Meet The Team

Kortnee Smith

Born in Duncan and raised in Northern BC, Kortnee brings a strong connection to both the Cowichan Valley and the broader communities of British Columbia. After spending several years in Calgary, she returned to the Cowichan Valley in 2012, reconnecting with her roots and deepening her commitment to community-focused work. With 18 years of experience in the financial industry, Kortnee offers a wealth of operational knowledge, strategic thinking, and leadership to her role as Director of Operations. Her background has equipped her with the skills to support organizational growth while ensuring sustainability and efficiency across programs. Kortnee is passionate about building strong, connected communities. Her values align closely with Cowichan Green Community’s mission of promoting food security, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion. She is grateful to contribute to this vital work and proud to serve an organization making meaningful change in the Cowichan Valley.

Nadeane Nelson

Nadeane was raised in a time and place where the garden and forest provisioned the table. Knowing how to grow food and 'put up' the harvest were essential skills as shopping was a rare two day undertaking. CGC's mission, values and programs brought her in, the skilled, committed staff and broad community impact of programming keeps her on board.

Penny Lehan

Penny grew up in Sidney and lived in Vancouver for 30 years before gleefully returning to the Island in 2012. She and her husband were drawn to the Cowichan Valley by their interest in local, sustainable food production. Penny loves being connected to her community and volunteers for several local non-profits. Penny enjoys kayaking in Maple Bay, hiking on local mountains and faithfully attending the Duncan Farmers’ Market for her Saturday social. She also has a law practice in Duncan.

Eduardo Sousa

Eduardo Sousa works for Cowichan Tribes as Lead Referrals Advisor, helping ensure the rights and title of the nation are upheld when activities are proposed for their territory. He is also a School Board Trustee for the Cowichan Valley. Previously he has worked with regional and national First Nations organizations on Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship programs, including teaching on Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas through VIU. He has also been very active in the community having served on the City of Duncan's Official Plan Committee and on its Advisory Design Panel. Eduardo has a Master’s Degree in Environmental Studies from Toronto’s York University, with a focus on watershed planning and community mobilization.

Lucy Thomas