PROFILE: Advanced Governance Professional in Hospitality, Education and Investment Banking sectors with over 20 years of Senior Management and Board Governance roles including Chair and Senior Executive positions, with experience in BC municipal politics.
Summary of Qualifications:
Bilingual – English and French spoken fluently
Strong governance experience for Government bodies, industry associations, community organizations and NFP Boards.
Institution Management: Substantial experience managing employees in both unionized and non-unionized environments; Strong Financial Management experience handling budgets of $25+Million; Considerable IT capabilities, Experience assessing Risk Management priorities and strategies.
Experience driving change through initiation of strategic plans, developing international growth strategies and sound business and financial management.
Adept at building strong business and community relationships with both internal & external partners, both domestically and internationally.
Business and Economic development experience and contacts in the Asia-pacific region – specifically, India, China, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Australia, USA, etc. Experience building dynamic learning environments domestically and offshore.
Strong track record in relationship management, working with culturally diverse partner and stakeholder groups in an ethical, non-confrontational and facilitative manner. Good communications and presentation skills.
Career Highlights
Councillor, Town of Sidney 2022-Current
Elected Official on Sidney Municipal Council. Additional assignments: Executive Committee and Chair of Audit and Finance Committee for Vancouver Island Regional Libraries; Peninsula Literacy Task Force, member; Sidney Emergency Planning Committee, Member; CRD Housing Trust Fund Commission, Chair.
Commissioner, Town of Sidney Advisory Planning Commission 2021-2022
The commission advises Sidney Town Council on development projects for the community
Board Chair & CEO, Sidney Museum and Archives Society 2017-2022
The Sidney Museum is a Municipal historical museum in the heart of Sidney BC. As Board Chair and President, I was the titular CEO with the Executive Director of the Museum reporting to me. Was responsible for Museum’s first Indigenous Exhibit featuring Chief Dan George.
Prosight is a New Delhi based Investment Banking broker with offices in London and Vancouver. We help entrepreneurs to source and close funding of various sorts, including equity, M & A and debt to help with expansion and growth. I serve as a Director and in an advisory role
Subject Matter Expert Consultant, BC Ministry of Advanced Education 1 Year
Contracted consulting services in the private Education sector to Ministry as needed.
Director of Operations, ILSC Education Group 14 ½ Years
Responsible for the operations of the largest global private International educational institution in Canada with 6 campuses in Vancouver, and its affiliated Career College (Greystone) and schools in Toronto, Montreal, San Francisco, New Delhi, Sydney and Brisbane. Helped grow business from 3 schools and $10M in sales to 7 Schools in 4 countries and $50+M in sales.
Responsible for Financial, Information Technology and Operations management of Vancouver Schools and for all student services including Internship services for up to 2000 International students at a given time. Responsible for regulatory compliance and International Real Estate.
Total Budget Responsibility: $25+ Million
Director of Marketing and Operations, Academy of Learning, Quebec 3 ½ years
Succeeded in opening schools in Thailand and the Philippines
Reduced operating expenses and helped to grow sales from $500,000 to $3 million
Grew franchise base from 8 units to 33 units in one year
Developed innovative CBT for facilitated learning environments.
Vice-president Operations & General Manager, R.M.A. Restaurant Management Ltd. 18 Years
Responsible for the operation and administration of three restaurant complexes
Total sales over $10 million, serving 600,000 customers annually
Responsible for 250 employees, and having grown sales from $2M to $10M during my tenure
Other Board, GOVERNANCE & NFP Positions
2022-current Board Member, Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation
2021-Current Board Member, Farquar Advisory Board, University of Victoria
2020-2021 Board Vice-President, Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival
2016-2017 Commissioner, Vice-Chair, North Vancouver Museum and Archives Commission
2016-2017 Board Member, Advisory Board for Business & Administration, UBC Alma Mater Society
2012-2015 Member, Vancouver Board of Trade, Education and Skills Development Committee
2009-2014 Chairman, Board of Directors, Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA). This is a Crown Agency under the BC Ministry of Advanced Education tasked with regulating the province’s private Post Secondary Education and Training sector. Served as Chair and vice-Chair of Board, Executive Committee and Finance committee.
2011-2012 Sole private sector representative on BC Premier’s Council on International Education
2003-2010 Board of Directors – BC Career Colleges Association (held several exec positions)
2008-2010 Board of Directors – National Association of Career Colleges
2005-2010 Chairman, Citizen’s Advisory Committee, Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services
Professional Development
2013 Attorney General of BC; Appointed Commissioner for Affidavits
2008 North Shore Emergency Management Office – PEP Communications Team
2006 JIBC, Emergency Medical Responder (Paramedic); Ministry of Health License #107949
Other Courses on Leadership & Coaching, Financial Management, Crisis Management, Human Resource Management, Administration, Systems and Controls, Personnel Evaluation.
Educational Profile:
Study Scholarship to Jesus College, Oxford University, Great Britain
Class I Post-Graduate Diploma in Education, McGill University
Bachelor of Science, McGill University
Volunteer Work and Personal Interests
Amateur Radio Operator (VE7RNZ) Emergency Medical Responder (RET)