Our employees are business experts with extensive knowledge of the local economy. They are experts in business planning, financial forecasting, and entrepreneurship. Most importantly, they are great business advisers and mentors dedicated to working one on one with clients to help them in the best way possible.

Gwen Schmidt
Executive Director

As the Executive Director of Community Futures North Fraser, Gwen leads initiatives focused on economic development, business financing, and community capacity-building across the region. With a background in finance and community economic development, she brings a collaborative and practical approach to supporting small businesses and strengthening local economies.

Gwen has helped expand Community Futures North Fraser’s impact through partnerships with local government, business organizations, and community stakeholders. She also serves as a board director with Community Futures British Columbia, contributing to provincial strategy, governance and advocacy. 

Raised in Mission and still proudly rooted in the Fraser Valley, Gwen has a deep connection to communities she serves and a strong commitment to long-term regional prosperity. She remains actively involved in several local organizations, including the Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce, Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Harrison River Valley and the Rotary Club of North Fraser. 

gschmidt@northfraser.org

Zlatan Ajanovic
Business Development Officer

As a Business Development Officer, Zlatan supports entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the North Fraser Region. Born in Burnaby and raised in Surrey, he has proudly called the Fraser Valley home since 2021 and now resides in Chilliwack.  

With a strong background in finance and lending, Zlatan works closely with business owners to help them access financing and build practical plans for long-term success and financial wellness. 

Having spent much of his time growing up in the Fraser Valley, he has a strong connection to the region and is passionate about supporting the communities and businesses that make it thrive. Outside of work, Zlatan enjoys exploring local trails and hikes, visiting cafes and small businesses, and spending time outdoors throughout the Fraser Valley

businessdevelopment@northfraser.org

Jeanette Calderone
Administration Director

As the Administration Director, Jeanette provides administrative support to the Community Futures North Fraser team and is responsible for day-to-day operations within the office. Her background is over twenty years at a local credit union in a variety of administrative roles. As a local, born and raised in Mission, Jeanette is excited to be supporting her hometown and helping to promote economic development in all the communities served by Community Futures North Fraser. She loves everything outdoors from hiking to paddle boarding.

jcalderone@northfraser.org

Holly Seeley
Marketing Coordinator 
 Our Marketing Coordinator, Holly was raised in Mission, British Columbia. She began her work in Marketing in 2021, helping to run the social media and marketing campaigns for the Mission Interact Club. From here, she found her passion for marketing and helping within her community. Holly is excited to be able to work in her community in a way that promotes economic development and the success of small businesses.  

 

marketing@northfraser.org

Hours

Monday – Thursday
8:30am – 4:30pm

Friday
8:30am – 12:30pm

The office is closed on weekends and statutory holidays

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Contact

33163, 2nd Ave, 
Mission BC V2V 6T8

(604) 826-6252