Our leadership team drives Ka·kin forward with creativity, expertise and dedication.
John Pumphrey, Chief Operating Officer
John brings to Ka·kin a passion for building relationships through trust, integrity and honesty. He lives in the Elk Valley where he and his wife have raised 2 sons. As a family, spending time in the outdoors has been integral to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
John completed a degree in Forestry at UBC in the 1990’s, and started his career working in the Kootenays in a variety of forestry planning and development activities. John transitioned to the mining sector in the early 2000’s where his experience spanned disciplines such as closure and reclamation, silviculture, research, operational management, and exploration and development.
John is passionate about people and team, and both his passion and his experience provide the foundation in developing and supporting the Ka·kin Group of Companies as it fulfils is mission and vision.
Brandon Yadernuk, Chief Financial Officer
Brandon Yadernuk is an accomplished financial executive with over a decade of progressive leadership across environmental services, waste management, and multi-entity group operations. Currently serving as Chief Financial Officer at Kakin Group of Companies, Brandon leads financial strategy, forecasting, risk management, and contract negotiations, ensuring sustainable growth within complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
Brandon’s career spans roles as Regional Controller at Environmental 360 Solutions and Controller at GFL Environmental Inc., where he led FP&A, M&A support, financial reporting, and operational transformation initiatives. His experience includes financial stewardship of both private and public enterprises, with expertise in budgeting, year-end processes, internal controls, and executive-level visibility. A former member of the Canadian Armed Forces, Brandon brings disciplined execution and a team-focused leadership approach to every mandate he undertakes. As a CPA, he combines deep technical accounting proficiency with practical operational insights, supporting organizations to scale sustainably while maintaining strong financial governance.
Bill Arling, Vice President, Relationships & Partnerships
Bill is a valuable addition to the Kakin Group of Companies, contributing extensive knowledge and experience in environmental assessment, permitting, and operations. With a career spanning over 25 years, he has garnered expertise both in Canada and on the international stage, working across diverse sectors such as waste management, mining, utilities, and oil & gas.
Throughout his career, Bill has played a pivotal role in managing regulatory processes for natural resource projects and has been a key figure in fostering engagement with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, regulatory bodies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). His commitment to collaboration is evident through his active participation in regional, national, and international environmental organizations, all dedicated to mitigating the impact of human activities on the environment.
Bill holds a BASc in Industrial Ecology, which underpins his passion for sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
Hugh Moore, Director, Relationships & Business Development
Working for nearly a decade with the Yaqit a knuqli’it as the Community and Economic Development Manager, Hugh has gained experience and developed relationships that make him invaluable to Ka∙kin as the Director for Business Development & Relationships.
Having worked directly with Band Council, Elders, and nation members, Hugh understands the values of Ka∙kin and their goal of creating prosperity through sustainable wealth for Yaqit a knuqli’it and its members.
Helen Barron, Manager, Communications & People Development
Helen Barron grew up on the Northwest Coast in Haida Gwaii where she developed a deep respect for the land and the people. She fell in love with the Kootenays 10 years ago and has been grateful to call this region home ever since.
Helen holds a BBA in Sustainable Business Practices and brings 10 years in senior leadership and 5 years in Community Economic Development to her role as Manager of Communications and People Development with Ka’kin. Helen is a people first leader who believes healthy, thriving business is driven by healthy, thriving teams.
When not at work, Helen enjoys singing, songwriting, and gigging around the Kootenays as well as being in nature with her 3 kiddos and her dog, and taking as many road trips as possible throughout the East and West Kootenays.
Steve Dahl, Manager, Construction
Steve is well adept in project management within the construction industry, having over 25 years of experience in the field. He oversaw multiple construction projects and facility sites throughout Western Canada. Ka∙kin is happy to have Steve on board as its new Construction Manager.
In his role, Steve oversees the construction and maintenance of Ka∙kin business properties.
Alan Spoonhunter, Economic Development Lead
Alan is a proud member of the Ktunaxa speaking peoples from Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it.
Michael Spoonhunter, Coordinator, Youth & Strategic Partnerships
Michael is a proud member of the Ktunaxa speaking peoples from Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi ‘it. He provides support to Ka∙kin’s economic development initiatives within the Elk Valley Region. He works closely with Yaqit a knuqli’it leadership, as well as membership and neighbouring communities to get feedback on projects.
Michael has a history working with the Yaqit a knuqli’it band office, functioning as the Youth Advisor and Youth Counsel Lead. His representation of the youth perspective was a great asset to the band office and is a valued asset to Ka∙kin.