ASTTBC - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of Committee
Job Titles:
- Lay Committee Member
- Member of Committee
The role of the investigation committee (IC) is to investigate and potentially resolve complaints and reports by registrants regarding professional misconduct, incompetent practice, conduct unbecoming and/or a breach of the PGA or ASTTBC bylaws.
The IC investigates complaints from the public, reports from registrants pursuant to section 58 of the PGA and may also initiate an investigation on its own motion. Under the PGA and the ASTTBC bylaws, the committee may dispose of a matter (with the consent of the registrant) or direct the registrar to issue a citation, which will result in the matter being referred to a separate discipline committee (DC) for a hearing.
Job Titles:
- Member of Committee
- Retired
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive & Senior Leadership Team
- Director, Professional Practice and Development
Jason has dedicated nearly two decades of his career to ASTTBC, transitioning from roles such as manager of member and program development (2005-2014), to manager of professional practice (2014-2019), and currently serving as director of professional practice and development.
As a dynamic and seasoned leader, Jason possesses a wealth of experience in organizational leadership, stakeholder relations, and business development. During ASTTBC's years as an association, Jason played a pivotal role in business development, member liaison activities, and member services. His responsibilities included member recruitment and retention, fostering relationships with post-secondary institutes, and managing industry and government relations.
Today, Jason leads a motivated team that has successfully implemented various activities and programs to align with the organization's transition under the Professional Governance Act (PGA). Notably, the team has established and enforced a new continuing professional development (CPD) program, practice advice program, conducted CPD audits, facilitated insightful surveys to inform ASTTBC's decision-making processes, and provided crucial support for reserved practice initiatives, among other endeavours.
Within the leadership team, Jason holds responsibility for external stakeholder relations and oversees the development of new and existing professional practice programs. His department is instrumental in maintaining professional practice standards and guidelines, providing front-line practice support to registrants and the public, and leading the implementation of innovative programs to enhance safety and reduce risk to the public.
A mechanical technologist by training, prior to joining ASTTBC, Jason spent a combination of 10 years in HVAC equipment sales and as a project manager in the consulting mechanical engineering field working on residential, commercial and industrial projects of all sizes throughout BC.
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations
- Member of the Executive & Senior Leadership Team
Karen's career in administration spans more than 30 years in several industries including manufacturing, engineering and non-profit sectors. She has been with ASTTBC since 2005, and in her current role as director of operations since 2019.
Karen is responsible for the development and execution of organizational strategies, policies, and procedures, ensuring the seamless flow of daily operations. Her efficiency and effectiveness ensure that ASTTBC's activities align with its overarching goals.
As a leader, Karen embodies empathy and adaptability, fostering a culture of accountability, inclusion, trust, and respect within the organization. She has progressed in various positions from registrant services to human resources and information technology, showcasing her versatility and knowledge.
Karen has led several initiatives including projects to strengthen education and awareness on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the workplace; this includes leading the EDI committee to establish an EDI policy. Through her work, Karen has also helped spearhead programs to advance technology careers for women, Indigenous Peoples, and internationally trained professionals.
A chartered professional in human resources, Karen is a graduate from Simon Fraser University and holds a diploma in business management, computer systems, from Capilano University.
Job Titles:
- Member of Committee
- Retired
Job Titles:
- General Counsel
- Member of the ASTTBC Leadership Team
- Member of the Executive & Senior Leadership Team
- Registrar
Michael joined ASTTBC in May 2021 as the manager of investigations and compliance. In less than a year, he assumed the role of deputy registrar (interim), which was later made permanent in September 2022. In February 2023, Michael became ASTTBC's registrar and general counsel.
Michael has been a practising lawyer since 2015. His experience includes working in a boutique criminal defense and administrative law firm, as well as a medium-sized, full-service law firm specializing in civil litigation and criminal defense. Prior to that, he worked as an administrative decision-maker in public bodies as well as an enforcement officer with the federal government.
Michael's responsibilities at ASTTBC are diverse and vital to the organization. They include developing and implementing organizational strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with the Professional Governance Act (PGA), supporting statutory committees in establishing registration requirements and conduct of investigations, maintaining the ASTTBC register, and ensuring registrants' compliance with the PGA, bylaws, and standards of competency and code of ethics.
Michael earned his bachelor of arts degree in criminology from Simon Fraser University in 2009 before completing his Juris Doctor (J.D.) at the University of Victoria in 2014.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nomination Committee
- Retired
Job Titles:
- Member of the ASTTBC Leadership Team
- Member of the Executive & Senior Leadership Team
- a Regulatory Officer
- Deputy Registrar
Rachel joined ASTTBC as a regulatory officer in April 2022, and one year later stepped into her current role as deputy registrar. With over a decade of regulatory experience, Rachel collaborates closely with multiple departments to develop, implement, support, and maintain policies and procedures crucial to the ASTTBC board, statutory committees, and operational functions.
Prior to joining ASTTBC, she served in a variety of roles, including more than nine years with the College of Psychologists of BC. Here, she oversaw administrative operations in the registrar's office, playing a pivotal role in supporting various regulatory functions such as registration, quality assurance, and complaint investigations. Her responsibilities included developing, implementing, and executing policies and procedures.
Before her time at the College of Psychologists, Rachel worked as a regional operations coordinator for a national long-term care provider, offering operational support to the provincial director, regional management team, and nine long-term care homes across British Columbia.
Rachel's academic journey began with a full scholarship at Indiana-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, where she showcased her talent as a NCAA Division 1 softball player. She earned her bachelor of science in public affairs, health services administration through the Indiana University school of public and environmental affairs.
During her collegiate career, she was selected to the summit league winter/spring academic all-league team and summer league commissioner's list of academic excellence in 2009, 2010, and 2011. In 2010, she was named an all-American scholar athlete by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).
Job Titles:
- Lay Committee Member
- Member of Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Nomination Committee
- Lay Committee Member
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Member of the ASTTBC Leadership Team
- Member of the Executive & Senior Leadership Team
As the Chief Executive Officer of the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) since 2018, Theresa is accountable to the Board of Directors and responsible for all facets of the regulatory body as she delivers ASTTBC's mandate under the Professional Governance Act (PGA) and the International Credentials Recognition Act.
Through a combination of Theresa's people-focused leadership style, deep science and technology expertise, and proven ability to drive strong operating and financial performance, she has moved ASTTBC to a new level of success under the two previously mentioned pieces of legislations.
Over her 34-year professional career, Theresa has spent her time working in knowledge-based industries in a variety of leadership positions in both the private and public sectors. Prior to joining ASTTBC, Theresa was in healthcare for 7 years and prior to that she was in the life sciences industry for 19 years. During this time, she also held numerous advisory and board of director positions and had the pleasure of travelling to Oxford University as an invited lecturer for a biotechnology course.
In recognition of her contributions Theresa has received the following awards:
Premier's Partner award for Vancouver Island for her work on the Royal Visit and youth mental health
BIOTECanada's Industry Leadership award
Business in Vancouver's ‘Top 40 Under 40' award
Theresa volunteers her time with non-profit societies in British Columbia and internationally.