The 2023 winners

Erin obtained a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology and an interdisciplinary master’s in natural resource management and anthropology, focusing on community forestry, from the UNBC. Erin’s current work interests include: fostering innovation in forestry, fuel management in the community interface, behaviour change and teaching people how to live in fire-maintained ecosystems, and her passion will always be cross-cultural collaboration between First Nations and non-First Nations in the context of land management. When not in the office, you’ll find her adventuring with her 2 sons and her Blue-Healer-Corgi cross, spending time on her family’s horse farm, and watching the sport of rodeo.

Brittany started her career in emergency management with the BC Wildfire Service. Employed for over a decade, she fulfilled roles from dispatcher to crew leader. Since her departure from BCWS, she has supported several local governments, including City of Penticton, in wildfire risk reduction programming. Currently, she is the Emergency Program Coordinator for Penticton and works casually as a Structure Protection Specialist (BCWS). She is also completing a Masters of Disaster and Emergency Management.

Deanne Suddaby has spent over ten years administering and developing FireSmart programs in Canada. Deanne’s previous work experience includes serving as the Business Administrator for the Partners in Protection Association and the FireSmart Program Coordinator with FireSmart Canada. Specifically, Deanne provided significant contributions to the development of the FireSmart Neighbourhood Recognition Program, the FireSmart Home Partners Program, and the National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day initiative. Deanne is now an independent contractor offering consulting services and is currently working with FireSmart Alberta, the BC FireSmart Committee, Wildland Professional Solutions Inc., and the Community Wildfire Planning Center in Colorado.