Our Board Members

Carolyn Danco, a realtor with Coastal Life Realty, is the newest director to join our board.

Melody arrived on Pender Island in 2006 to take on the expansive role of Human Resource Manager at the Poets Cove Resort. Since that time she has been a key figure in the development of many Island initiatives and has worked in a variety of positions including Executive Assistant to the Southern Gulf Islands Electoral Areas Director since February 2012.

A keen observer of the needs of the Southern Gulf Islands (SGIs), Melody has connected with many people establishing intermediary actors and partnerships to the benefit of organizations and the government. As a community leader embedded in the social networks, shared vision and decision making of the Southern Gulf Islands, Melody became a founding member of the SGI Community Resource Centre (SGICRC) which opened in 2016 and the SGI Neighbourhood House (SGINH) which opened in April 2022. With a background in Finance and Human Resources, Melody is the current Executive Director of the SGICRC and the SGINH, overseeing a growing staff and the implementation of numerous programs to help build community and social services on all the SGIs

Thomas moved from northern Saskatchewan to Pender Island with his family in 2005. He attended school on both Pender Island and Salt Spring Island, actively volunteered with transportation and theatre groups, and gained valuable experience working for local tourism, retail and manufacturing businesses. Currently, he is a co-owner of Lightning Taxi, Pender Island’s all-electric taxi company. Thomas brings a distinct perspective to the Chamber board, enriched by his diverse community engagements.

A veteran of the Royal Canadian Navy who proudly served in her 18-year military career, with resilience and professionalism. As a Naval Combat Information Officer, she worked closely with allied nations and developed expertise in emergency preparedness, disaster response, leadership development, and public relations. To satisfy her creative energies and to encourage positive self-image, Thandi recently opened her own business – a charming clothing store on picturesque Pender Island. Drawn to the warm and welcoming community on Pender Island, Thandi has decided to further her support of #local island businesses as President of the Pender Island Chamber of Commerce, where she plans to foster cooperation, cross promotion, and support within the vibrant businesses of the southern gulf island communities.