Click for bios.
Tom Rutherford, Strategic Priorities Director
Danielle (Danni) Paydli, Executive Director
Co-Chair Chief Lydia Hwitsum, Chief of Cowichan Tribes First Nation
Heather Pritchard, Targets Director
Jill Thompson, Communications Director
Tom Rutherford, Strategic Priorities Director
Tom worked with Fisheries and Oceans Canada for 35 years. He brings a strong technical background in salmon habitat inventory and restoration, stock assessment, stock enhancement and public outreach/citizen science. Tom has experience planning and implementing technical processes and partnerships with First Nations, providing scientific direction and guidance for program delivery activities, supervision of staff, and successful development of strategies to meet Sr. Government resource management objectives. Tom served as the Watershed Board's "top dog" (small pack) since 2016 and has now stepped back to enjoy more hiking time, but still serves as the CWB's Strategic Priorities Director, working to support our Partners in their ongoing efforts to ensure enough water for salmon by a) replacing the Cowichan Lake weir, and b) creating a whole of watershed solution to low flows in the Koksilah River, through a Water Sustainability Plan and other tools.
Danielle (Danni) Paydli, Executive Director
Danielle Paydli is passionate about human rights, equity and recognizing the interconnectedness of our place in nature. She thrives on building relationships, developing innovative programming and creating linkages that help build strong, resilient, equitable and caring communities. As such, Danni was drawn to the Cowichan Watershed Board's collaborative governance model as a step toward decolonizing our collective ways of making decisions, broadening our understanding of the values we rely on to make those decisions, and improving how we work together as a community toward a different future. As a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, Danielle has a rich background in advocacy and community development issues that range from access to, and health of, freshwater to supportive programming for youth with disabilities. Her career has also included carving pathways for new immigrants and refugees to Canada, preparing students and faculty for international and intercultural experiences, and working in the field of HIV/AIDS and gender equality in Malawi. When she isn't working you may find her swimming in the Quw'utsun river, diving off the dock at Fuller Lake, helping out at the local theatre, podcasting, or camping with her husband, two kids and goofy dog on any one of the beautiful beaches or forest sites on the island.
Co-Chair Chief Lydia Hwitsum, Chief of Cowichan Tribes First Nation
Chief Cindy Daniels has been a dedicated leader within the Cowichan Tribes First Nation since her election to council in 2009. Over her tenure, she has served six two-year terms as a councillor. In 2021, she stepped in as Acting Chief for several months. Chief Daniels has held significant roles in the Nation’s administration, including General Manager from April 2017 to September 2018 and Acting Chief Administrative Officer in 2023. Her extensive experience in both governance and management underscores her commitment to the Cowichan community.
Heather Pritchard, Targets Director
Heather is a Registered Professional Forester with 30 years’ experience in natural resource management. She brings expertise in applying ecosystem-based management principles in forest and land management with focus on protecting community and domestic water sources and fish habitat. Heather has been supporting the Cowichan Watershed Board's 4 Technical Working Groups since 2019 to review, refine and revive the Board's 7 Targets for Watershed Health, and measurable progress indicators for each. Watch the Targets section of the website for the new Targets soon!
Jill Thompson, Communications Director
Jill comes from Eastern Maritime roots, and grew up in the Grand River watershed, Six Nations Territory. She moved to Vancouver Island in 1996, and has worked to engage communities in protecting threatened ecosystems ever since. Jill holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Arts, and has 30 years’ experience in environmental education and non-profit program leadership, fundraising, community engagement, and somewhat begrudgingly, non-profit administration. Jill is an experienced community builder who seeks out people who feel motivated to work collaboratively for an ecologically thriving and sustainable future, while having a bit of fun. She found the Watershed Board teeming with them!
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