West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation

 West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation announces CEO

The West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation (WKEDC) has hired Mr. Ryan Malcolm as its Chief Executive Officer. Malcolm will start on Feb. 23, 2026.

“We are very excited to announce Ryan Malcolm as the inaugural CEO of the West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation,” said Collin Crabbe, chair of the WKEDC. “Ryan’s depth of experience in both the public and private sectors will allow him to quickly become a catalyst for the commercial economic development that the people, businesses, and City of West Kelowna are seeking. We look forward to Ryan building and strengthening relationships among our community members to help West Kelowna businesses thrive and succeed.”

Mr. Malcolm brings over 24 years of leadership experience in economic development, real estate, and community engagement across Indigenous, municipal, and private-sector environments.

"We’re excited to welcome Ryan Malcolm as the inaugural CEO of the West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation. His leadership, experience, and collaborative approach will help strengthen partnerships, unlock opportunity, and support a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient economy that benefits the entire West Kelowna community," said West Kelowna Councillor Tasha Da Silva and board member of the WKEDC.

Mr. Malcolm’s career reflects a consistent focus on advancing strategic investment, delivering complex projects, and strengthening local economies through practical, results-oriented leadership.

“I am honoured to join West Kelowna’s new Economic Development Corporation as we advance economic prosperity and resilience,” Mr. Malcolm said. “My immediate focus is engaging our multi-generational stakeholders to build upon our foundational strengths—from agriculture, forestry, viticulture, rotorcraft, lumber and tourism to light industrial development, and our growing tech presence. By honouring our deep roots while sowing seeds for new investment, we will create a diverse, future-ready economy that benefits every resident and business on the Westside.”

Ryan P. Malcolm - Biography

Ryan Malcolm brings over 24 years of leadership experience in economic development, real estate, and community engagement across Indigenous, municipal, and private-sector environments. Ryan has served as CEO of Ntityix, the economic development arm of Westbank First Nation, overseeing real estate, property management, forestry, and residential construction operations. Most recently Ryan was Director, Development of Emil Anderson Properties and subsequently moved into the role of Director of Business Development and Indigenous Relationships with Emil Anderson Group. Earlier in his career, Ryan spent ten years with the District of North Vancouver as the Manager, Real Estate and Properties. Ryan is recognized for his collaborative leadership, governance expertise, and ability to align development priorities with community and regional goals. Ryan holds a BA and Urban Studies Certificate from Simon Fraser University and a Diploma in Marketing Management (Commercial Real Estate) from BCIT. Ryan has served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and is currently serving as the Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Central Okanagan Economic Development Corporation.

Directors appointed to new West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation board

The City of West Kelowna Council has appointed the inaugural board of directors for the new West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation (WKEDC). This new organization is dedicated to driving economic growth and business development in the community.

“We’ve appointed a board made up of community leaders who will look at ways to help West Kelowna’s economy prosper,” said West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom. “I look forward to the work they will undertake to support economic growth, investment and jobs in our community.”

The board members are:

• Joanna Schlosser
• Rick Maddison
• Matthew Whitt
• Collin Crabbe
• Peter Balazsy

Councillor Tasha da Silva and West Kelowna Chief Administrative Officer Ron Bowles are also non-voting members of the board. 

Establishing the West Kelowna Economic Development Corporation is one of the strategic priorities of Council under the Pursue Economic Growth and Prosperity pillar. 

 About the WKEDC

The WKEDC is a newly established, wholly owned municipal corporation of the City of West Kelowna. WKEDC’s mandate is to advance economic development strategies and to foster a vibrant, resilient, and prosperous community.

WKEDC will work with local businesses, investors, First Nations, non-profits, educational institutions, and all levels of government to stimulate sustainable economic growth. Its purpose is to attract investment, retain and expand businesses, encourage innovation, promote tourism and events, and support workforce development across West Kelowna and the surrounding region.