Roger Parenteau, the new Executive Director at Vernon's Social Planning Council (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Social Planning Council

New Executive Director for Vernon’s Social Planning Council

Aug 11, 2025 | 5:01 PM

The local agency that oversees numerous quality of life files has a new leader.

Roger Parenteau has taken on the role of Executive Director of Vernon’s Social Planning Council. He started with the group in early July, replacing Annette Sharkey, who retired earlier this year.

Parenteau studied and worked in political science before changing careers and working with not-for-profits, including most recently at the Community Foundation in Salmon Arm.

The Social Planning Council tackles a number of issues such as homelessness, food security, and public safety, though Parenteau did not have any immediate actions he wished to take to address these, as he’s still getting to know Vernon.

“I think for, probably the next while, I really need to spend time listening, learning and maintaining a lot of the relationships that Annette has done some incredible work in,” Parenteau told Vernon Matters.

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“I don’t feel like I’m positioned for the big heavy stuff yet, but I’m quite excited about it and I’m blown away by how welcoming the community has been and my board (at the Social Planning Council) is fantastic. So I’m really excited about what’s to come.”

Parenteau also acknowledged the previous Executive Director had done “some incredible work” in the past years and that he had “big shoes to fill” in taking on this role, but reiterated his excitement for the work.

Parenteau was introduced to Vernon City Council at the regular meeting Monday, August 11, where he was also welcomed by the municipal leaders.

“It’s really good [the Social Planning Council] has found a quality replacement,” Mayor Victor Cumming told Vernon Matters following the meeting.

“It’s just really good to see that they have found someone that they are confident with. Annette Sharkey did a wonderful job there as Executive Director over a long period of time, and we’ll hope that Mr. Parenteau does exactly the same thing.”