Danny Turner
Delivery Executive
Danny is a business consultant with over 30 years of experience. He has been involved in the growth and management of businesses in Canada, the United States and Europe. Partnering with Kootenay Peaks Advisors and as an Executive-In-Residence for the Basin Accelerator Program, Danny employs an always-learning philosophy as he assists companies at all stages of growth. When not on a Teams meeting, you can find Danny running his family farm in Creston or volunteering on multiple boards.
Wade Sather
Accelerator Lead
Wade has over 20 years of successful coaching experience and is currently one of the Directors of Kootenay Peaks Advisors and leads the Basin Accelerator program through Columbia Basin Trust. Wade is a passionate coach that brings firsthand experience of founding start-ups and scaling growth companies. He is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs with a focus on modern leadership. He believes a business can only grow to the extent the leader does in both knowledge and understanding. When not out there coaching other people, Wade spends his time with his wife and son, exploring all the region has to offer.
Steve Fisher
Senior Advisor
As a former CEO and organizational leader, Steve has built and led companies across industries including high-tech, oilfield services, accommodations, retail, rentals, and events. Through these experiences, he learned that while every business is unique, their success relies on the same fundamentals: understanding financial data to make informed decisions and setting clear goals to lead teams effectively. Having navigated the challenges of building and scaling companies firsthand, Steve now guides business owners and leaders towards clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth. He lives with his family in the Slocan Valley, where they are building a family farm. Steve believes it takes a village to raise a child – and a strong network, paired with the right systems, to build a successful business.
Denise MacDonald
Senior Advisor
With over 25 years of experience as both a founder and executive leader, Denise MacDonald helps business owners scale with purpose, clarity, and confidence. She’s led national expansions, overseen $200M+ in operations, and held senior roles in multibillion-dollar companies — but her passion lies in helping entrepreneurs evolve into strategic CEOs. Her superpower lies in helping owners reconnect with their vision and purpose, while building the financial clarity and data-backed discipline needed to lead with confidence and intention — all without losing sight of their people or their "why." Denise blends financial discipline with values-driven leadership, bringing a systematic, data-informed approach to growth.
Laura Niehaus
General Advisor
With over 13 years of experience as a business owner and a background in operations and management across multiple industries, Laura brings a wealth of practical insight and entrepreneurial drive. She’s passionate about identifying growth opportunities, streamlining efficiency, and supporting others on their business journeys. With a strong background in accounting and finance, she remains committed to deepening her expertise through continuous learning. Outside of work, Laura enjoys an active lifestyle filled with skiing, boating, hiking, and traveling with her husband and two teenagers.
Greg Scroggs
General Advisor
As a founder and business owner, Greg has built success in hospitality, entertainment, construction, and real estate—launching award-winning restaurants, venues, international events, and leading major commercial and residential projects. He takes pride in knowing that brands he created or helped launch over 25 years ago are still thriving today. These experiences laid the foundation for his work as a business consultant, helping others turn ideas into sustainable, well-run, scalable businesses.
Now living in Invermere, Greg has embraced the mountain lifestyle and a deep connection to the community. He believes good businesses should support good lives—and that strong local economies grow when people show up for each other, share what they’ve learned, and help others move forward. He and his wife enjoy skiing, cycling, and exploring the outdoors with their two dogs.
Stephanie Ames
Advisory Lead
Stephanie has over 14 years of Grocery Retail experience in operations, store development, pricing, and strategic planning. In 2019 she completed an extensive 18-month Executive Leadership and Project Management Program through TRU, the successful project is still being used today. In 2020, Canadian Grocer awarded Stephanie as one of their Star Women, an honour for grocery retail leaders nationwide. Outside work, Stephanie spends most of her time gardening, reading, and, most importantly, she values time with her family. Her other interests involve travelling, exploring, and learning more about nature.
Valerie Rossi
Business Navigator
Val is the Business Navigator with Basin Business Advisors, where she connects entrepreneurs with resources, referrals, and tailored support. She brings a deep passion for helping business owners succeed—rooted in her own journey as an entrepreneur. Before supporting business advisement, Val spent over a decade as a journalist and editor in community news and lifestyle magazines. In 2017, she launched Writer’s Block Solutions, a communications firm focused on clear, purposeful messaging. When she’s not working with businesses across the Basin, Val is embracing the chaos and joy of family life with her husband and kids, biking local trails, cancan dancing, and annually careening down Rossland’s steepest street in the Sonny Samuelson Bobsled Race.
Kim Dudas
Education Lead
Kim is an adult learning specialist with over 20 years of experience in course development and delivery. Holding a graduate degree in Education and a certificate in Instructional Design, she is a lifelong learner with a keen interest in creating learning opportunities that are accessible and engaging. When she’s not developing or teaching, Kim enjoys learning new languages and exploring new places.
Michelle Gallinger
Program Administrator
Michelle is a skilled and versatile professional with a strong background in office management, bookkeeping, and customer service. With over 15 years of experience across various industries—from aviation to healthcare to real estate—Michelle brings a calm, confident approach to every role she takes on. Known for her organizational abilities, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills, she thrives in dynamic environments. Outside of work, Michelle is a proud wife and mom to three teenagers, and shares her home with two beloved dogs. She enjoys the outdoors, camping, traveling, and reading, and has a deep interest in wellness, currently studying Reiki in her spare time.
Emily Compton
Marketing Technician
Emily brings a thoughtful, people-centered approach to her work as a marketing technician, drawing on over 14 years of experience in operations, client support, and education services. She enjoys finding creative solutions, supporting team collaboration, and helping organizations run smoothly behind the scenes. Outside of work, Emily is a captain and first responder in her local fire department, where she values the opportunity to give back to her community. She also enjoys mountain running, climbing, and exploring new places with her husband—always on the lookout for the next adventure.
