Kourtney Cook Appointed as CAO of WLFN

Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) today announced the appointment of Kourtney Cook as the new Chief Administrative Officer of WLFN, replacing outgoing CAO Aaron Mannella. 

Kourtney Cook is a Tse’Khene member with a significant history in leadership roles. Most recently, Kourtney served as Senior Coordinator of Indigenous and Community Relations at Gibraltar Mine Ltd., where she acquired significant experience working with both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Kourtney holds a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Public Administration and Community Development and a Minor in Planning. She is currently working toward her Master of Business Administration, specializing in Indigenous Business Leadership.

In anticipation of the transition, Chief Willie Sellars states:

We’re very excited to make this announcement regarding our new CAO. WLFN has made a huge amount of progress over the last decade, and we’re extremely proud of both our elected leadership and our administrative staff. WLFN has invested heavily in housing, cultural, recreational, and social programs and community infrastructure. We have rapidly become a significant economic player in the Cariboo and we’re looking forward to continuing this energy. We are grateful for the leadership and hard work that Aaron Mannella has provided over the last three years, and excited for the new era working with Kourtney. To have a young, talented, Indigenous woman leading our organization is fantastic. We’re confident that there are great things ahead for WLFN.

The role of CAO is the key leadership position in the WLFN administration, serving as the liaison between staff and elected officials. The CAO is responsible for implementing the direction of the Council and for maintaining day-to-day operations and service levels.

Incoming CAO Kourtney Cook:

I am excited to work and grow alongside the exceptional team at WLFN. I am committed to building on WLFN’s great momentum, economic success, and culturally strong foundation. WLFN has a very bright future ahead, and I’m eager to engage with the community and membership. I value creating a sustainable legacy for future generations, and I believe WLFN shares the same vision. I look forward to working with Aaron to provide a seamless transition for all.

Kourtney will assume responsibilities as WLFN CAO on February 21st, 2023.

For more information on this media release, please contact:

Brandon Hoffman
Coordinator, Marketing & Communications
Office: 250.296.3507 ext.185
Toll-free:1 (877)856.3507
Fax: 250.296.4750
Email: [email protected]

Find a printable version of this release here (click link).