Leadership

Welcome to the heart of our organization, where leadership meets dedication. The Board of Directors at Northern BC Queer Connection Society is a dynamic team committed to steering our vision of an empowered and connected LGBTQIA+ community in Northern BC.

Board Members

Frederick Hachkevich
Director - Chairperson

Audrey Blake
Director - Co-Chair

Raemond Morgan
Director - Secretary

Lexa Winters
Director - Member at Large

Shane Funnell
Director - Member at Large

Bryn Hanks
Director - Member at Large

Nicholas Cook
Director - Member at Large 

Originally from Collingwood ON, Nick has been a Guest living in Prince George BC, unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, since 2017. Nick has a personal passion for supporting community members of diverse backgrounds; including community members living with cognitive impairments and physical disabilities, Indigenous populations, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Nick recently completed the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). His work with community includes applying a person-centered, intersectional, holistic, feminist, Indigequeer, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive, anti-abelist, anti-racist, anti-oppressive framework while fighting injustice and advocating for positive social change. As a member of the Queer community, Nick has been focused on developing, facilitating, and supporting Queer programming and drop-in groups, and being the person and sharing the safe spaces he needed when he was younger. In his personal time Nick enjoys hiking, camping, plant-care and gardening. Nick and his husband have two cats, Ted and Penny, a dog named Charlie, and countless houseplants.

staff

Laura Binette
Executive Director

Originally from the Fraser Valley, Laura Binette has been living in Prince George, BC, on the unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh since 2012. Laura is the Executive Director of Northern BC Queer Connection Society, where she focuses on building meaningful community connections, strengthening partnerships, and supporting inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ people across Northern British Columbia.

Laura brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, finance, and recruitment, with a deep commitment to collaborative and values-driven work. She previously served as Chair of Northern BC Queer Connection Society, helping guide the organization through its transition top nonprofit status before stepping into the role of Executive Director. Her approach to leadership is rooted in relationship-building, accessibility, and long-term sustainability, with a focus on ensuring queer communities in the North feel connected, supported, and visible.

A proud mother of two, Laura believes that being actively engaged in community is one of the most powerful ways to build a better future for our children and for ourselves. As a member of the queer community, she is passionate about creating spaces that foster belonging, creativity, and shared learning. Her work centers on supporting community-led initiatives that reflect the diverse realities of people living in Northern and rural communities. Outside of work, Laura enjoys creative projects, storytelling, photography, and spending time with friends and family.

Heather Hiller
Admin Coordinator