LEADERSHIP

Director

Serving as a director since 2025
Term expires 2027

Born in the UK, Deborah embarked on a transformative journey to Canada, where she carved out an illustrious career in academia. Her path led her through three prestigious universities: McGill, Dalhousie, and UBC. Most notably, she served as Interim President of UBC and previously held the position of Principal at UBC Okanagan from 2012 to 2020.

The skills Deborah brings to the board include enterprise strategy, risk management, equity, diversity and inclusion (“EDI”), environmental and social accountability, governance and roleholder engagement. A leader in roleholder engagement, Deborah brings to Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union, experience in leading complex organizations through periods of rapid change and growth.

Deborah’s experience leading large, dynamic organizations aligns seamlessly with Tru Cooperative Bank’s trajectory. She envisions an enterprise that not only thrives financially but also contributes positively to society. Her tenure at UBC prompted deep reflection on institutional impact—a perspective she brings to the board.

Deborah chaired the Council of Canadian Academies Expert Panel on Plant Health Risks in Canada (2020-2022), demonstrating her commitment to scientific advancement. Currently she contributes her expertise as the vice-chair of the Canadian Forces Liaison Council, Pacific Region where Deborah bridges the gap between civilian and military communities and she is also an active board member of Genome Canada.

She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Human Resources Committee and contributes her insights to the Audit and Conduct Review and Government Relations and Partnership committees.
Deborah’s passion lies in shaping enterprises that create a better future—one where purpose and profit coexist harmoniously.

Director

Serving as a director since 2024
Term expires 2027

Karley’s journey began in a small community in northern Saskatchewan, where her initial encounter with finance was through a local credit union. Embracing her heritage as a member of the Metis Nation, she pursued higher education with a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Saskatchewan and a Law degree from the University of Calgary, complemented by her accreditation as a qualified Arbitrator.

Her professional path was initially shaped by a decade-long commitment to the Government of Canada, where she dedicated her efforts to Indigenous Peoples and youth. This experience was a prelude to her legal career, which started in Kelowna in 2012, amidst the joys and challenges of raising two young children with her supportive husband. Karley’s legal expertise spans Corporate Law, Wills and Estates, Family Law, and Aboriginal Law, culminating in her appointment to the Parole Board of Canada in 2019.

In her current role, Karley adeptly balances her responsibilities on the Parole Board with her consultancy work, focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters. Her work is particularly centered on Reconciliation, reflecting a deep commitment to addressing its complexities within Canadian society.

Karley’s governance experience is extensive, having served as a Governor at Okanagan College, where she led the Governance Committee. Her expertise aligns seamlessly with First West’s ethos, which values community engagement, a strong ESG framework, and the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives.

In her capacity as a director at Tru Cooperative Bank, Karley contributes to the Audit and Conduct Review and Human Resources Committees, and she furthers her impact through her directorship at the First West Foundation. Her narrative is one of continuous growth, community service, and a dedication to fostering inclusive and sustainable practices within the financial sector.

Director & Chair of the Finance & Investment Committee

Serving as a director since 2024

Alex Brocklebank is a long-standing employee of Tru Cooperative Bank, currently serving as Branch Manager in the North Island region of Island Savings, a division of Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union. Over his 13-year career in financial services—including 11 years with Island Savings— Alex has held progressive leadership roles and built high-performing teams recognized with multiple Community Branch of the Year awards.

Alex serves as Chair of the Finance and Investment Committee for the Tru Charitable Foundation Board, a role he’s held since joining the Board in 2024, where he brings deep financial expertise and a strong commitment to community impact. He has contributed on the boards or investments committees of a number of organizations such as the Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce, Ballenas Housing Society, and the Nanaimo Community Foundation.

He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder. His leadership is grounded in both strategic insight and a passion for supporting local communities.

Alex’s experience and values align closely with the Foundation’s mission to build resilient and inclusive communities across the regions Tru Cooperative Bank serves.

Director

Serving as a director since 2026
Term expires 2027

Amanda brings more than 25 years of executive and board experience across both the public and private sectors. She has a strong track record of supporting organizations through periods of growth and transformation, with a particular focus on risk management and strategic financial oversight. A designated financial expert and former auditor, Amanda has served on and chaired multiple audit and finance committees, contributing deep financial expertise to effective governance and oversight.

Her professional background spans a range of industries, including energy, construction, and technology and innovation. As a corporate director and audit committee chair for a BC based insurance company, Amanda has direct experience operating within a regulated financial services environment relevant to Tru Cooperative Bank.

Amanda is committed to advancing Tru Cooperative Bank’s purpose of creating a future where everyone can flourish. Her experience, values, and governance background position her well to contribute as the organization transitions to federal regulation and continues to deliver positive outcomes for its members and communities.

Director

Serving as a director since 2026
Term expires 2027

Pehlaj brings more than 35 years of executive leadership experience across cooperative and public financial institutions in Canada, the UK, and Asia. He is recognized for his expertise in risk management, governance, regulatory strategy, and business growth, with a leadership style built on people development, collaboration, and transformational change.

A Corporate Director and Advisor to family offices and businesses, Pehlaj previously held senior leadership roles at RBC and HSBC, where he led BC Commercial Banking and the National Real Estate business. As Chief Risk Officer at both HSBC and Coast Capital Savings, he led the development and strengthening of enterprise risk, credit, and compliance frameworks aligned with OSFI standards, including foundational work supporting Coast Capital’s transition to federal regulation.

Pehlaj is also deeply committed to community impact and serves on the Board of Directors of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. His extensive experience in regulated financial services, governance, and strategic transformation positions him to contribute meaningfully to Tru Cooperative Bank as it advances its national growth strategy within a federal regulatory environment.

Director

Serving as a director since 2026
Term expires 2027

James Grange serves as Director, Legal Affairs & Assistant Corporate Secretary at Tru Cooperative Bank. He supports senior leadership and the Board of Directors on legal, governance, and regulatory matters, including material agreements and compliance with regulatory frameworks.

James joined the Tru Charitable Foundation Board in 2026. He also serves as a director of the Langley Community Hospital Foundation and teaches criminology and introductory law courses at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the Justice Institute of British Columbia. He holds a Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia, a Master of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, the GPC.D Designation from the Governance Professionals of Canada, and the GLD.D designation from Ivey Executive Education.

James is glad to support the Foundation’s mission of building resilient and inclusive communities across the regions Tru Cooperative Bank serves. He lives with his wife and their pug, Millie, and enjoys gardening.

Director

Serving as a director since 2026
Term expires 2027

Coming soon

Executive Director

As Director of Sustainment (ESG) at Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union, Tracy Fortino leads the development and execution of the organization’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy. Her work spans key areas including ESG reporting, stakeholder engagement, and governance, helping to embed sustainability into the organization’s core operations.

With over 20 years of experience in marketing, community investment, and government relations, Tracy is known for building strong partnerships and driving meaningful impact. She brings bold, forward-thinking ideas to the table and is recognized for fostering collaborative, inclusive environments. Before joining Tru Cooperative Bank, Tracy worked in economic development and intergovernmental relations at the City of Surrey, where she led initiatives to support business growth and built strong relationships across all levels of government, industry, and academia.

Tracy holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Simon Fraser University, with a focus on immigration, employment, and business policy. She lives in Surrey with her husband and two children, and enjoys biking, soccer, hockey, and giving back through organizations like the Surrey Food Bank and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Community Impact & Foundation Programs Manager

Kate serves as the Community Impact & Foundation Programs Manager, helping to advance the Foundation’s mission to strengthen local communities through strategic philanthropy and community investment.

Kate is an experienced Business and Human Rights practitioner and global humanitarian expert, with over 20 years specializing in corporate sustainability, child protection in emergencies and anti-human trafficking work. Her experience spans across civil society organizations, UN agencies, international non-governmental organizations and the private sector. She is also the co-founder and co-chair of the Social Responsibility Alliance.

Kate grew up in France and holds a Masters in Humanitarian Action from the University of Geneva. Kate lives on Vancouver Island with her husband and three daughters.

Email Kate at kdunbar@firstwestcu.ca or call 250-519-4817.

Senior Community Impact Specialist

Caitlyn serves as the Community Impact Specialist at Tru Cooperative Bank. In her role, she works closely with community partners to strengthen relationships, support meaningful initiatives, and advance programs that create positive social impact across the regions Tru Cooperative Bank and Tru Charitable Foundation serves.

With a strong passion for community connection and purpose‑driven work, Caitlyn helps bring the Foundation’s mission to life by supporting initiatives that foster inclusion, resilience, and long‑term community well‑being. She is especially motivated by opportunities that align values with action and amplify the impact of local organizations and changemakers.

Outside of her professional work, Caitlyn is known for her collaborative spirit and her enthusiasm for bringing people together around shared goals, whether through community engagement, creative projects, or meaningful conversations.

Email Caitlyn at cbrand@firstwestcu.ca or call 604-539-7425.

Foundation & Community Investment Specialist

Carmel has been with Tru Cooperative Bank, formerly First West Credit Union, for over 20 years, progressing through a wide range of roles across credit underwriting, lending operations, and compliance. With extensive experience supporting sound decision‑making, governance, and stewardship of resources, Carmel now serves as Foundation & Community Investment Specialist, supporting the delivery of Tru Charitable Foundation’s granting programs, community investment initiatives, and employee engagement activities.

Carmel is deeply committed to community engagement and inclusion, bringing both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. She has served on the Board of Directors for Reach Child and Youth Development Society since 2017 and is Vice Chair of Tru Cooperative Bank’s Poss‑Ability Network, where she helps advance accessibility, inclusion, and employee connection across the organization. Through continued involvement with community‑based services and inclusive initiatives, Carmel is passionate about building strong partnerships and supporting communities in meaningful, sustainable ways.

A long-time resident of South Delta, Carmel lives in Ladner with her two amazing daughters and loves to give back to her community through community events.

Email Carmel at ctang@firstwestcu.ca or call 604-539-7329.