Dr. Heather Banham, Dean of the Okanagan College School of Business, has been elected as second vice-chair of the Certified General Accountants Association of British Columbia (CGA-BC) Board of Governors, which represents almost 11,000 CGAs and nearly 5,000 CGA students.
“It’s an exciting and challenging time to be in this role,” said Banham. “The major initiative we’re working on is the unification of the accounting profession in B.C. An agreement to merge has been signed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of BC, the Certified General Accountants Association and the Certified Management Accountants Society of BC. We are working together to establish the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC.
“I’m looking forward to participating and making a contribution to this strategic vision, which will unify the three professional accounting bodies in British Columbia.”
Banham has worked at Okanagan College for 20 years and is currently Dean of the College’s School of Business and a Professor in the Business Administration department. Appointed Dean in 2010, she is formerly Associate Dean and Director of the “Building Small Business Human Resources” project.
“We are delighted at Heather’s appointment,” said Okanagan College Vice-President of Education, Dr. Andrew Hay. “She will bring a great deal to her new role with CGA-BC. Her professional experience and proven ability to work collaboratively will serve the association well.
“Heather’s direction and strategic guidance have benefited the College and its students,” continued Hay. “During her tenure as Dean, she has worked to expand the reputation of the School and to provide opportunities that enrich the student experience, including international exchanges, applied research, and project opportunities that connect students and the College to local business and community needs.”
Banham has a distinguished record as a researcher and educator. She earned her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Human Resource Management from the University of Southern Queensland, an MBA in International Management from the Asia Pacific International Graduate School of Management, and a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from the University of Southern Queensland. Banham earned her CGA designation in 1992, and is also a member of the Australian Society of Certified Practicing Accountants.
The Okanagan College School of Business has over 1,500 business students who benefit from a career-ready education based on real-world curriculum, hands-on experience, community networking connections, and international study options.
