Cam Whitehead
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dr. Cam Whitehead is tasked with fostering a culture that values science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship across the Kootenays. He is responsible to the KAST Board of Directors and is guided by an annual strategic plan.
Cam has over 10 years of senior project management experience in non-profit, private, academic and public sector contexts… plus a history of many other eclectic jobs and pursuits. He is responsible for implementing all KAST projects including oversight of: the MIDAS Lab, the Nelson Innovation Centre, the BC Venture Acceleration Program, GLOWS, strategic partnerships and initiatives, events, sector promotion, and member, government and stakeholder relations.
Cam returned to the Kootenays after working for the BC Ministries of Jobs, Trade and Technology and Citizens’ Services. Cam lives in Blewett and enjoys getting outside with his family and getting things done.
Kailyn Skuban
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND PROGRAMS
As Director of Operations and Programs, Kailyn is responsible for executing all KAST projects and programs, managing client and stakeholder relations, and providing oversight for daily administrative and financial duties.
Kailyn was born and raised in the Canadian prairies, spent the last 20 years in Vancouver and has now made her way to the Kootenays. She brings 15 years of experience in fund development, grant writing, and program management in both the charitable and public sector to her role. She previously worked for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Science World B.C., and most recently as Program Manager of Innovation Funding with Innovate BC. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Simon Fraser University.
Kailyn is a community connector, a lover of nature, a self-proclaimed science nerd, and yearns to one day travel to space (Fun Fact: she was accepted as a qualified candidate for the Canadian Space Agency’s 2016 astronaut recruitment campaign!).
She volunteers her time as an adjudicator for the Irving K. Barber Women in Technology scholarship program and sat as the founding Board Chair for the Vancouver Mural Festival. She was thrilled to make the move to Nelson in 2019 to follow her dream of living and working in the beautiful Kootenay mountains where she can ski, hike, bike, swim and camp to her heart’s content.
Shawn Curran
MIDAS LAB MAKER & TRAINING PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Shawn grew up in Nelson, spent some time away and happily moved back to raise his family, as he loves the Kootenays. He specializes in organization and documentation and has been part of growth in all previous companies he’s worked for.
He has a passion for learning and excelling and is a graduate of the Selkirk College Plant Operator Program. He’s also taken PLC and robotics courses and is honoured to put this experience to work at MIDAS Lab.
He has a solid production and manufacturing background and experience in technical sales, management as well as equipment and machinery repair. With a passion for sharing what he has learned, he writes and teaches courses at MIDAS Fab Lab, school district and he’s involved with the Nelson and Lower Columbia tech clubs.
Outside of work, Shawn is into making and enjoying good food and coffee as well as volunteering at his meditation centre and children’s school, and being a part of his community in general.
Karen Kornelsen
Nelson Innovation Centre Manager
As the manager of the Nelson Innovation Centre, Karen is thrilled to put her skills to work supporting tech and knowledge workers, entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Nelson area.
In 2019, Karen came on board as the Manager of Marketing and Communications for KAST and has been responsible for getting the word out about our thriving regional tech hub, as well as supporting the Nelson Innovation Centre and MIDAS Lab.
Her decade-long career as a journalist and professional editor in TV, radio and print and her passion for writing and community engagement easily translated into the marketing, communications and events management sector. She has worked hard for nonprofit, tourism and government organizations in both Manitoba and British Columbia. Karen made the move to the Kootenays in 2011 and is proud to call this eclectic region home.
Karen is no stranger to tech and is an entrepreneur herself. She runs her business, KG Creative, out of the Slocan Valley and Nelson. Her focus is on elevating and empowering women entrepreneurs as well as nonprofit organizations through social media management, copywriting, digital content marketing, branding and consulting. She is no stranger to the tech sector, and she truly understands the challenges and successes of running a business from a wilderness home with weak internet and no cell service.
Outside of the office, Karen is very active and enjoys many outdoor activities including camping, hiking and canoeing. She also loves writing poetry, rapping and hiking with her cat.
Laura Vaché
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR
Laura is originally from Brittany, France, where she spent her youth. She studied communications at the University of Grenoble and completed a masters degree in Scientific and Technical Communications where she was introduced to digital innovations.
Laura worked for two and a half years at Cap Digital, a French hub in Paris for digital and ecological transformation. She was in charge of communications and event planning for a centre that was newly opened by Cap Digital, dedicated to the innovation in the field of education, training and life-long learning.
Laura arrived in Nelson in January 2018 after travelling for a few months in B.C. Enjoying the mountains and surroundings, she is always motivated to discover new places during her free time or volunteer for the Francophone Association of the West Kootenays (AFKO).
Ben Marken
MIDAS LAB MAKER & SELKIRK COLLEGE RESEARCH ASSISTANT
Ben has a strong background in 3D CAD modeling, rendering, and prototyping, and is eager to take on any kind of task. His most recent projects include work for FortisBC, Teck, Austin Engineering, and Columbia Basin Trust.
The Corra Linn Dam Model was one of Ben’s most successful projects, winning the Clean Energy BC award for Operational Excellence.
Born and raised in Nelson, Ben has always had a love for the outdoors. Kayaking, sailing, skiing, biking, hiking, and paintball are some of his favorite activities. Ben also spends a large portion of his spare time on his own projects, designing upgrades and gadgets for many of his hobbies.
Shane Hainsworth
MIDAS Lab Assistant
When Shane isn’t hiding out in the backcountry, you can find him working in the wonderful world of tech, fabrication and programming.
With 15 years of programming already under his belt, it’s no wonder Shane took on the fabrication world nine years ago. Entering into the fabrication field through Selkirk College’s Research & Development department, he gained a new passion for problem-solving and building really cool things. He started out by building his own 3D printer, then followed through on gaining further knowledge in Arduino, lasers, and the CNC world.
Over the years, Shane has tackled many projects through The SMARTS Program at Selkirk College. He’s also built things purely for his own enjoyment, everything from personalized tea bag containers to temperature monitoring systems.
Shane has been in Nelson for nearly 20 years and has been involved with many community initiatives through volunteering, education, business and the outdoors. He has a passion for people and helping them succeed in whatever they are doing. Shane’s greatest passion is the outdoors where he rock climbs, hikes and skis any chance he gets.
