A local woman's commitment to the community was honoured with the 2025 Volunteer of the Year award from Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO).
Deborah Graystone was given the award because of her exceptional dedication and significant contributions to the organizations and the broader North Okanagan community.
"Deborah's impact on Community Futures North Okanagan can't be overstated," said executive director Leigha Horsfield. "Her strategic insights, coupled with her unwavering commitment to fostering growth and strong governance, have been instrumental. This award is a testament to her profound dedication as a volunteer."
Graystone is a Chartered Professional Accountant and a recently retired tax partner from a global accounting firm. Through her commitment to CFNO, she has leveraged her extensive professional acumen to support local economic development. Throughout her distinguished career, she provided invaluable advice to business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals, helping them to navigate complex business environments and achieve growth.
"Beyond her tax and business advisory roles, Graystone is an accomplished senior executive with a wealth of experience in critical areas such as human resources development, board governance, strategic planning, and business succession," added Horsfield. "She has a strong belief in the CFNO's mission to support local enterprises and foster a thriving economic landscape."