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2024 Board of Directors and Nominees

Board Elections and Appointments, Chamber AGM, November 14, 2023

*November 9th: this page has been updated to reflect a candidate's withdrawal from the election.

As part of our proceedings at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, November 14, our members elect candidates to join our Board of Directors.

Incorporated under Canada’s Boards of Trade Act, the Chamber could not exist without dedicated and passionate volunteers, giving their time and expertise to serve on our Board of Directors. For more than half a century, scores of local business leaders, non-profit executives, and community champions have skillfully guided our organization to grow and thrive. The board is responsible for strategic, governance, and fiduciary leadership, oversees the Chief Executive Officer, and is accountable to our members.

Past Chairs of our Board of Directors join our Board of Governors, who remain involved and connected with the Chamber in meaningful ways. In 2024, we will welcome Jenifer Wright to this esteemed group. Our sincere thanks as well to Governor Ryan Whittle, stepping down from the Board of Directors, having served as immediate Past Chair for 2023. We also express our utmost appreciation to outgoing Treasurer Ryan Gorder, and outgoing board members Kathryn Millar and Vineet Verghese for their service.

The Board consists of the Chair, Vice-Chair and 10 Directors. In addition, the immediate Past Chair, Chief Executive Officer and the Treasurer of the Chamber are ex-officio members of the Board.

REGISTER TO ATTEND THE AGM

2024 Board Executive: Motion to Appoint 

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Daniel Richardson
Chair
Managing Partner
BTM Lawyers

Daniel Bio

Daniel Richardson

Managing Partner, BTM Lawyers
LinkedIn

Daniel Richardson is a lawyer and managing partner at BTM Lawyers LLP. BTM Lawyers is a full-service law firm located in Port Moody. The firm has serviced Tri-Cities businesses and residents since 1979. BTM Lawyers is a longstanding member of the Chamber of Commerce and is very active in the Tri-Cities community. Since Daniel joined BTM Lawyers in 2010, the firm has nearly tripled in size and is continuing to grow.

Daniel’s practice focuses on personal injury, construction and civil litigation. He cares about his clients and is passionate about providing quality service and obtaining great results. Daniel is also a strong believer in supporting local business and ensuring that the Tri-Cities continues to be Metro Vancouver’s best place to live, work, and play.

In addition to being an owner of one of the Tri-Cities’ largest law firms, Daniel lives in Anmore with his wife, three young children, and dog.

Daniel currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the B.C. Trial Lawyers Association, the New Westminster Bar Association, and the Business Networking International (BNI Dynamo, of which he is also past president). Daniel previously acted as the Chair of the Board of Directors of KidSport Canada and was a volunteer Big Brother with Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver.

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Jennifer McKinnon
Director of HR / Executive Director
Manhas Health Co. / Downtown Port Coquitlam BIA

Jennifer Bio

Jennifer McKinnon

Director of HR, Manhas Health Co
Executive Director, Downtown Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association


For the past seven years, Jennifer McKinnon has served on the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce (TCCOC)board, where she has played a pivotal role in driving economic development and fostering effective communication strategies. Her exceptional leadership skills led her to establish the women in business committee (with her partner in crime, Mary Vellani) back in 2018 which continues to thrive today. For the last 3 years, Jennifer has been active in supporting the membership avenues of the chamber, leading the Membership Experience team and the role of Chief Ambassador, running a committee of 12 dedicated chamber member volunteers to engage, retain, and attain members of the TCCOC. You may also know her as “the official Chamber Greeter” where she volunteers prior to every event to welcome you through the doors.

In addition to her chamber board involvement, Jennifer has also been an active member of the Rotary Club for the past decade, celebrating her 10-year anniversary recently. Her dedication to service and philanthropy is further demonstrated through her role as Vice Chair on the Coquitlam Foundation Board. In this position, Jennifer contributes her expertise to support the foundation's mission and initiatives.

Professionally, Jennifer serves as the Director of HR for a prominent medical facility, Manhas Health, overseeing a team of over 20 admin staff members and managing two clinics. Her expertise in human resources has been invaluable in ensuring the smooth operation and staffing of the facilities and the well-being of its employees. Furthermore, Jennifer's commitment to the local business community is evident through her role as the Executive Director of the Downtown PoCo Business Improvement Association (BIA), where she tirelessly advocates for the interests of downtown businesses.

Outside of her professional and volunteer commitments, Jennifer values her role as a mother. She and her partner, Greg, are proud parents to a daughter and “sonish”, both of whom turned 19 this year and attend Douglas College. Their family is completed by a wacky, high maintenance polydactyl cat who brings joy and laughter to their lives every day.

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Jenifer Wright
Past Chair
General Manager, Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club

Jenifer Bio

Jenifer Wright

General Manager, Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club
LinkedIn

Jenifer Wright is the General Manager of Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club, a company comprised of two golf courses, two restaurants and a second-to-none banquet facility. Having been with Westwood for 7 years and with over 10+ years in the hospitality and golf industry, Jenifer has extensive knowledge of food and beverage, as well as golf operations, business development and human resources.

Prior to perusing a career in golf management, Jenifer studied at The Vancouver Art Institute. Earning a diploma of Interior Design Jenifer free-lanced in the industry for two years before returning to her passion for golf. With her love of golf in mind Jenifer started working at Westwood in a Guest Service Desk position and quickly climbed the ranks through roles such as Tournament Coordinator, Assistant Golf Operations Manager and finally General Manager. In her role Jenifer has accomplished such achievements as the creation and implementation of a unique membership program and the continued growth and success of Westwood’s banquet facility with over 110 weddings per year.

Having been an active member of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce since 2014, Jenifer has made Chamber and Community involvement in the Tri-Cities one of her companies’ top goals since becoming General Manager of Westwood in 2015.

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Eric Salvador, CPA
Treasurer
Senior Manager
Rise CPA Inc.

Eric Bio

Eric Salvador, CPA

Senior Manager, Rise CPA Inc.
LinkedIn

Eric graduated from Capilano University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance. He began his accounting career in 2014 where he worked at a national accounting firm in Calgary providing accounting and assurance services in the private enterprise group. Eric then joined Rise in 2016 due to his passion of building strong relationships with his clients and their businesses to become their trusted advisor. Eric advises on accounting, assurance, tax and other business matters in various industries such as restaurants, breweries, manufacturing, franchises, retail, construction, film, etc.

In addition to assisting his clients, Eric also has a passion for mentoring soon to be CPA’s and business professionals. He often attends campus recruiting events and has mentored individuals under the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Launch2Success Mentorship program. If you see him around campus, make sure you come and say hi!

Outside of work, Eric is a big foodie. He enjoys spending time with his wife trying new restaurants and learning new recipes to cook for his friends and family.

2024 Director Candidates: Five to be Elected / Re-elected

Vicky Headshot

Vicky (Yi Min) Chen
COO
Boro and Beyond / TruQuartz

Vicky Bio

Vicky Chen

COO, Boro and Beyond / TruQuartz


I'm writing to express my strong interest in joining the Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors. As a Chinese immigrant, with extensive experience in tourism and cannabis industries, I offer a unique perspective on business and community development. On top of English, I also speak four different Chinese languages. I was 17 when I moved to Canada in 2008.

Over 10 years as the co-founder of my companies, I've actively contributed to the local community, fostering successful businesses and empowering immigrants and locals. My network and credibility can enhance community inclusivity.

I'm enthusiastic about using my marketing expertise to facilitate collaboration among diverse businesses, boosting the local economy. A prosperous community requires active resident engagement in economic development.

I'm eager to bring my energy, dedication, and passion to the Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce, helping build a more inclusive and thriving community. Thank you for considering my application.

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Adel Gamar
CEO & Co-Founder
GLG Ltd.

Adel Bio

Adel Gamar

CEO & Co-Founder, GLG Ltd.


Adel Gamar is Cofounder and CEO of GLG Ltd., a boutique management consultancy launched at the Harvard Innovation Lab and headquartered in Vancouver. He manages the delivery and implementation of the firm’s leadership development and change management services.

Over the course of his career, Gamar has advised senior leaders of Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, and governments worldwide. He served as Education Specialist at UNESCO and Policy Fellow at Harvard Law School. While at Harvard, he taught adaptive leadership and negotiation. In 2015, he advised the Co-Chair of President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

Gamar is an Adjunct Professor at UBC Sauder School of Business where he teaches leadership and management. He cofounded The Gamar Foundation—a nonprofit that aims to inspire, empower, and connect young people to enhance the public good in their communities.

He serves on various boards, including Douglas College and the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce where he is the Chair of the Economic Development and Government Relations Committee.

A father, husband, and relentless optimist, Gamar holds an MPA from Harvard and a B.Ed. from the University of Calgary.

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Justin Levine
Lawyer
Golbey Levine, Lawyers + Advisors

Justin Bio

Justin Levine

Lawyer, Golbey Levine, Lawyers + Advisors


Justin Levine practises business and real estate law with Golbey Levine, Lawyers and Advisors . Phrased pretentiously, he helps clients identify and manage their risks to help accomplish their goals. Justin is passionate about local business and thinks Main Street trumps Wall Street. One of his greatest work accomplishments is PROTECTED BY SOLICITOR-CLIENT (that's a joke). He is an advisor to boards and a past director of a non-profits and a charity. Justin used to be actively involved with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce as a member of the Government Relations Committee and the initial TCYP steering committee. He used to volunteer with Douglas College's self-employment program. He provides some pro bono legal work for people and organizations in need. He was raised in Port Coquitlam, with a stint in Maple Ridge, and currently lives in Coquitlam with his spouse, two children, and a dog that eats everything.

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Jessica Prasad
Realtor, Jessica Prasad Personal
Real Estate Corporation

Jessica Bio

Jessica Prasad

Realtor, Jessica Prasad Personal Real Estate Corporation


Jessica Prasad is a first generation Canadian, grew up and currently live in the Coquitlam (kʷikʷəƛ̓əm) community. I have been a Realtor for the past 13 years and I have proudly helped many families make the Tri-Cities their home. I am the recipient of many top awards in my career with RE/MAX and the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver.

I am an active member of the Tri-Cities community and think that supporting the business around me is a vital part of the economy. I take initiatives for all levels of improvement and have many leadership qualities. I believe strongly in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion within any organization. I have the expertise in developing and building long lasting relationships; I volunteer and support fundraising efforts of all kinds. My purpose is to make a mindful impact in this role and positive changes for all the business in our community.

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Joe Deobald
Co-Founder / Franchise Owner
Code Ninjas

Joe Bio

Joe Deobald

Co-Founder / Franchise Owner, Code Ninjas


As an entrepreneur, I explore ways to create a purpose driven life by helping build unique businesses, creating opportunities for like minded individuals and opening the doors to explore new ideas for young minds. I'm passionate about creating a world where everyone has an equal opportunity to express their creativity and empower them to create real value.

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Ryan Jamieson
Deputy Executive Director
Coquitlam Public Library

Ryan Bio

Ryan Jamieson

Deputy Executive Director, Coquitlam Public Library


Ryan Jamieson is passionate about creating welcoming, inclusive communities, helping people and organizations develop and expand lasting connections, and supporting future-focussed conversations around strategies and goals. Ryan believes strongly that inclusivity, collaboration, and education drive sustainability and success communities and business.

Ryan spent several years in South Korea before completing his MBA at Simon Fraser University. He then joined Community Living BC. He has sat on over 50 working groups and task forces with a wide variety of stakeholders. These groups have tackled topics including analyzing data and trends, developing practices and policies, and working towards vibrant and inclusive business communities.

Ryan is currently the Deputy Executive Director at Coquitlam Public Library. Ryan has been engaged in the Chamber of Commerce, at first with the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, and then being elected to the Board of Directors where he is currently Chair of the newly formed DEI Committee.

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Elizabeth Molnarova
Relationship Manager, Commercial Financial Services, RBC Royal Bank

Elizabeth Bio

Elizabeth Molnarova

Relationship Manager, Commercial Financial Services, RBC


With a career spanning over a decade at RBC, I've proudly held various positions within the organization, enhancing my expertise in Commercial Financial Services. My commitment to client satisfaction has allowed me to build lasting, trust-based relationships.

Beyond my professional life, I am deeply committed to community service, serving as a dedicated Medical Responder with St. John Ambulance. This role reflects my passion for making a positive impact on the well-being of those in need.

My journey at RBC has been a journey of continuous growth and adaptation. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue creating value for our clients, nurturing strong relationships, and contributing positively to our community. I look forward to the exciting future ahead.

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Stathis Savvis
Commercial Broker
William Wright Commercial

Stathis Bio

Stathis Savvis

Commercial Broker, William Wright Commercial


Savvi brings over a decade of successful real estate investing and finance to William Wright. Savvi worked his way up the chain in Canada’s largest credit union before making the transition into the brokerage side of real estate. This vast experience will be an asset to his growing client book at William Wright Commercial.

Prior to joining William Wright Commercial, Stathis started worked his way into the real estate market by first becoming a financial planner at Investors Group, and as account manager at Vancity Credit Union. Stathis was hands-on as an on-site supervisor for International Carpenters Union as well as being a 50% owner at Nisko Developments. These past experiences have given him the building blocks to become a successful realtor in the commercial market.

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Sunny Dharni
Lawyer
BTM Laywers LLP

Sunny Bio

Sunny Dharni

Lawyer, BTM Lawyers LLP


My primary practice area is wealth preservation and tax and I assist families with estate, trust, and business succession planning. I also maintain a broad practice in the areas of business law and real estate law. I pride myself on providing clients with quality, cost-effective and timely legal advice. My work allows me to be involved with many locally owned businesses and I am involved at all business stages from initial start up, governance matters, to eventual sale, or succession by children. When it comes to family succession planning, my ultimate aim is to minimize tax during lifetime and on death, ensure the testamentary wishes are carried out, and ensure wealth is protected within future generations.

The Chamber is the voice of local business in the Tri-Cities, and an ideal place for me to give back to the community and support businesses that have supported me over the years.

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Katherine Kim
Senior Account Manager
Business Development Bank of Canada

Katherine Bio

Katherine Kim

Senior Account Manager, Business Development Bank of Canada


Katherine is a Senior Account Manager with the Business Development Bank of Canada, BDC, with more than 8 years of experience in the financial industry. Specializing in advising business owners and commercial relationships, Katherine uses that experience to deliver a value-add component to every interaction she has with her clients, network and stakeholders.

Katherine possesses a unique blend of professional expertise and a passion for community development. Her track record of successfully leading initiatives within the region, combined with her strategic thinking and collaborative approach, makes her an ideal candidate for a leadership role.

Katherine's ability to inspire and mobilize teams toward a common goal is truly remarkable. Her strong communication skills, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication make her an asset to any organization.

Furthermore, Katherine's deep knowledge of the Tri-Cities area and her extensive network of connections within the local business community would undoubtedly benefit the Chamber's mission and objectives.

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Navid Morawej
Director
Aultrust

Navid Bio

Navid Morawej

Director, Aultrust


I'm a passionate entrepreneur and steadfast advocate for the community, honored to be recognized as the 2023 Tri-Cities Chamber Member of the Year. My entrepreneurial journey began in my basement with the founding of BITAA Technology, setting the stage for my future endeavors. As the Managing Partner of Aultrust, I've delved deep into finance and strategic real estate development, spearheading vital community projects across Metro Vancouver. Beyond the business realm, I take pride in my role as the Principal of Parkland Players Learning Centre, highlighting my commitment to education. Being actively involved in the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has allowed me to foster strong stakeholder relations. Having immigrated from Iran as a child, my path from newcomer to influential community figure is a testament to my unwavering dedication, skills, and profound connection to the Tri-Cities community.

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Devin Sharma
Senior Manager, People and Culture
Kirmac Collision and Autoglass

Devin Bio

Devin Sharma

Senior Manager, People and Culture, Kirmac Collision and Autoglass


I'm Devin Sharma, a results-driven and passionate Senior HR Professional with a proven track record of elevating companies to new heights through strategic human resources management. With over 15 years of experience in the field, I have developed a deep understanding of the pivotal role HR plays in shaping an organization's success.

🔹 Talent Acquisition Expertise: Leveraging my keen eye for talent, I have successfully led and executed comprehensive recruitment strategies to attract top-tier professionals across diverse industries. My ability to identify the right candidates, streamline recruitment processes, and conduct thorough assessments ensures that the best-fit talents become integral parts of the team.

🔹 Employee Development Advocate: I strongly believe in empowering employees through continuous learning and growth opportunities. My dedication to fostering a culture of learning has resulted in the design and implementation of robust training programs, enabling employees to thrive both personally and professionally.

🔹 HR Strategy and Planning: As a strategic thinker, I have crafted and executed HR initiatives that align with business objectives, contributing to increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and overall organizational effectiveness. I am adept at analyzing HR metrics to drive data-based decision-making for sustained business success.

🔹 Change Management and Employee Engagement: Navigating organizational change is critical for success, and I take pride in my ability to lead change management efforts smoothly. By promoting open communication and active employee engagement, I have fostered a positive work environment where everyone feels heard and valued.

🔹 Cultivating Collaborative Relationships: My approachable demeanor and excellent interpersonal skills have allowed me to build strong partnerships with key stakeholders and cross-functional teams. By fostering collaboration, I have facilitated effective communication channels that foster organizational synergy.

🔹 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Champion: I am committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and values individual contributions. By developing and implementing diversity programs, I have helped organizations build stronger, more resilient teams.

I thrive on the challenges presented by the dynamic HR landscape, and I am eager to apply my expertise to drive transformative change in an organization that values innovation, growth, and its employees' well-being.

2024 Continuing Board Directors: 2nd Year of Term

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Chris Chong
Owner
Butter Studios

Chris Bio

Chris Chong

Butter Studios


Owner of a successful photo/video studio for the past 15 years servicing local, national and international clients.

Previously, I was a director for a national telecommunications company leading up to 500 employees and gained extensive experience in project and people management and consistently exceeded targets in relation to revenue, productivity and quality.

Pulkit Sharma

Pulkit Sharma
Project Manager
Peter Kiewit Sons ULC

Pulkit Bio

Pulkit Sharma

Peter Kiewit Sons ULC


Pulkit is a Professional Engineer and currently working as a Project Manager with Kiewit, a local contractor with a history of building projects in the Tri-Cities area and an employer to residents of Tri-City region. Pulkit graduated with a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia and joined Kiewit soon-thereafter as a Field Engineer.

Pulkit and his family established roots in the Tri-Cities area of Coquitlam to enjoy the beautiful landscape and bountiful parks, Pulkit is an active member of this vibrant, multicultural community. He is also an angel investor and partner of multiple local businesses and encourages business owners to take root and grow within the community.

Pulkit and his wife are pro-actively involved within their community and promotes fellowship by connecting residents to community resources, mentorship and aids international students with career advice and assist assimilating into the community.

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Mike Forrest
Vice President
Forrest Marine Ltd.

Mike Bio

Mike Forrest

Forrest Marine Ltd.


Mike Forrest is the co-owner (with his brother Ray) of Forrest Marine Ltd, a third generation river oriented family business in Port Coquitlam, with Tugboats, Fishboats, Log Salvage, Water Taxi, Rescue and more.

Forrest Marine has been a member of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce since 1993.

Mike’s past experience includes serving as a member of the Fraser Panel of the Canada/US Pacific Salmon Commission for 19 yrs.

He also served on the Fraser River Port Authority from 1993-1999.

His community spirit and involvement is shown in having served 18 years on Port Coquitlam city council (2000-2018)

Mike and his wife Karen both have third generation POCO roots, and raised their family here.

Mike believes that Chambers of Commerce are not only an integral part of a vibrant community, but also the best venue for business to share their collective voice with Governments in respect of fair regulation and minimizing bureaucracy!

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Vivien Symington
Owner
Club Aviva

Vivien Bio

Vivien Symington

Director, 2022 Board of Directors
Owner, Club Aviva
LinkedIn

Vivien Symington has 50 years of gymnastics experience and earned BA/BPHE degrees from Queen’s University.

Established in 1986, Club Aviva is a large family-owned and operated gymnastics facility, offering a wide variety of unique programs to promote healthy physical and emotional lifestyles.

In 2002, Vivien invited the Empowering Steps Movement Therapy Program (ESMT), a unique child centre intervention for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.

Vivien is an active volunteer with Coquitlam Festival Society (since 1992), Kids Brain Health Network, Gymnastics BC, and Simon Fraser Society. In 2017, she was inducted into the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame as a Community Builder and Club Aviva won the best BC Gymnastics Club of the Year.

She believes that society is vital to building a strong sense of community and shared goals. She strives to provide an inclusive centre in Coquitlam offering a safe and nurturing environment to promote the empowerment and health of all participants no matter what their abilities.

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Reihaneh Mirjani
Vice President / CEO
Immigrant Link Centre Society / Soul Bite Food

Reihaneh Bio

Reihaneh Mirjani

Immigrant Link Centre Society


Reihaneh is a resourceful and reliable professional who has excellent interpersonal skills across all levels including stakeholders and government. She has received her Women Influencers Award from Women's Collaborative hub in 2019 and her society received a Business Excellence Award from the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. She has a BS degree in English literature and working as Vice President in Immigrant link Centre Society and also as a president in Soul Bite Food Inc.

Reihaneh's successful working experience in non-profit organization and in social enterprise business would be a good match for this position.
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