The board of directors for the Boreal Discovery Centre announced Aug. 7 that they’ve selected Thompson resident Saraj Thethy to serve as their executive director.
The last time this organization had a executive director on their payroll they were known as the Thompson Zoo, which was subject to a significant rebranding campaign back in 2011.
“The filling of this position is a major forward step towards the BDC’s growth and sustainability,” chairperson Monique Lahaie said in a press release. “We look forward to seeing Saraj’s experience, talents and education help move the organization forward.”
Raised and educated in Thompson, Thethy obtained a bachelor of environmental science degree from the University of Manitoba, graduating with a focus in environmental assessment.
From there, he worked as a fisheries research biologist with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, doing field work, collecting data and conducting laboratory analysis and data processing.
His work also involved consulting with Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories.
Thethy’s new responsibilities as an executive director include supervising the Boreal Discovery Centre’s day-to-day operations as it pertains to programming, building maintenance, volunteerism and membership.
Wednesday’s press release revealed that Thethy has already put in plenty of work with different local community groups, having served as a downtown ambassador for the Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation and as a travel and accommodation clerk with the Northern Regional Health Authority.
“We are very fortunate to find someone from Thompson, who wishes to remain in Thompson and who also has the skill set and experience to be part of our management team,” said Lahaie.
The Boreal Discovery Centre is currently undergoing a variety of renovation projects. Following the completion of a new outdoor mural courtesy of artist Jasyn Lucas, the organization is also planning to install a pair of wheelchair accessible ramps at the east and west sides of the building.
