Team Members
Kelvin Saldern -Executive Director
Kelvin Saldern is the Executive Director for the Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST). Reporting to the Board of Directors, he is responsible for the overall management of KAST's projects and initiatives as well as the effective administration of the organization.
Kelvin has an extensive background in community economic development, project management and adult learning. He brings strong business skills to KAST having started his own successful small business and worked in sales and marketing in the high-technology sector. Leadership roles include three years as board chair of School District 20, during a time of dramatic and challenging change. Before joining KAST his focus was on managing the Bridging the Divides project, a three year demonstration project that focused on innovative learning and learning technology applications in CED.
His volunteer activities include past and present positions on the board of organizations including the Tourism Action Society in the Kootenays (TASK) and the Rossland Chamber of Commerce, and he is an active volunteer in other community organizations.
Kelvin's academic qualifications include a Masters in Education from Simon Fraser University, a Business Systems Management Diploma from Capilano College and a number of other professional certifications.
Andrew Zwicker - Communications Coordinator
Originally from Dartmouth Nova Scotia, Andrew has spent the past ten years following the snow around the globe working in marketing and sales in the tourism industry as well as owning and operating several small businesses.
Following a five year stint in Whistler working as the events manager and youth business director for Whistler Blackcomb Andrew relocated to Rossland and began a writing career launching AZcreative. Having written and contributed to numerous magazines, newspapers and corporate promotional copy he teamed up with two other Rosslanders and launched Lone Sheep Publishing, an independent online media company.
Andrew looks forward to bringing his passion to KAST.
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Erin Handy - Program Coordinator
Erin Handy is KAST’s Program Coordinator and point person for GLOWS, “Growing, Learning Opportunities with Science” kids and youth programming.
Erin is a nostalgic former community news reporter, a recovering provincial political aide, and a grateful student of non-profit management in the region.
Erin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Carleton University, and is currently working toward a Diploma in Renewable Energy Technology and a second Bachelor’s Degree in Economics at Vancouver Island University.
Amber Hayes - KAST MBA Program Coordinator
Amber administrates the KAST mentorship and business assistance program (KASTmba) so if you need some assistance with your business idea or current company Amber will match make you with the resources you need.
With over 30 mentorships and coaching connections established to date with very positive results Amber suggests you give it a try too! As an incentive this great program is subsidized and currently free of charge for West Kootenay Boundary organizations and individuals.
Amber has over 20 years of small business expertise and has successfully worked with both the business to business and business to consumer sectors. A speaker at a variety of international conferences and as successful presenter for multiple angel funds she has refined the skill of bringing the best out of business concepts. As a member of the International Coaching Federation Amber participates in ongoing professional development to support her commitment to the business coaching practice. More on Amber can be found on her LinkedIn profile here . Email mentor@kast.com