VANCOUVER, B.C., October 6, 2026 – AFOA British Columbia (AFOA BC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Garbe as its new Executive Director, succeeding longtime Executive Director Wendy Ham.
The leadership transition comes during a milestone year as AFOA BC celebrates 30 years of building capacity, developing Indigenous professionals and strengthening First Nations organizations and communities across British Columbia.
Michelle currently serves as AFOA BC’s Operations Manager and has worked closely with Wendy and the AFOA BC team on day-to-day operations and the delivery of the organization’s programs, events and services. Through her work with the Board of Directors, members, partners and communities, she has developed a strong understanding of AFOA BC, its relationships and the people it serves.
She also brings 17 years of experience in the non-profit sector, with a career focused on serving communities and supporting organizations that create meaningful impact. Before joining AFOA BC, she worked with the Boys and Girls Club and the Mainland BC Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), building experience in community-focused organizations and relationship development. Her combination of non-profit experience and first-hand knowledge of AFOA BC provides both the experience and continuity to lead the organization into its next chapter.
Wendy will remain an important part of AFOA BC, moving into an educator role where she will continue to share her knowledge and experience through AFOA BC’s finance and governance education, including leading in-community workshops throughout the province.
Wendy has played an important role in AFOA BC’s growth, helping expand its education and professional development opportunities, conferences, in-community training and partnerships throughout the province.
“I’m incredibly proud of what AFOA BC has accomplished and confident in where it is going,” said Wendy Ham. “Michelle knows our organization and the communities we serve, and I’m proud to see the next generation of leadership take AFOA BC into the future. I’m also looking forward to continuing the work I love, supporting learning and capacity building across B.C.”
As Executive Director, Michelle will build on that foundation while helping guide AFOA BC into its next chapter, continuing to work with the team, members and partners to respond to the evolving needs of Indigenous professionals and organizations across B.C.
“I’m honoured to take on this role and build on the strong foundation Wendy and those before us have created,” said Michelle Garbe. “I look forward to working with our team, members and partners as we continue to grow AFOA BC’s impact across British Columbia.”
As AFOA BC celebrates three decades of impact, the transition represents both continuity and renewal, honouring the leadership and relationships that have shaped the organization while looking ahead.
30 Years of Impact. A New Chapter Begins.
About AFOA BC
AFOA BC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening financial management, governance, leadership and organizational capacity within Indigenous communities and organizations throughout British Columbia.
Through education, professional development, conferences, in-community training and partnerships, AFOA BC supports Indigenous professionals and leaders with the knowledge, skills and connections needed to strengthen their organizations and communities.
Media Contact:
Loa Fridfinnson
Communications Director, AFOA BC
[email protected] | 604-925-6370
afoabc.org