Meet Joel DeYoung.

Joel has served on Vancity’s board since 2019 and currently serves as its Vice Chair and chairs its Risk Committee. He brings broad experience in technology and entrepreneurship and a deep understanding of what it takes to keep up with the rapid pace of technological growth. He has been a Vancity member for nearly 30 years.

Joel earned a master’s degree in computer science at the University of British Columbia. He entered the software business immediately after graduating, eventually leading large teams on major software projects at several companies. In 2006, he co-founded Hothead Games, BC's largest independent video game publisher. During Hothead’s first fourteen years, Joel grew the organization to two hundred employees while leading all of Hothead’s core technology work.

He is currently the Director of Software Development at Spare Labs, a Vancouver startup whose technology platform enhances public transit systems around the world. Growing up in Manitoba, Joel credits his prairie childhood for instilling a commitment to the co-operative business model. From 2011 to 2018, he served on the board of Modo the Car Co-op, during a time of great growth for the carshare. He was the chair of that board from 2012 to 2015. He holds an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Throughout his career, Joel has built his leadership style on the principles of collaboration, trust and empowerment. His personal values have always guided him into professional work that creates positive impact on both employees and the larger community. He is proud of Vancity's leadership role among co-ops in BC, and how it uses values-based banking to create healthy, vibrant communities.

Joel lives in Vancouver with his partner Michelle, while their two children pursue post-secondary education. In his spare time, he enjoys running, cooking, and playing badminton at his local community centre.

Tenure

• Elected in 2019
• Currently serving his third term (2024-2027)

Committees

• Chair, Risk Committee
• Member, Nominations and Election Committee
• Member, Technology Committee

Other board appointments

• Director, Vancity Community Investment Bank
• Director, Citizens Trust