After more than a decade as chair of Wildsight’s Board of Directors, Brian Conrad is passing the torch to fellow board member Kelvin Saldern.
Kel joined Wildsight’s board in 2022, first serving as treasurer before stepping in as chair this spring. A long-time supporter of Wildsight, Kel spent much of his career working in community development across the Kootenays and understands the strong connection between healthy communities and healthy ecosystems.
“I saw the board as a place I could add value to the organization,” Kel shares. “I’m passionate about sustaining the natural world and our environment.”
Kel sees Wildsight’s strength in both its regional impact and its community roots.
“I’ve learned so much about Wildsight’s role in conservation and environmental education, and about the strength of our community chapters,” he says. “Across all of our branches and our regional organization, we have a unity of purpose. Our future is in continuing to strengthen that capacity and ensuring we’re all pulling on the same rope in the same direction.”
The board transition comes at a time of continued growth for Wildsight, with strong programs, engaged branches and dedicated staff working across the region. Together, Brian and Kel see this latest transition as part of a healthy next step for this nearly 40-year old organization.
“Everyone who cares about the environment is helping take care of Mother Earth,” Brian reflects. “I’m proud to be part of that, and proud to continue supporting Wildsight in this next chapter.”
Brian remains deeply connected to Wildsight and will continue serving as vice-chair, helping ensure a smooth transition and providing continuity as the organization moves forward.
It’s a transition Brian has been planning for years.
“I’ve always believed in succession planning,” he says. “New leadership is essential to any organization. It brings new energy, new ideas and new perspectives.”
Brian first joined Wildsight’s board after being asked to temporarily fill in when then-chair Juri Peepre became ill. What was meant to be a short-term commitment turned into more than a decade of steady, thoughtful leadership.
Brian has filled the role of ‘temporary’ board chair with a kind nature and humble grace. When asked about his leadership of the board, he deflects to the other board members and staff at Wildsight.
“People make an organization,” he says. “The people who have been attracted to and employed by Wildsight over the years have all been exceptional human beings. That’s been the greatest takeaway for me.”
Kel agrees wholeheartedly, adding he feels optimistic about the future when he sees the work that Wildsight, other organizations, and individuals across the region are doing to protect the natural world.
“All of us are working together so future generations have a healthy environment to thrive in for individuals, families and communities,” says Kel. “I’m grateful to be a part of it.”