The AVENS Board of Directors assembles to work toward the future strategic development of the organization, and oversight of the daily operations while working alongside the Chief Executive Director.
Colleen has lived in Yellowknife for 10 years with her husband and three children. As an active community volunteer, Colleen supports the development of the differently abled, as a Special Olympics Coach and has served on the boards of the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Territories and Nunavut Construction Association and Yellowknife Homeful Partnership. Colleen works as Regional Director for Northview Residential REIT, and holds a professional designation, as a Certified Property Manager. Colleen joined AVENS board to give back to the community and support seniors ageing in place.
Matt has a long history with the community of Yellowknife and the AVENS community. Matt lived most of his early life in Yellowknife graduating from Sir John Franklin High School in 1981. He returned to Yellowknife 20 years later with his family of six to spend more time with his parents and began working for the Government of Canada. Both his grandmother Muriel Spence and his mom Ruth Spence, spent their last years at AVENS being looked after by the wonderful and caring staff. Matt’s interest in being on the board is to give back and to help the organization expand so it can help the growing population of NWT seniors.
Lani Cooke is a long time northerner with family and many friends in Yellowknife. For over 45 years of her life in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut she has worked as an owner of a film production business, commercial fisher, executive director of two non-profit agencies, and, for the final thirteen years of her career, as a leadership and governance consultant. Lani has strong skills in organizational development, women’s empowerment, disability action and support, community consultation and a deep devotion to the continuing growth and wellbeing of northern people.
Ron arrived in the Northwest Territories in 1977 to work as a wildlife officer for the GNWT. He has lived in seven different northern communities including Yellowknife for the past 20 years. Since his arrival in the North, Ron has also worked for the Department of Fisheries as an area manager (Eastern Arctic), Arctic habitat program coordinator, area director (Western Arctic), director of the regional staffing team, and coordinator for integrated fisheries management plan for Dolly Varden. Since retirement from the DFO 11 years ago, Ron has been doing some consulting and working with boards in the renewable resources and environmental assessment field. Ron became involved with AVENS as a board member in 2010 and has served as a board member in a variety of roles since.
Lynda has been in the NWT since 1970 and considers herself a long-time northerner. Lynda is a retired Registered Nurse who worked at AVENS from 1989 to 2017. She considers her tenure at AVENS a privilege as she met many people, gained many friendships, and acquired valuable knowledge of the seniors of our north. In 2017, Lynda was awarded the Order of the Northwest Territories for her work with seniors and AVENS. She was truly honoured to receive the award and firmly believes that the team she worked with at AVENS made it possible. Serving on the AVENS Board, Lynda hopes to be able to make a difference in the lives of those who know AVENS as their home.
Debbie has lived in the NWT for more than 40 years, working for Indigenous organizations and governments and for almost 30 years, with the Government of the Northwest Territories, retiring as the deputy minister of Health and Social Services. Debbie believes that the GNWT and civil society can work together to address the challenges of an ageing population, and to make sure that the territory’s seniors and elders have access to the programs and services they need to stay healthy and active members of our communities. Serving on the AVENS board provides a great opportunity for Debbie to help address these challenges.
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Taig began his northern journey in 1978, when a short visit to the Northwest Territories turned into a lifelong commitment to making the North his home. Over the years, he has lived mostly in the NWT, including the Eastern Arctic, before settling in the Mackenzie Delta to raise his family. Through these experiences, Taig has developed strong friendships across the territory and a deep appreciation for the cultural diversity that defines the North. Professionally, Taig dedicated much of his career to public service, working with the Departments of Education, and Environment and Climate Change. His role as an Adult Educator was particularly meaningful, providing him with valuable insight into the social and personal needs of older and aging adults. After more than three decades of service with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Taig retired in 2023. Following years of using Yellowknife as a stopover, he has now chosen to make the city his permanent residence. In addition to his professional career, Taig has contributed extensively to community life, serving on numerous local and government-appointed boards and committees. He views his involvement with the Avens Board as an opportunity to support seniors in aging well within their communities. Taig is committed to advocating for the removal of barriers that affect quality of life and ensuring that seniors at Avens—and across the Northwest Territories—feel supported, valued, and at home.
In recognition of Barb Bromley’s years of service, on February 19, 2010, the Barbara Bromley Administrative Wing was unveiled at the main entry of the Aven Cottages Territorial Dementia Facility. Barb Bromley was given the title of Lifetime Director. In February 2015, we lost an integral member of our community and organization, her dedication and lifetime of work lives on with us at Avens.
