About King's Board Members
Edward Noot, Chair – Abbotsford, BC
MEd, BA
Ed is the retired Executive Director of the Society of Christian Schools and President of the Federation of Independent Schools in BC. While enjoying more time with his family, he continues to support Christian schools in BC and beyond in a consulting role. Ed is thankful that Kings continues to reflect biblical hospitality and generosity with a prophetic voice while contributing to the common good. As a board member, he is excited about helping King's on the road to long-term mission sustainability.
Dr. Robert Huizinga, Past Chair – Victoria, BC
PhD, RN, CNeph(C)
Rob brings to the board his expertise in Christian leadership, church governance, and the impact they have on an organization fulfilling its calling. He is passionate about excellence in Christian education and believes that King’s is ideally positioned to provide understanding of Jesus’ message through its educational programs, no matter who attends.
Hans Doef, Vice-Chair – Lacombe, AB
BA, Alumna ‘04
As a partner in Blindman Brewing, Hans’ entrepreneurial skills have built an award-winning brewery located in central Alberta. His humble servitude and passion for creativity, connection, and community building are exemplified in his leadership in marketing, human resources, and communications. He has a deep respect for King’s mission and vision.
Shelby Thiessen, Treasurer – Surrey, BC
BBA
Shelby has experience in human resources, finance, administration, strategic planning, policy development, and governance. He enjoys travel, being active, and has a passion for the not-for-profit sector and for empowering and equipping young leaders. He is honored to support the vision of King's to learn, serve, and celebrate the diversity of local and global communities.
Jeanette Romkema, Secretary – Toronto, ON
MEd, BA
As a senior partner in a leading education consulting firm, Jeanette brings vast knowledge and experience in community education, inclusion, strategic planning, and leadership development. With a life-long love of teaching, she has served as a faculty member in multiple universities. As a volunteer Jeanette has experience leading several community and faith-based organizations.
Jenny McAlister, Com Chair – Edmonton, AB
MA Counselling, Alumni ‘02
Jenny is a registered psychologist and provides therapy to individuals, couples, and families. She also supervises provisional psychologists completing the requirements of registration. She has been recognized for her community-building work and engagement with King’s events and campaigns and is excited to continue to serve King’s.
Joel Ringma, Com Chair – Terrace, BC
MDiv, Alumni ’93
As a pastor, Joel enjoys engaging God’s world through sports and outdoor adventures. He has trained pastors, grown cross-cultural relationships, fostered and enjoyed ecumenical partnerships, coached and mentored athletes, and served in many volunteer capacities. Joel is passionate about King’s mission to help people discover God’s vocation of renewal and reconciliation.
Matthew Oliver, Senate Chair – Edmonton, AB
CD, MEng, MDiv, PEng
Matthew is a citizen of the Métis Nation and works as an engineer and member of the Alberta Utilities Commission. He is passionate about King’s mission for truth and social justice, particularly for Indigenous Peoples, and about the development of an Indigenous theology. He served as an Anglican pastor for eighteen years and continues to study the role of restorative justice in peacemaking.
Benjamin Oostenbrink – Edmonton, AB
BA PHE, Alumna ’20
Ben is the Director of Community Engagement at The Citadel Theatre in Edmonton. He is passionate about philanthropy and specializes in establishing robust connections between fundraising organizations and the communities they serve. As a board member, Ben is excited to serve King’s vision and help advance Christian post-secondary education.
Charles De Jager – Surrey, BC
BA, LLB
Charles has practiced law for over thirty years and is a partner at De Jager Volkenant. He specializes in general counsel for charity, non-profit, education, employment, and human rights cases. He carries on a general litigation counsel practice focused on the areas of charities and non-profit organizations, employment, labour and human rights, privacy, and education law.
Chris Steenhof – Smithers, BC
MEd
As a principal, Chris has worked to bring experiential, transformative, and formative educational experiences to students. He has been instrumental in bringing new teaching methods and structures into schools that allow struggling students to see success. Chris is passionate about education and sports and is actively involved in both at a leadership level.
Evelyn Bouwman – Langley, BC
MEd
Evelyn has degrees and experience in both regular and special education and has served in a variety of roles with Surrey Christian Schools for many years. She is enjoying semi-retirement serving as a teacher on call in both the Christian and public-school systems. She volunteers as an elder in her church and is also involved in refugee sponsorship. Evelyn has a heart for inclusion and a deep respect for the mission and vision of King's.
Joannes Wong – Edmonton, AB
BA, MCP, MBA
Joannes highly values education, and with his academic background and skills in strategic management he creatively resolves and attends to emergent issues while prioritizing relationships, respect, and integrity. Joannes is active in his church and looks forward to working with King's to inspire people with the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ron Kuehl – White Rock, BC
BA, Honorary PhD
Ron has strong marketing, leadership, and communication skills in areas of advertising, charity, and education. He has used these skills as a consultant in the charitable sector while implementing AI technology in fields of fundraising, communication, and enrollment at large USA universities. He is passionate about integrating faith and learning.
Sylvia DeWeerd – Surrey, BC
BEd, MA
As a Christian educator passionate about inclusion, Sylvia is a collaborative and creative problem-solver who empowers others. She has served the church through leadership, ministry, and worship, and is grateful for all the ways she continues to live out her Christian faith and education in her work.