GVHA - Key Persons
Barbara Desjardins has been the Mayor of the Township of Esquimalt since 2008. She has extensive knowledge in government relations, board leadership, communications, and public relations...
She has also been a small business owner with experience in HR and compensation, risk management, and strategy.
Desjardins is a former GVHA board director, serving as the Governance and Nominating Committee chair, board vice-chair, and board interim chair. In addition, she is also the former Capital Regional District (CRD) chair, CRD Hospital board chair, and key participant on CRD Committees (Environmental Services, Finance, Governance, Regional Parks, Planning, Transportation & Protective Services, Core & Westside Wastewater Treatment, Integrated Resources Management), Victoria Regional Transit Commission, Greater Victoria Labour Relations Association, participated in the formation of the South Island Economic Development Association, and Local Government Treaty Committee (Te'Mexw Treaty).
Located next to Wharf Street Marina, Broughton Street Pier is home to many amenities known by both visitors and locals alike.
Job Titles:
- Independent Director
- Managing Partner at British Columbia
Bruce Hallsor is the managing partner at British Columbia's oldest law firm, Crease Harman LLP, a successful commercial practice. In 2007, he was named among the "Top 40 under 40" for Vancouver Island which celebrates young professionals making a difference in their communities....
Bruce has won the Queen's Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals for community service, as well as the Medal of Merit and Bar to the Medal of Merit from Scouts Canada. He was awarded a Queen's Counsel designation in 2016 and in 2023, awarded the Victoria Bar Association contribution to the law award, Bruce was recognized with a Taxfighter award in 2023 by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation for his legal work in the area of tax.
Bruce has also served on the board of directors for a diverse group of companies, authorities, charities and non-profits.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Chairman ( the Chamber )
Christine Willow is a Partner with TwoWillows Consulting BC...
She is a Certified Management Consultant (CMC) and a Registered Professional Recruiter (RPR), and has been involved in employment and training programs for the past 20 years.
Prior to entering the consulting field, Willow was a valued member of the tourism and hospitality industry for more than 20 years, and held senior management positions with Four Seasons Hotels, Hilton Hotels, Trusthouse Forte and Keg Restaurants as well as several independently owned and operated hotels and restaurants.
Active in the community, she has served as chair of the board of the Victoria Airport Authority, was a director for the Canadian Airports Council and as a director for the Victoria Police board.
Additionally, she has also served on the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council, the BC Restaurant Association, Greater Victoria Economic Development Agency, go2 The Resource for People in Tourism, and the Downtown Victoria Business Association, and she is the past chair of Destination Greater Victoria and the Tourism Industry Association of BC.
Job Titles:
- City of Victoria
- Councillor
Susan Kim (김수잔) has been involved with grassroots groups and self-organizing communities for years. ...
To date, her career includes a decade of collaborative leadership experience in areas of food security, community organizing, adult education, policy, and operations. She has also had the opportunity to be employed in both provincial and federal levels of government, as well as contracted by Island Health.
In addition to her role on Council, Susan currently works as director of operations for the Fernwood Neighborhood Resource Group Society.
Job Titles:
- CEO of the Butchart Gardens
- Co - Chair of the Tourism Committee for the Pacific Northwest Economic Region
As CEO of The Butchart Gardens, Mr. Cowen has responsibility for leading a team of nearly 700 staff, overseeing daily operations and strategic initiatives...
Formerly the general manager, Cowen is actively involved in leadership positions in the tourism and business communities, serving as the founding past president of Gardens British Columbia and as a board member of the Canada Garden Council. Active in developing Garden Tourism as a vibrant provincial and national sector, he has presented at the World Garden Tourism Conference in Metz, France, spoken at the World Tulip Summit in Suncheon, Korea and on several occasions has addressed the American Public Garden Association annual conference.
Cowen is co-chair of the Tourism Committee for the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. He was formerly chair of Destination Greater Victoria and has been an active member on various boards and industry organizations throughout the region. He is the proud recipient of the PNWER Robert Day Memorial Award, which is awarded to someone in the private sector who has played a major role in bringing collaboration between cross-border organizations and stakeholders.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Songhees Nation
Dick was born in raised in Lekwungen Territory and has connections through family. She is the mother of a daughter and a son and has two grandchildren.
Gail Stephens is currently working as a consultant for a variety of organizations in areas such as strategic planning, leadership development, change management, governance and organizational restructuring. ...
She has over twenty years leading large, complex organizations including City auditor and then chief administrative officer for the City of Winnipeg, City manager for the City of Victoria, CEO of the BC Pension Corporation and COO and interim president and CEO for the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Gail is currently serving as a member of the board of directors for VIA Rail Canada Inc. (chair of the Audit and Pension Investment Committee) and the David Foster Foundation (chair of the Finance and Investment Committee). She received the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. Ms. Stephens is a certified public accountant having graduated from the Certified General Accountants (CGA) program and a former teacher having graduated from the University of Manitoba on the Dean's Honour List. She received the CGA Manitoba Gold Medal and was awarded a CPA, CGA fellowship. She graduated from the Harvard University Kennedy School in the Executive Management Program.
Ms. Stephens was named one of Canada's 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women's Executive Network in 2003, 2010 and 2011 and the 2006 Women in Finance's PEAK Award for Performance and Excellence. She was awarded one of Canada's top 100 CGAs in 2008.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- President
- President and Chief Executive Officer of the Victoria International Airport
As president and chief executive officer, Dickson is responsible for the strategic planning, operations and financial performance of Victoria International Airport. During his tenure, Victoria International Airport twice won the prestigious Airports Council International Airport Service Quality award for best regional airport in North America.
Dickson has more than thirty years' experience in the airline and marine transportation industries with a background in marketing, business development, operations, customer service and finance.
Dickson began his career with Canadian Airlines where he ultimately led the international marketing team in the development and expansion of the airline's global network. He returned home to Victoria where he joined BC Ferries as vice-president of marketing and business development where he oversaw all aspects of their commercial operations.
Dickson currently serves on the board of directors for the Canadian Airports Council and is chair of the Canadian Tier 2 Airports Caucus.
He is a graduate of the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business.
Geoff Dickson is president and chief executive officer of the Victoria International Airport...
Chief Councillor Jerome Antoine Junior Thomas is a proud member of the Xʷsepsəm Nation with deep connections to the ancestral community. ...
The Johnson Street marina is available for monthly moorage only. The facility is mostly used to tie up fishing vessels and commercial floats.
Job Titles:
- Chief Administrative Officer
Ethier oversees enterprise risk management, legal, finance, human resources, information technology, leasing, administration, and governance for the Board of Directors....
Her role includes supporting and developing the strategic initiatives that will ensure the organization enjoys long term sustainability and growth.
Ethier's prior roles included more than 25 years in the public and private sector in Calgary, AB, where she held senior finance roles in both the oil and gas and commercial real estate industries. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant.
In addition, Ethier holds a CPCC designation, as a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, where she enjoys working with individuals and organizations on strategic career and leadership development.
Job Titles:
- Director, First Nations Engagement
Kitts is responsible for increasing the recognition of the Lekwungen People in and around the facilities and land GVHA manages and supporting economic development initiatives through the First Nations Economic Development Committee....
Kitts has worked in Indigenous relations for more than 10 years, first as a contractor working with Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada, helping to review historical records from Indian Residential Schools to support the settlement and claims made by residential school survivors.
She has also worked with the provincial government in treaty negotiations, which included supporting the implementation of the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement and the Kitsumkalum First Nation and Kitselas First Nation Interim Treaty Agreements. Most recently, Kitts worked at the Port of Vancouver, leading consultation with Indigenous groups on port development projects.
She grew up in Cornwall, Ontario along the St Lawrence River and the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne. Kitts holds a Masters degree from the University of Victoria in Dispute Resolution, and a Bachelors degree in International Development and Politics from Queens University.
Kitts is honoured to live and work in Victoria in the traditional territories of the Esquimalt Nation and Songhees Nation.
Job Titles:
- Director, Cruise Development
Gaunt works to ensure the long-term sustainability of cruise tourism in Victoria by working with all stakeholders and partners to develop and manage Victoria's cruise business....
She works closely with cruise line partners, operators, and other stakeholders to manage both day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
Gaunt was introduced to the cruise industry in 2005 and spent eight years at sea working on every vessel class, from Empress of the Seas to Oasis class, within the Royal Caribbean International fleet as a Revenue Manager, responsible for all shipboard revenue generating operations. She has sailed around the world and guests and crew agree with her that Victoria is one of the most beautiful cruise ports in the world.
She is the fourth generation of her family to be born in Victoria and grew up on the Saanich Peninsula. She completed a Masters degree in Business Administration at McGill University, and a Bachelors degree in History and Literature at the University of Victoria.
Smith manages the finance department, insurance, enterprise risk management, and investments with a focus on financial sustainability. She is also the Privacy Officer for the organization. ...
Smith has more than 10 years' experience in the finance field in municipal and non-profit organizations. She has a BComm from Laurentian University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.
Smith's love of Vancouver Island started in her early years as she lived in Port Alberni. After moving away for many years, she was thrilled to return with her family and settle back on the island, this time in Victoria.
Job Titles:
- Vice - President, Infrastructure and Resiliency
Crisp is responsible for planning and implementing Asset Management and Capital works program and projects....
Crisp has worked in the planning and construction industry for nearly 30 years, in several countries, and brings significant engineering and architectural experience to bear on maintaining growth of GVHA's portfolio. He looks forward to bringing various major projects to fruition for the GVHA.
Job Titles:
- Independent Director
- Senior Marine Executive
Mark Collins is a senior marine executive, having held leadership and technical positions with shipping and marine manufacturing firms since 1985. ...
Mark recently completed more than 18 years at British Columbia Ferry Services, one of the world's largest marine passenger transportation networks, including five years as president & CEO. He was BC Ferries vice president of engineering from 2004-2012 and vice president, strategic planning and community engagement from 2015-2017.
Mark's 35 years of marine experience includes expatriate assignments as president of Rolls Royce Marine Brazil and Rolls Royce Marine Italy. Prior to this, Mark was VP sales and aftermarket for Rolls-Royce Marine Canada. Mark believes in real world field experience, serving as a marine engineer on oil tankers, offshore support vessels, bulk carriers and container ships. A little further back, Mark served three years as an aircraft maintenance technician on rotary wing aircraft.
Mark holds a Certificate of Strategic Leadership from Oxford University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Transport and Logistics from the University of British Columbia, a Bachelor of Arts in Marine Geography from Saint Mary's University and a Diploma of Mechanical (Marine) Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Mark also holds a Director Education Certificate from the Rotman School at the University of Toronto and an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. He has served on many boards, including Interferry, Green Marine and as chair of the Board of the Canadian Ferry Association.
Born on the island of Newfoundland, Mark understands the importance of a reliable marine industry to the social and economic health of our communities. Mark is married with three children and resides in Victoria, British Columbia.
Job Titles:
- Portfolio Manager and Investment Advisor With Odlum Brown Limited
- Vice Chair ( Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society )
Mark Mawhinney is a portfolio manager and investment advisor with Odlum Brown Limited ...
He is a chartered professional accountant, certified management accountant and in 2009 was awarded the Certified Management Accountant Society of BC's province-wide Top-Talent Award.
Early in his career he founded, built and sold two successful businesses and brings close to 20 years of financial and business experience to the board. He co-chaired the University of British Columbia Alumni Association's Alumni Centre Committee, which designed, funded and built a first of its kind $21 million, 40,000 square foot Alumni Centre on UBC's Point Grey campus. Mawhinney previously served on the GVHA Board from 2016 to 2018.
Don Krusel has over 35 years experience in the port and maritime industry. He was president & CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority for 25 years and has provided strategic advice to various North American ports and organizations. ...
Ogden Point is home to the Victoria Cruise Ship Terminal, Canada's busiest cruise port of call. It is also home to a number of businesses including, Helijet, Breakwater Bistro, Seaspan, Western Stevedoring, and Whitehall Rowing & Sail.
Lewis-Manning has over 20 years of executive-level leadership experience in the global marine transportation sector and has established a reputation as an innovative thought leader committed to building diverse and high-performing teams. ...
During his time with the Chamber of Shipping, he was responsible for developing and implementing a new strategic direction, including expanding client base and revenue; prioritizing partnerships with First Nations communities; and facilitating substantial changes to vessel operations in Canadian waters. He also advocated and negotiated the first marine conservation agreement in Canada to protect endangered whales, securing the support of three federal departments.
Job Titles:
- President and COO of Black Ball Ferry Line
Ryan Burles is President and COO of Black Ball Ferry Line and has been in the ferry and tourism business for over 30 years...
Burles has served on the board of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Destination Marketing Committee of Destination Greater Victoria as well as serving as a board member and past president of the Rotary Club of Victoria.
Burles brings a strong business background with an emphasis on customer service, and safe operations.
The Ship Point marina is located in Victoria's city centre, close to the provincial legislature, the famous Empress Hotel, and the Royal BC Museum. It is home to the Ship Point Summer Market and moorage space.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee for the Saanich Council
- Councillor
Susan Brice was elected councillor for the District of Saanich in 2005, and is a current director for the Capital Regional District...
She is a fourth-generation resident of Greater Victoria and a former elementary school teacher in Esquimalt and Oak Bay.
Brice is chair of the Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee for the Saanich Council, and is council liaison for the Victoria Airport Authority Community Consultative Committee. For the CRD, she is chair of the Transportation Committee, and sits on the Finance Committee, and the Core Area Sewage Committee. She is on the board of directors for BC Transit.
She has served as elected MLA representing Saanich South, and was previously minister of Mental Health and minister of Human Resources for the Government of British Columbia. Brice volunteers as vice president of the Victoria ALS Society.