Okanagan Panel

Gerry Zimmermann, Vice-Chair – Kelowna

Gerald Zimmermann is an outgoing Kelowna City councillor, as well as being the former fire chief, deputy fire chief, assistant fire chief, firefighter and lieutenant of the City of Kelowna. Active in his community, Mr. Zimmermann sits on the Central Okanagan Regional District Board, the Black Mountain Irrigation Board, the Okanagan Regional Library Board, and the Okanagan Basin Water Board. His past commitments include the Agricultural Land Commission, the Patient Care and Quality Review Board, chair of the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) Fire Chiefs, and the director of the BC Fire Chiefs Organization. Mr. Zimmermann holds his Certificate in Municipal Government Administration from Malaspina College, now Vancouver Island University.

Jim Johnson, Commissioner – Cherryville

Jim Johnson is an owner and operator of a personal catering business and has worked in the forestry industry for 35 years. Most recently, he was a pole buyer with Bell Pole Company where he managed the trade relationships with other forest licensees for bell pole needs and purchased fibre from private land owner, woodlot owners, and small business programs. Active in the community, he is involved with the Cherryville Community Club and serves as chair of Cherryville Cemetery. In addition, Mr. Johnson is a former chair and alternate director with the Electoral Area E Regional District of the North Okanagan.

Greg Norton, Commissioner – Oliver

Greg Norton has been a fruit farmer in Oliver, BC since 1988. Before taking over the fruit farm, he was a foreman with the Town of Oliver Irrigation District. Active in his community, Mr. Norton is chair of the Agriculture Area Plan Committee Rural Oliver, chair of the Environmental Farm Plan Working Group, chair of the Agriculture Research and Development, chair of the Agriculture Environment Initiatives Board, and president of the Loose Bay Campground Society. He is also past president and director of the Okanagan Cherry Growers Association, past chair and director of the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen, past vice-president of the BC Wildlife Federation, and the founding chair of the Sterile Insect Release Program.