Educational Background:
- Master of Laws (UBC, 2000) – Thesis on corporate accountability.
- Bachelor of Laws (University of Ottawa, 1996)
- Bachelor of Arts & Science (McMaster University, 1989)
- Canadian Securities Course, BC Securities Commission (2002)
Tell us about your educational background.
Educational Background:
What has been your professional experience to date?
My 25 year professional career has spanned four major industry sectors, navigating complex organizational landscapes, consistently delivering innovative solutions and tangible results, all linked by an enduring commitment to social justice and environmental preservation. In each role, I have driven positive change through an unwavering commitment to strong leadership, financial stewardship and robust governance.
My unique career began as Director of Law & Policy at the Shareholder Association for Research and Education (2000-2005) where I represented $16 billion in institutional investor assets, engaging publicly traded companies on critical issues, such as executive compensation, sweatshop labour and forestry 5. practices. In my role, I also published extensively on corporate governance practices, solidifying my reputation as an expert in corporate governance. Other responsibilities during that time included developing and teaching a third year seminar course on fiduciary law at UBC’s Faculty of Law and sitting on the Ontario Securities Commission Advisory Committee on Continuous Corporate Disclosure.
Wanting to walk-the-talk, I leaned into my entrepreneurial passion and founded Frogfile Office Essentials Inc. (2005-2009), a multi-million dollar B2B office supply company focused on people, planet and profit. Before the existence of B Corps, Frogfile was a first-of-its-kind triple-bottom-line enterprise, providing a curated catalog of environmental best-of-class products to customers delivered without packing in vehicles fueled with 100% bio-diesel. Scaling this business and forging crucial partnerships demonstrated my dynamic leadership and keen financial focus.
I later transitioned to overseeing extended producer responsibility programs across eight provinces as Director of Programs with Product Care Association of Canada (2014-2022). Operating within a regulated environment, I built strong relationships with more than 600 industry members and government agencies, and led successful consultation processes in the development and renewal of more than a dozen program plans.
Prior to Product Care, I served as Director of Strategic Partnerships with Light House (2010-2014), a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing circular and regenerative practices in the built environment. In that role, I managed several precedent-setting multi-stakeholder projects and spearheaded the organization's transformation from a grant-dependent entity to a self-sustaining social enterprise. I returned to Light House in 2022 as Managing Director of Circular Innovation. In my role, I have raised millions in program funding and service contracts, led development of the organization’s strategic plan and positioned the organization for significant growth over the next five years.
Tell us about your community involvement?
Over the past 20 years, I have served on the numerous volunteer boards, including Habitat for Humanity of Greater Vancouver and St. Jude’s Anglican Home for Seniors. I have also volunteered my time with many organizations, including Canadian Executive Services Overseas (CESO) providing guidance on business development and marketing to a rural dragonfruit cooperative in the Phillipines, being a big brother to a young boy with Big Brothers and Sisters of Greater Vancouver and providing tax filing support services to immigrants through MOSAIC Immigrant Society. I served as President of my residential strata for four years and volunteered for many years with Ocean Legacy Foundation supporting the reclamation of marine plastic and the manufacturing and resale of plastic pellets made from ocean plastic debris.
I currently sit on the Metro Vancouver Solid Waste Technical Advisory Committee.
Have you previously served on a credit union board or any other financial institution's board?
No
What specific skills or expertise (e.g., financial literacy, leadership, strategic planning, technology) would you bring to the Vancity Board of Directors?
As a seasoned executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership, governance, and financial management, I bring a comprehensive skill set to serve Vancity members effectively. My expertise includes:
Most importantly, I have 30 years of experience as an individual and business Vancity member. I understand how the credit union operates and have extensive member experience to inform discussions around creating an exceptional experience for Vancity members.
My diverse background uniquely positions me to contribute to Vancity's mission of creating a world-class experience for its members while upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and financial stewardship.
Why are you running for the Board of Directors?
I am running for the Vancity Board of Directors because I believe deeply in our credit union's vision of a transformative economy that protects the earth and guarantees equity for all. As a member since 1995, I've instilled in my children the importance of democratic, cooperative finance.
Now more than ever, we need values-based financial institutions, like Vancity, to serve the diverse needs of our community and to be a financial force for change. With the threat of US tariffs and economic uncertainty looming over Canada, it's more crucial than ever to have a strong, local financial institution that prioritizes the well-being of its members and community. Vancity's dedication to financial inclusion, environmental sustainability, and reconciliation resonates strongly with me, and I want to help ensure these values continue to guide our decisions.
As a board member, I would work tirelessly to uphold Vancity's commitment to providing financial services to those who face challenges accessing them. Our credit union's history of breaking down barriers, from offering mortgages to women without male co-signers to recognizing First Nations as governments for lending purposes, inspires me to continue this legacy of innovation and inclusivity.
With the potential economic pressures facing Canada, including the risk of recession and currency devaluation, Vancity's role as a community-focused financial institution becomes even more vital. I am committed to ensuring that we continue to develop products and services that support our members through these uncertain times while staying true to our core values of sustainability, equity, and community empowerment.
How do you plan to contribute to the success of Vancity and our members if elected?
If elected, my focus will be on ensuring Vancity’s continued success by championing initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to our members and communities. I will leverage my governance and financial expertise to protect member assets while expanding access to vital financial services.
Specifically, I'll push for innovative solutions that address the barriers marginalized communities face. Drawing from my experience with affordable housing and work in the DTES, I understand the need for accessible services tailored to their unique needs. I envision Vancity expanding its support for affordable housing projects, offering specialized loan programs, and partnering with community organizations to reach underserved populations. This translates to more individuals and families finding stable housing and achieving financial independence.
I will advocate for responsible investment strategies aligned with Vancity's values that balance financial performance with social and environmental impact. This includes prioritizing investments in sustainable businesses and climate-friendly technologies, creating long-term value for our members while contributing to a greener future.
And I will work to ensure Vancity is providing an exceptional member experience to grow and deepen our membership in an increasing competitive financial environment.
Ultimately, my goal is to ensure Vancity remains a financially strong, values- driven cooperative that empowers members, strengthens communities, and promotes a sustainable future for all. I want to do more to ensure you can sleep easier at night knowing your investment is both safe and doing good in the world.
Describe your leadership style and how it aligns with Vancity’s mission.
My leadership style is collaborative, empowering, and values-driven, aligning directly with Vancity’s mission to build a transformative economy that protects the earth and ensures equity for all. I believe in fostering open communication, shared decision-making, and creating a space where diverse perspectives are valued.
My experience at Light House, where I transitioned the organization to a fee-for- service model and achieved a 300% revenue increase, exemplifies my ability to lead strategically while remaining true to core values. I empower my team by providing them with the resources and support they need to excel, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. This approach translates to real benefits for Vancity members through enhanced services, increased efficiency, and a stronger focus on meeting their diverse needs.
Furthermore, my leadership is rooted in a commitment to social and climate justice. At Vancity, I will advocate for responsible investment strategies that prioritize environmental sustainability and social impact, creating long-term value for members and communities. I will support initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion and provide access to communities that are generally challenged in accessing financial services.
By working collaboratively with the management team and fellow board members, I will ensure Vancity continues to be a leader in values-based banking, empowering our members and driving positive change in the world.
How do you plan to represent the diverse needs of our membership?
As a Vancity director, my focus will be on gaining a deep understanding of the diverse needs of our membership through genuine engagement and analysis of performance data to ensure Vancity remains an attractive place to bank while also being a force for economic transformation, accessibility and inclusion.
For example, I would advocate for financial products and services tailored to the specific needs of Indigenous communities, expanding access to capital for Indigenous-owned businesses, financing structures aligned with Indigenous ownership models and ensuring loan products respect treaty rights and cultural values.
Similarly, I would champion initiatives to break down barriers for marginalized individuals needing basic financial services, like expanding Vancity’s Fair & Fast Loan program and partnering with community organizations to provide financial literacy training and support.
Recognizing the challenges faced by new immigrants, I'd continue exploration of multilingual financial literacy programs and simplified account opening processes, financial workshops conducted in various languages and partnerships with immigrant-serving organizations.
Most importantly, I would champion efforts to build a more resilient and competitive financial institution that provides consistent excellence in member services along with competitive products and services that support members with solid financing options, flexible financing for small businesses and a best-of-class virtual banking environment. Making our money work for good requires that we do good work for our members.
Ultimately, representing diverse needs means ensuring Vancity's products, services, and governance reflect the rich tapestry of our membership, fostering a more inclusive and equitable financial institution for all.
