Pat McKenna, who describes service and building community as his passion, is running for a seat on Comox council. He has lived and worked in the Comox Valley for 15 years and is proud to call Comox home.
“My family and I moved 17 times in 11 years before finding the Comox Valley,” said McKenna. “We arrived to open the Home Depot as store manager and quickly realized that Comox would be our home forever.”
Currently serving as the executive director of Habitat for Humanity Vancouver Island North, McKenna has been serving the community of the Comox Valley since 2003. His commitment and involvement in building community was immediate, and his collaborations extensive. He is perhaps best known as an actor and contributor to the arts through Three Legged Dog Productions, Courtenay Little Theatre, and as past president of Rainbow Youth Theatre. He works tirelessly in supporting the arts in the Comox Valley and is a long-standing board member of Vancouver Island Music Fest. He is a Rotarian with the Strathcona Sunrise Rotary Club and has also served on the board of directors of the Comox Valley Economic Development Society.
“I have learned though my position with Habitat for Humanity, that community cannot be built in silos, and that the best way to ensure success is through multiple collaborations,” explained McKenna. “My 20 years of experience in corporate retail coupled with my 10 years of experience in not-for-profit leadership has allowed me to gather an intricate set of skills. I now want to utilize those skills and experiences to give back to the people of Comox.”
McKenna, when asked to describe his platform, responded, “9 ¾”, but then offered the following, “Obviously the affordability of housing is very important to me, but there are so many things I am passionate about. I want Comox to maintain its beauty and small town feel as it grows. I see a community rich in diversity and inclusion, where young families want to raise their children in a safe environment. As a business and community leader, I understand fiscal responsibility and process to ensure growth is sustainable.”
McKenna resides in Comox with his wife, Jeannie and their dog, Rufus. Pat and Jeannie’s daughter is in her second year at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Pat can be reached through email at comoxmckenna@gmail.com or at 1-250-465-1994.