Meet the CFSF Staff
Our core staff are augmented by project staff or contractors on an as-needed basis.
The general email box for all staff is info@southfraser.com.
Lorne Owen, General Manager
Lorne brings 35 years of experience which includes working in credit and finance, delivering business advisory services, and coordinating and facilitating community and rural development services. He has worked extensively as a consultant for agriculture businesses and governments in Canada and the US. Lorne has studied economics and finance at the University of Lethbridge and University of Alberta as well as rural studies at the University of Guelph. In addition, Lorne also brings considerable private volunteer sector experience including several water development projects in Uganda.
Max Attwood, Business Loans Officer
Max has over 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur in the sales and marketing field. He established and operated an advertising and display agency, serving the travel, real estate and automotive industries. Max’s endeavors include a real estate development and architectural design company, and an import / export agency in the automotive field. As a seminar facilitator for corporate business skills training at several Self Employment Programs, he enjoys the role of mentor to his clients, passing on his experience and entrepreneurial secrets to hundreds of business owners each year, as they as launch their start-up enterprises.
Suzanne Blakley-Oaks, Self Employment Coordinator/Business Advisor
Suzanne works one on one with participants of the self-employment porgram, coordinates CFSF's workshops, leads the monthly entrepreneurial networking breakfast, as well as the Exploring Self Employment workshop. She brings 27 years of experience in the non-profit community services sector, real estate industry, forestry, and engineering sectors. Suzanne has worked with Community Futures for five years doing economic development and assisting clients with business startups. Suzanne lives in Abbotsford with her husband Curtis, and enjoys spending time with her three grandsons. She is actively involved in her church family, and enjoys helping people discover their greatest potential.
Annette Borrows, Vocational Rehab Consultant
Annette has been serving people with disabilities towards employment since 1998. Working with several funding agencies such as Fraser Health, Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance, and Service Canada has given Annette a wide variety of experiences in assisting people towards recovery and breaking down barriers that people with disabilities face in the work force. Currently, Annette promotes the Assistive Technology hub site at CFSF and is working for the Neil Squire Society in the Provincial Employment Program For People With Disabilities. She serves as a volunteer on the Abbotsford Social Development Advisory Council (ASDAC), Coordinator of the Abbotsford Valley Women's Network, and serves on the board for the Focus Disability Network Society.
Dale Enns, Self Employment Coordinator/Business Advisor
Dale is a Program Coordinator and Business Advisor for the Fraser Valley Self Employment Program and Community Futures Development Corporation. Dale has over 15 years of business experience in the service industry and over 10 years experience with non profit organizations. Dale has experience in sales, sales training, management, business ownership, nonprofit leadership, leadership mentoring, business and non profit consulting, personal and professional coaching including personal and professional relationship coaching. Dale lives in Abbotsford with his wife Andrea and their three sons and is currently finishing a Masters in Leadership at Trinity Western University. Dale’s greatest passions are realized through helping others discover their strengths and passions and reach their potential.
Bob Hahn, Office Manager
Bob brings a wealth of business and technical experience to his role as Office Manager. In addition to his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary and an Honours Diploma in Engineering from SAIT, he completed the Canadian Security course in 1994. Bob has previously worked as a Business Analyst with Community Futures Central Island, as well as a Geophysicist in the resource industry and as a Manager in manufacturing and construction.
Kevin Koopmans, Community Economic Development
Kevin graduated with distinction with a BA in Psychology from Trinity Western University in 2000. Kevin is passionate about community development and his current focus is on local food systems and agriculture as well as neighbourhood development. Kevin's fortes are collaboration, research, and communications. He is an innovative creative team member who enjoys brainstorming ideas to create and develop strategies to obtain positive, profitable outcomes.
Nicole Pfeifer, Receptionist
Nicole is a graduate of Kwantlen University College, holding a certificate for Legal Administrative Assistant. Her study of Corporate Law equips her with knowledge of corporations and small businesses. On a more personal note, Nicole is actively involved in sports, including wheelchair basketball and wheelchair track and field. Nicole has also participated in the BC Games for nearly a decade. She looks forward to helping South Fraser clients with their business questions and other inquiries.
Teresa Pippus, Manager, Information, Training, and Self-Employment
Teresa is currently the manager of our new Self Employment Program, and has trained and coached entrepreneurs for more than 14 years. She comes to us from Community Futures North Fraser, where she has done special projects, and lending, and acted as Training Manager for eight years. She holds a Business Diploma from BCIT and has also owned four successful businesses within the hospitality industry. Teresa is a sought after speaker and workshop leader for amazing, authentic, and adventurous customer service. She lives in beautiful Fort Langley with her daughter Arden.
