Board Members
Current Board Members
          Doug Stoddart
          (Board Chair)
I retired after dedicated career in the co-operative credit union industry, including 24 years as Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson & District Credit Union (NDCU). I understand the financial needs of businesses and communities, as well as low, mid & high-income individuals.Â
I support collaboration and was actively involved in the start-up and growth of corporations in insurance, wealth management, technology, and regulatory industries.
During my career I was active on Boards of Nelson & Area Economic Development Commission (Chair), a Vancouver technology company, Central 1 Credit Union, and the National Board of Directors representing British Columbia. I was subsequently elected to the World Council of Credit Unions and represented Canada internationally.
I am a college graduate, an Associative of the Institute of Canadian Bankers (AICB), and a founding member of the Accredited Mortgage Professional (AMP) program. I studied under Steven Covey at the Covey Leadership Center in Utah and the co-operative economy at the University of Bologna, Italy.
Georgia Argyle
(Board Secretary)
Georgia Argyle joined the CFHC Board of Directors in 2020 to have the opportunity to work with the founding members and to participate in the important work the CFHC does. As the owner/operator of Thrive Tutoring Services and Community Education and Support Services, Georgia has been advocating for services to support the diverse education needs of Nelson and area students.
 Joining the CFHC Board is another way in which she is hoping to help students find the support they need to navigate the complex world they live in. As a member of the Board, Georgia will be advocating for youth and helping secure resources and support programs for them.
          Eric Ramsden
        (Finance Director)
I have been fortunate, since 2010, to be part of the Community First Health Cooperative volunteer team with 10 of those years as an active board member. In
addition, I am able to participate as a board member on both the Nelson and District Seniors Co-ordinating Society and the West Kootenay Community TEETH
Society.
I am looking forward to, hopefully, rejoining the board this year. During my time on the board, I have been lucky enough to work on the successful social media campaign to secure $50,000 for the TEETH Low-Cost Dental Clinic, continue our work toward providing affordable housing to our community, sharing health education opportunities with our residents as well as having an opportunity to work as media liaison.
        Jodi Bergman
      (Board Member)
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          Luke Mori
        (Board Member)
        Jayme Lebedow
       (Board Member)
Jodi joined the CFHC Board of Directors in 2023, inspired by a shared commitment to supporting families and youth in meaningful, lasting ways. Her decision to join the Board is deeply rooted in her professional experience as a teacher, counsellor, and consultant, roles through which she has consistently advocated for the well-being and development of young people.
As the founder of Jodi Bergman counselling and consulting, Jodi has spent years working closely with families across the Nelson area, addressing diverse needs and offering tailored support. Through her work with the CFHC, she continues this mission—helping to strengthen programs, expand access to services, and ensure that youth/families have the resources they need to navigate an increasingly complex world with confidence and care.
I want to serve on the Board of Directors of the Community First Health Co-op because I strongly believe in its mission and the positive impact it has on our community. CFHC’s commitment to serving others over profit aligns with my values, and I’m inspired by its multifaceted support of individuals, families, and community health through wellness programs, accessible facilities, and educational initiatives.
I’m passionate about strengthening local charities and non-profits, and I see CFHC’s below-market-rate space as a vital support to their sustainability. I’m also deeply motivated by CFHC’s efforts to relieve poverty and provide housing—addressing health disparities and offering stability for vulnerable populations and health professionals in our growing community. Through board service, I hope to contribute to CFHC’s growth, foster collaboration, and support its role as a model for inclusive, community-based care.
Having lived in Nelson for most of my life, I bring a strong understanding of the local landscape, deep community ties, and a commitment to sustainable development. My work with local companies, youth soccer coaching, and mentoring young entrepreneurs has kept me closely connected to the next generation and the community’s evolving needs. With over a decade in real estate, I understand the challenges around housing access—knowledge that’s especially relevant to CFHC’s mandate. I also bring experience in marketing and branding, which can help expand outreach and build visibility. I’m confident that my local insight, community engagement, and professional skills can support CFHC’s continued growth and impact.
My decision to serve on the board comes from both personal experience and a genuine desire to help others on their own health journeys. Having faced my own challenges within the healthcare system, I understand how meaningful it is to have people who truly listen, support, and stand beside you. Being part of this co-op gives me the opportunity to help create a space where every member feels seen, valued, and cared for. I’m grateful to work alongside others who share the same vision for more personal, supportive, and accessible care.
Past members
Madeline Collins
Madeline Collins has a background in Public Health and Project Management. She has experience working in primary healthcare organizations in Australia focusing on improving access to health services, supporting health professionals and coordinating primary healthcare delivery. She also has a background in research with a focus on the continuum of care for maternal, newborn and child health, participating in research projects in Indonesia and rural Australia. She looks forward to volunteering with the Community First Health Co-op.Â
                                             Debby Zeeben
Sarah Popoff
Pegasis McGauley
I was a founder of Community First Health Co-op and Save Our Services (now Nelson Area Society for Health) in 2002. I have been on both Boards ever since. NASH is a member of the B.C. Health Coalition and the B.C. Rural Health Network, which works to amplify the rural voice on healthcare. NASH is now a committee of Community First Health Co-op. I have been active with Connected Communities, the West Kootenay coalition of health advocacy groups, also since 2002. Before COVID we met twice a year with IH administrators to raise community and patient concerns.
I helped start TEETH, the low-income dental clinic, in 2014 and am Co-Chair. I served 7 years as Alternate Director for Area E on the Central Kootenay Regional District Board and continue to attend Hospital Board meetings. I was one of two patient representatives on Interior Health’s Kootenay-Boundary Home Health Working Group.I am retired from 23 years’ work in a group home for adults with disabilities. Before that, I was a programmer and systems analyst with big mainframe computers. I have a grown daughter, 2 grandchildren, and a wonderful woman partner of more than 30 years.But my real work is political action, trying to improve our society. For the last 20 years, I have focused particularly on health care.
Corporate Members
- Nelson Rotary Club
- Drs. Tandi Wilkinson, Leah Seaman & Martha Wilson
- Poulin Agencies Ltd. - Maurice Poulin
- Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences - Warren Fischer
- Comfort & Joy - Dr. Michael Culham Inc. - Michael Culham
- Heritage Inn - Ryan Martin
- Jennie's Garden - Jennie Ash
- Kiwanis Club of Nelson - Sidney Wapple
- Berg Naqvi Lehmann
- Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce
- Civic Auto Repair - Henry Reimer
- Nelson & District Senior's Citizen's Association - Lucy Methuen
- Balfour & District Senior's Citizen's Association
- Whitewater Ski Resort - Mike Adams
- Linda Kalbun Consulting
- St Johns Ambulance Nelson
*If you are a corporate member who would like to be listed, please let us know.
