Kallie Smith, the new executive director of the Aboriginal Business Development Centre, knows she's following in some rather large footsteps.
Smith, a 25-year-old Prince George resident, has taken over the position from Vince Prince, who had been involved with the locally-based organization since its inception nearly 20 years ago.
"Vince's shoes are quite enormous and they're not easy to fill," Smith said on Thursday.
"But, I'm fortunate to have Vince as a mentor, and I believe that Vince intends to continue to support the organization no matter what other capacity he's in. Really, I think all we can do is just really appreciate him for all he's done and all that he's contributed and wish him all the best as he goes on to tackle bigger things."
Prince vacated the executive director position - a job he held for five years - to take on the role of CEO of the Nak'azdli Development Corp. in Fort St. James. He's been at his new post for about four months. The Nak'azdli Development Corp. has 11 businesses under its umbrella, Smith said.
"They're doing big business out there," she added.
Smith, originally from Williams Lake, arrived in Prince George about eight years ago to study psychology at the University of Northern British Columbia, and was promoted from within at the Aboriginal Business Development Centre.
Most recently, she was its business development officer and special projects coordinator. She accepted that job in August after serving as a facilitator for Community Living BC the previous two years.
Smith's other positions with the Aboriginal Business Development Centre included financial literacy coordinator (2013-2014) and business and community development intern.
The Aboriginal Business Development Centre provides culturally-sensitive business and economic development services to aboriginal individuals and organizations. Types of support include assistance with market research, business plan development, financial forecasting, small business loan acquisition, community economic development, economic development training and conference coordination.
Its client list includes Chilako Meats, Custom Edge Sports, All Rhodes Pilot Service, Margo's Cafe, Pepper Tree Hair Studio, Angelique's Native Arts, Spa of the North and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
In Smith's view, there are a number of priorities moving forward.
"We want to continue to provide the client-focused, one-on-one business advisory support, we want to continue to be able to provide our financial literacy program, helping individuals to become more comfortable and savvy with personal finances," she said. "And as far as innovative things, we're really hoping to be able to grow our resources and grow our in-house ability to support people who are looking to develop and grow aboriginal tourism businesses. That's an area where we really want to be seen as a support for northern B.C."
Greg Halseth, board chair of the Aboriginal Business Development Centre, said Prince did "important and wonderful work" and that the organization is "very excited" about its future with Smith at the helm.
"Kallie has the passion and drive to build on the past 20 years of success and to work with her team to set the foundations for a bright next 20 years," Halseth said.
Smith's official start date as executive director was Jan. 1.
