ​

Amanda Johnston is a proud member of the Liard First Nation, Crow Clan, and carries both Kaska and Tahltan ancestry. She was born and raised in the unceded Traditional Territory of the Kaska Dena, which is located in Southern Yukon and Northern British Columbia. Amanda has a diverse background that includes experience in First Nation's government, territorial and municipal services, healthcare, and community relations. Most recently, Amanda served a successful term as an elected Councillor, representing her Nation.This wide range of experience and critical insights provide her with a unique perspective on the challenges that Indigenous people in Canada face on their journey toward decolonization and reconciliation.

A passionate advocate for First Nations' health, Amanda is always looking for ways to promote holistic wellness, which led her to joining Kermode Consulting as the Vice President of People and Culture. In this role, she works to develop comprehensive approaches that blend both traditional and modern wellness philosophies to address the needs of clients and their communities in the context of community development.

Amanda believes active community involvement is an essential aspect of creating thriving and resilient communities. She volunteers as a minor hockey coach and enjoys engaging in traditional practices such as hunting, fishing, beading, sewing, and participating in ceremonies. She shares these activities with her husband, children, extended family, and friends.

Amanda's background and unique experiences reflect her dedication to the well-being and cultural preservation of Indigenous communities in Canada, as well as her commitment to fostering positive change in the areas of decolonization and reconciliation.

Michelle Dawson-Beattie | VP-Intergovernmental Affairs

Michelle Dawson-Beattie is a proud member of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nations and current President of the Yukon First Nations Hockey Association. Michelle has extensive experience working with communities, government, and private sector business with corporations such as Victoria Gold, Nuna Logistics, Dakwakada Capital Investments and the Yukon First Nation Chamber of Commerce.  Michelle’s strong sense of community and Indigenous ways of knowing and being make her a Leader in her industry and as VP-Intergovernmental Affairs with Kermode Consulting Inc.  Michelle works largely with Chief & Councils, community members and key stakeholders who look to bridge the gap between social progress and cultural traditions.

Michelle’s contributions to the community include her time spent volunteering on various boards and committees such as Yukon Women in Mining, Yukon Fish & Wildlife Management Board, and the Yukon Salmon Sub-Committee. Outside of these commitments you will find Michelle on the land near her hometown of Champagne, Yukon pursuing her passion for guiding and working with her horses. Michelle also enjoys spending time with family hunting, fishing, and continuing the traditions of her ancestors.

Jesse Johnston | VP-Community Infrastructure

Born and raised in the East Kootenays and Southern Interior of British Columbia, Jesse currently lives in Watson Lake, Yukon Territory with his wife and children. He is a multi-disciplinary graduate of Thompson Rivers University having obtained a diploma in Water Treatment Technology, a Certificate in Water and Wastewater Utilities, and completion of the vocational trades and technology journeyman Millwright program. Most recently he completed his certification and licensing in Primary Care Medicine at the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC).

Jesse has a diverse career background in manufacturing, commercial retail development, water and wastewater utilities, capital infrastructure, housing and emergency management. He has worked for multiple First Nations, Municipal, Provincial and Territorial Governments in Western Canada. Most recently he served a Yukon First Nation as their Capital and Infrastructure Director. Jesse believes in giving back to his community and volunteers as a paramedic and firefighter with local agencies in his rural region. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the Yukon Northern Safety Network and Yukon’s Territorial Water and Wastewater Operator Steering Committee.

When not engaged with work or volunteering, Jesse enjoys spending time with his wife, family and friends, preferably exploring the outdoors, camping, hunting or at one of the numerous hot springs in British Columbia and the Yukon. As a strong ally, Jesse takes all tasks to heart, going above and beyond for clients and their communities by applying best industry practices to his service delivery.

Brenda Gonzàlez | Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Originally from Mexico City, Brenda came to Vancouver in 2016 to study at UBC, successfully earning a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Economics. Her extracurricular activities included working at the UBC Arts Academic Advising, the Collegia program, UBC Equal Voice and the Ubyssey News. She completed her degree with a research project that analyzed Mexico’s main policy against femicides - the highest form of gender-based violence. With these experiences, she obtained recognition as a Graduating Student Leader for the class of 2021. As Manager of Strategic Initiatives, Brenda specializes in securing funding opportunities for clients through proposal writing and grant management. During her first year, she completed over $50 million in grant writing with a success rate above 63%.  Her passion for empowering marginalized communities and dismantling oppressive structures through an intersectional framework led her to work at Kermode Consulting Inc. where she enjoys supporting clients with project development, relationship building and research initiatives. Through her experience and education, Brenda has a deep understanding of systemic inequalities and how policy can promote economic development and social justice. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Brenda is a resourceful worker and creative problem solver with a strong background in project management, relationship building and community engagement. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, reading and spending time with family.

Stephanie Rodriguez | Policy Analyst ​

As a first-generation Canadian immigrant, Stephanie strives to understand and appreciate diverse cultures and societies in order to embrace empathy and curiosity as guiding principles. Holding a bachelor’s degree in Global Development and a Postgraduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, Stephanie has honed her abilities to work effectively with marginalized communities, helping them achieve economic development while advocating for empowerment and the dismantling of oppressive structures.

Through an intersectional lens of development, Stephanie’s aim is to offer communities a transformative path forward. Having collaborated closely with a resilient community of women in rural India to evaluate the far-reaching benefits of micro-financing in terms of finance, politics, and society. Stephanie has immersed herself in cultures to witness the profound intergenerational impact that proper resource allocation and social equity can bring. This experience fueled Stephanie’s sense of empowerment and strengthened her commitment to fostering sustainable change.

Stephanie’s journey has cultivated a strong skill set in project management, relationship building, and community engagement. These foundational abilities have equipped her to engage with diverse stakeholders, navigate complex challenges, and foster meaningful collaborations. Moving forward, Stephanie looks to delve into policy analytics, leveraging her expertise to drive informed decision-making and advocate for impactful changes on a broader scale for communities and non-profits alike.

Stephanie’s approach to work is rooted in a deep respect for people and their stories. By engaging with individuals from various backgrounds, she has broadened her perspective and enhanced capacity to make a positive difference. She recognizes how the power of equitable opportunities and access to resources is unlocking the true potential of individuals and communities, leading her to encourage inclusive environments and promote social justice throughout her endeavors both at work and in her personal life.

Geri Colbourne | Financial Management

As a seasoned financial expert, Geri brings invaluable experience to the Kermode Consulting team. Geri has owned and worked for several businesses as an Accountant and Financial Advisor, most notably when she bought an ice manufacturing business for just $35,000 and sold it only a few years later for a profit of over half a million. Geri’s specialty is turning small businesses into profitable companies and has more recently spent 3 years managing the Downtown Hotel in Dawson City, Yukon, turning it into a professionally run, iconic tourist attraction. Ever since her first trip to the Yukon in 1970, Geri has returned multiple times, marvelling in the natural beauty and unique culture. In her free time Geri loves to paint, read and walk her little yorkie dog Peanut, while also spending time with her two children, son in law and grandchild. Geri resides in Kelowna, BC where she is proud to say she was an original owner of the famous OK Corral, a flourishing community staple in Kelowna BC.

George Richardson | Senior Housing Advisor

Formerly with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) for 25+ years, George has extensive experience working with Nations whose challenges included operating deficits, rental arrears, and governance issues. George strongly believes that well maintained and administered homes are essential to the process of nurturing healthy families and resilient, sustainable communities.

George joined CMHC in his hometown of Vancouver in 1989, and from 1991 to 2004 focused almost exclusively on Indigenous housing programs with Yukon First Nations, inspiring him to move to Whitehorse in 1996 to be closer to the Nations he was working with. Upon his return to Vancouver in late 2004, he spent the following decade working with BC First Nations, specializing in remote and special-access communities on the west coast of Vancouver Island, northern BC, along the shore of the Salish Sea, the Fraser Valley and on the Fraser Plateau.

During his tenure, George assisted many Nations with the introduction of the CMHC First Nations Rental Housing Program and with the implementation of universal rental regimes. In addition to assisting with delivery of CMHC’s construction and renovation programs, George also facilitated many Capacity Building opportunities for housing professionals in both Yukon and BC.

In 2017, George altered his path again and took on the role of Takla Nation’s Housing Manager, moving into community and guiding the team through extensive renovation work while also helping to significantly increase the number of new homes in the community.

After 5 years, George returned to the Lower Mainland in 2022 and is very pleased to now be Senior Advisor for Housing to groups in need. When not reading housing reports and checking his social media, George spends quality time with his wife and son at their home in Delta, BC, and with his adult daughter catching up on her adventures.

Twitter: @georgehousing
Instagram: @georgenorthernhousing

Tara Howse | Partner

Tara Howse has been in the rural community economic development field for 15 years and provides additional specialization in social justice issues pertaining to gender and diversity issues. A social sciences researcher, she is a natural problem solver that focuses on community-based and localized solutions to address the problem at hand by using qualitative research methods.

Tara's education includes a Bachelor's in criminal justice and a Master's in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on Global Change and Equity Studies. For her Master's, her research asked how gender and Indigeneity impact trust in the social licence within the resource extraction industry. Tara has additional certificates and training that span Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), Community Economic Development, and Appreciative Inquiry methodology.

As rural community economic development is an interdisciplinary field, her work is similarly broad. Tara draws on experts and learnings across multiple fields of study with a lens to inclusivity and representation. Past research has involved women’s economic security, active transportation, Indigenous and settler understandings, economic investment, and a variety of aspects related to market housing.