Honorary Lieutenant Colonel (HLCol) Rebecca Weatherford was born in Trail, BC and grew up in Fruitvale, BC. prior to attending university she spent a year in Tokyo, Japan as an exchange student. She attended the University of Alberta from 1992-1994 and Ryerson University from 1994-1997 where she graduated with a Bachelor's of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism. Following her graduation she worked at the Westin Hotel in Calgary, AB and the Four Seasons Hotel in Seattle, WA. Prior to returning to her roots in BC she was Director of Catering and Conference Services at the Willows Lodge in Woodinville, WA. Upon returning to her hometown in 2005, HLCol Weatherford purchased ATCO Wood Products Ltd. and in 2010 purchased the Nelson & Ft. Sheppard Railway Company. ATCO Wood Products specializes in producing high-quality softwood veneer and other wood products, as well as sustainably managing much of the region's forests. The Nelson & Ft Sheppard Railway Company operates a local shortline railroad and freight transloading facility. Under her tenure as President, both companies have continued a long history of success including being named the 2017 BC Exporter of the Year and 2018 Canadian Family Business of the Year. HLCol Weatherford has been an active volunteer in many roles with the Girl Guides of Canada over the last 12 years. She is an active supporter of many other non-profit organizations and events in the community including the Take A Hike foundation, Kootenay Regional Hospital Foundation and the Annual Fruitvale Community Train Rides. HLCol Weatherford lives in Fruitvale, BC with her husband, two children and three dogs.