Executives

  • Cody Pollard

    President

    Cody first joined JCI Kelowna back in 2016 shortly after moving to Kelowna, and jumped in with both feet. He chaired or volunteered with every event over the next 3 years, and first joined the board in 2018 as External Events Director. Since then, he has continued to volunteer with events, continued to serve on the Board, has attended countless socials, and attended several National and Regional Conventions. Cody owes a great deal of his personal growth to JCI, and has made too many lifelong friends to mention here. Professionally, Cody is the VP of Marketing for Kayak Distribution, overseeing the marketing for 8 brands across 23 countries. 

  • Grace Manders

    Past President

    After an incredible year to lead, Grace is excited to hop into the passenger seat as Past President and support the incoming board for an epic year ahead! 

    Grace's roots are deeply embedded in the Okanagan, where she spent her formative years. After a brief hiatus to complete her Bachelor of Commerce at UVic, she returned to the Okanagan to embark on the path toward her CPA designation. Upon settling in Kelowna, a city she was eager to explore and contribute to, Grace found her niche with JCI in May 2017. Joining this dynamic community has proven to be a pivotal decision, enabling her to not only broaden her professional horizons but also cultivate meaningful personal connections. Over the past six years, Grace has been grateful for the diverse network she has built within the JCI community. Her commitment to JCI deepened in 2020 when she assumed the role of secretary on the board, marking the beginning of her active leadership within the organization. Now, as she eagerly anticipates the upcoming year, Grace is thrilled to announce her continued involvement on the board, this time taking on the esteemed role of Past President in 2025.

  • Steven Benjamin

    Vice- President

    Steven has been a Jaycee since 2022, completed the last year as JCI Kelowna Treasurer and is looking to get more involved with additional aspects of the unit as Vice_President. With over 16 years of volunteering time, Steven has a passion to help others and make the community a better place. Outside of JCI Kelowna Steven is the current President of the volunteer Canadian Ski Patrol Ogopogo Zone and recently joined the Okanagan College Program Advisory Committee. Steven has a BHKin and is pursuing his P.L.Eng. With years of experience on the Canadian Ski Patrol Ogopogo zone executive board, over a decade training the new ski patrollers, and 12 years at a mechanical engineering consulting firm going from drafter to associate; He’s excited to continue to expand his skill sets and “bring back the fun” to the unit.

  • Raina Dawn Lutz

    Secretary

    Raina Lutz is Okanagan-born-and-raised. A consultant, speaker and writer in wellness and the healing arts, she received her diploma in Holistic Nutrition and currently runs her own private wellness practice est. 2011. Raina is proud to be Métis. Dedicated to the healing arts, she teaches traditional and emotional healing, food sovereignty and ancestral work, and facilitating ceremonies for connection and community. While volunteerism has always been a modus operandi, this year she’s new to the Kelowna Jaycees. What appealed to Raina about JCI is the legacy, the positive impact on the local community, self development and the opportunity to connect with the “cool kids” of the Okanagan: uplifting, inspiring, exciting to be part of the team (and take notes on it all!)

  • Phil Furrer

    Treasurer

    Phil joined JCI in the fall of 2023 after hearing about the group through a past member. He was immediately sold by the group's focus on giving back to the community and having fun while doing it. Born and raised in Switzerland, Phil only moved to Kelowna in late 2022, so is still discovering the area. You'll usually find him skiing or hanging out with his wife, son, and dog. He has a BEng in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering from Queen's University and currently works in Management Consulting for Oliver Wyman, where he is the lead Data Scientist for their healthcare practice. He’s excited about the year ahead, and will treasure his time as part of the 2025 Board.

  • Mohana Rambe

    Communications Director

    Mohana joined JCI Kelowna in April 2024, driven by her enthusiasm to participate in the effective speaking competition held just a week after she became a member. It was during this event that she realized JCI offers much more than professional development—it is a vibrant community of young professionals committed to learning, growth, and having fun! Originally from South India, Mohana graduated from UBC Okanagan in the summer of 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Management. She now works as a Research and Marketing Coordinator with the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission, where she applies her skills to showcase how great the region is. 

    Her passion for social media and creativity led her to take on the role of Communications Director with JCI Kelowna. Mohana is looking forward to capturing and sharing photos and videos from JCI events, managing the chapter’s social media presence, and showcasing the energy and impact of JCI’s initiatives in the community.

  • Nathan Holroyd

    Director of Membership

    Nathan joined JCI in the summer of 2023 after an inspiring conversation with then-President Justina Schultz. The group's camaraderie, focus on community service, fun events, and "Just Do It" attitude for personal growth strongly align with his values. Born and raised in Kelowna, Nathan plays on five sports teams and is always looking for ways to get more involved in his community. He graduated in 2022 from UBCO with a Bachelor of Management and a Minor in Economics. Professionally, Nathan works in Wealth Management at Safe Harbour Financial, where he promotes financial literacy and helps clients with financial planning, insurance, and investments. As JCI's Director of Membership, Nathan is committed to expanding membership and enhancing engagement among current members.

  • David Kemp

    Director of Training

  • Adam Kilshaw

    Director of Social Events

    Adam joined JCI after learning about the organization from a past member and quickly discovered it was the perfect fit. Inspired by the group's energy, diverse skill-building opportunities, and commitment to giving back, Adam found that JCI filled a missing piece in his life. With a background in information technology (hah, nerd), he made a bold career shift into real estate in recent years, where he thrives helping people find their dream homes. Adam believes in working hard and having fun in equal measure. As this year's Social Director, he's focused on hosting engaging and varied events while amplifying their visibility through creative promotion. His goal? To make every JCI event unforgettable and bring the community together in exciting new ways.