Lord takes over the reins

Published: May 14, 2009 6:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

O’Keefe Ranch’s new manager insists there is a bright future for the cash-strapped historic site. Catherine Lord has been hired to oversee operations at the City of Vernon-owned ranch and her duties will officially begin Tuesday. “Heritage is a big part of building a community and people need to buy into it better. My job is just to sell it,” she said. Lord is a longtime local resident and has worked for both the city and the District of Coldstream, where she was director of financial administration. And while she isn’t officially on the job, Lord is already preparing to tackle the major issues facing the ranch. “We’ve got to get more visitors in and that’s the number one priority,” she said. “We need to concentrate on events and programs that will bring people in. We need repeat business from local residents.”

Lord was among 62 people who applied for the manager’s job after the ranch didn’t renew its contract with Tom Danyk, who held the position for four years. Largely because of Danyk’s severance, the ranch was looking at a $46,178 shortfall for 2009. But the city agreed to provide an extra $45,800, bringing its total financial support to $260,178. Officials with the O’Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society, which runs the ranch, are enthusiastic about Lord. “It came down to who can have the greatest impact in the shortest time,” said Jim McEwan, vice-president. “She knows the community well, knows the ranch well and knows the ranch staff.” Lord is a member of the society’s board of directors but she is resigning now that she has been hired as an employee. McEwan says Lord was selected because of her skills and knowledge and not because of her role on the board. “Catherine worked hard to get the job and she presented a strong case as to what she needs to do for the first year,” he said.Lord is involved with the North Okanagan Community Foundation and has previously served with the Vernon Women’s Transition House Society, Vernon Rotary Club and the Ribbons of Green Trail Society.