Coast Funds has grown its team to build capacity to deliver new funding through the Great Bear Sea PFP and to enhance services for all the First Nations we serve.

In recent weeks, Coast Funds has welcomed three new staff members: Landon Gilmour (Finance Manager), Michael Fobister (Economic Development Analyst), and Raven Stierle (Stewardship Funding Specialist) who will support participating First Nations by ensuring transparent and accurate financial services, advancing Indigenous-led conservation and economic development initiatives, and sustaining meaningful relationships.

“With our new staff members, Coast Funds is strengthening our capacity to deliver the financing and services First Nations expect from our team, in a meaningful way that continues to build on our relationships,” says Eddy Adra, Coast Funds CEO. “I am thrilled to welcome Landon, Raven, and Michael to the team as we continue our mission to support First Nations in achieving their goals for conservation, economic development, community well-being, and stewardship on the Great Bear Coast.”

Get to know our new team members below.

Landon Gilmour, Finance Manager

As Finance Manager, Landon ensures the transparent and accurate management of accounting services, and supports the finance team’s investment management, external audits, and financial analysis functions.

Prior to joining Coast Funds, Landon managed financial operations at the Vancity Community Foundation. He has a breadth of earlier experience ranging from fundraising and donor relations to financial services. His undergraduate studies were in business administration, environmental science, and sustainable community development. More recently, he completed his CPA designation and is proud to bring his diverse skillset to support the impactful work of Coast Funds.

“I’ve worked in the non-profit sector for a long time and I’m a values-driven person,” says Landon. “I was very interested in the opportunity to bring my financial skills to an organization that is directly investing in First Nations communities and projects.”

Landon was born on the Treaty 7 territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda in southern Alberta. He now lives on the unceded lands of the xwməθkwəy̓əm Musqueam, Skwxwú7mesh Squamish, and səlilwətaɬ Tsleil-Waututh Nations in Vancouver.

“I am most excited to get to know the team, the board, and the Nations. The accounting work is important, and I look forward to that as well, but ultimately, I think building supportive relationships is at the core of what Coast Funds does.”

Away from work, Landon enjoys reading, cooking, and going on adventures with his husband and friends.

Michael Fobister, Economic Development Analyst

As Economic Development Analyst, Michael works closely with First Nations to advance community-driven economic initiatives that promote long-term prosperity while protecting ecological health. He works diligently to support sustainable, community-driven economic development across the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii.

Michael is of Ojibway descent, from Grassy Narrows First Nation (Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishinabek) in Northern Ontario. He now lives in Coquitlam on the unceded territory of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm Kwikwetlem First Nation.

“What drew me to this position was the opportunity to contribute to Indigenous-led economic development and ecological stewardship – values that deeply resonate with me,” he says.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Simon Fraser University and brings extensive experience in business development, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination. Michael is passionate about advancing Indigenous-led economic and environmental stewardship.

“I’m most excited about collaborating with First Nations to support community priorities that strengthen local economies and protect the environment in the Great Bear Rainforest and Haida Gwaii,” Michael says.

Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, creative writing, and exploring beautiful landscapes in BC.

Raven Stierle, Stewardship Funding Specialist

As the Stewardship Funding Specialist, Raven supports the effective, high-trust administration of funding for the First Nations that Coast Funds serves.

Raven holds a Bachelor in Public Policy and Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University (SFU). Her studies focused on Indigenous governance, clean energy, and sustainable community development. At SFU, Raven co-chaired the Honouring Indigenous Students Powwow for three years, creating a space to recognize Indigenous students’ achievements and celebrate cultural traditions.

She also completed an internship at Yukon Energy Corporation as a Clean Energy Projects intern, supporting the launch of their first full-scale residential demand response program. In her work, Raven is driven by her love for community, commitment to Indigenous self-determination, and responsibility to the lands and waters that hold her.

“Relationality, reciprocity, and accountability are my guiding values. The work that Coast Funds does supporting coastal First Nations in advancing their stewardship and economic goals fills me with such energy, and I’m excited to be a part of it,” Raven says.

Raven lives on the unceded territories of the q̓ic̓əy̓ Katzie, q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ Kwantlen, and Semiahma Semiahmoo Nations. She is Cree-Métis and a proud member of the Peepeekisis Cree Nation of Treaty 4. Raven’s favourite moments are spent with her dog, Skookum, who never turns down an adventure.

MEET OUR TEAM >