The Thompson-Nicola Regional District will continue under familiar leadership for another year, as Ashcroft Mayor Barbara Roden and Logan Lake Mayor Robin Smith have been acclaimed as Chair and Vice-Chair of the TNRD Board of Directors for 2026.

The acclamations took place Thursday afternoon during the TNRD’s inaugural Board meeting, held annually after November 1. According to provincial legislation, regional district boards must elect or acclaim their Chair and Vice-Chair at the first meeting of the new year. With only one nomination received for each position, both Roden and Smith were returned to their respective roles without a vote.

“It’s an honour to lead the TNRD Board of Directors into the fourth and final year of this term,” said Chair Roden in a statement. “We are facing challenges, but I know that the teamwork we have developed over the past three years will help us as we work to serve the people of this beautiful region.”

Roden added that she looks forward to working closely with Smith and the full Board to continue advancing the TNRD’s strategic priorities: “I’m very happy to be working with Vice-Chair Robin Smith and my fellow Directors to carry out our strategic plan and make the TNRD an even better place to live, work, and thrive.”

Roden and Smith have held their leadership positions since 2022, marking the first time in the TNRD’s history that both the Chair and Vice-Chair roles have been held by women during the same term. Roden has represented the Village of Ashcroft on the Board since 2018, while Smith has served as the District of Logan Lake’s representative since 2013.

The TNRD Board of Directors governs the regional district and includes 27 elected officials: one Director from each of the 10 electoral areas, one from each of the 10 smaller municipalities, and seven from the City of Kamloops.