UDI OKANAGAN - Key Persons
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- Regional Committee past Chair[Director of Community Planning & Development, Abstract Developments
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- Administrative Coordinator
- Member of Urban Development Institute Okanagan
Andrea Cashol has been a dedicated member of Urban Development Institute Okanagan since August 2022, serving as Administrative Coordinator. In her current capacity, Andrea assumes a pivotal role in UDI's Okanagan operations. Skillfully coordinating and promoting events, managing member profiles, and facilitating crucial communications, she also oversees office finances. Collaborating closely with the Executive Director, Andrea plays an indispensable role in daily regional operations. Her dynamic career trajectory, transitioning from finance to her present role, underscores her commitment to UDI's mission and members.
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- Regional Committee Director[Calcan Investments
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- Regional Committee Director[McKinley Beach
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- CEO
- Leader
- President
- President & CEO[Urban Development Institute
Anne McMullin, a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in government relations and public engagement, assumed the position of President and CEO of the Urban Development Institute (UDI) in July 2012. Anne's extensive career has been dedicated to shaping industries and fostering growth in British Columbia. Her dedication to public policy and relations has contributed significantly to industry development. Anne's approach to leadership is marked by strategic thinking, as she focuses on guiding UDI towards future successes while building upon the solid groundwork that UDI has become know for: creating communities, supporting thousands of B.C. jobs and driving billions of dollars in economic activity.
Joining the Urban Development Institute as a Policy Analyst in 2023, Annika Nunan is a diligent and versatile recent graduate with excellent analytical and organizational skills. Annika has demonstrated an ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with precision and efficiency. Her dedication to her philanthropic endeavors has further honed her skills in organization and project management, making her well-equipped to handle the dynamic and demanding environment of urban development.
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- Regional Committee Chair[Director of Development, GableCraft Homes
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- Regional Committee Director[Aplin Martin
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- Regional Committee Director[Senior Development Manager & Internal Design Lead, Chard Development
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- Regional Committee Director[Pushor Mitchell LLP
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- Board Director[Senior Vice President, Development, Wesgroup Properties
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- Board Vice Chair at Large[President & CEO, Chard Development]
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- Director, Policy & Research
With nearly five years at Urban Development Institute, Cassandra Smith has risen from Policy & Research Coordinator to her current role as Director of Policy & Research. Cassandra leads a dedicated team that conducts research and advocacy for UDI's policy initiatives, serving as a crucial link between members and government. In her role, Cassandra oversees UDI's government relations efforts, ensuring timely and effective communication of key issues. Her work translates the challenges faced by UDI members and innovative solutions into meaningful discussions and submissions to government bodies. Her commitment to balanced and impactful policies reinforces UDI's mission of fostering new housing and job opportunities across the province.
Job Titles:
- Accounting Manager
- Accounting Manager at Urban Development Institute
Channpreet Kaur is a dedicated Accounting Manager at Urban Development Institute, showcasing remarkable expertise in the field. With a strong financial background, she consistently enhances the organization's financial success and operational efficiency. Having joined Urban Development Institute in 2021 as an Accounting Assistant, Channpreet's diligent efforts led her to her current role as Accounting Manager.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- Role of Executive Director at Urban Development Institute Okanagan
Executive Director[Urban Development Institute - Okanagan]
Charlene Thomas assumed the role of Executive Director at Urban Development Institute Okanagan in the summer of 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. As part of UDI, Charlene seamlessly translates her recruitment and municipal engagement expertise into nurturing essential relationships within the development industry. Charlene's diverse skill set perfectly aligns with UDI's vision and mission, ensuring impactful contributions to the Okanagan region's development and growth.
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- Regional Committee Director[President, High Street Ventures
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- Board Director[Vice President, Residential Development, Beedie Living
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- Board Vice Chair at Large[Principal, Goodman Commercial]
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- Board Director[Managing Director, Qualex Landmark
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- Regional Committee Director[Principal & President, LIDA Homes
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- Board Vice Chair at Large[Director, Hollyburn Properties]
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- Regional Committee Chair[Director, Davara Holdings Ltd
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- Regional Committee Director[Lawson Lundell LLP
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- Regional Committee Director[Senior Associate, Colliers
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- Events & Admin Coordinator UDI Capital Region
Emily Donner is an experienced events and administration professional, currently excelling as the Events and Admin Coordinator for Urban Development Institute's Capital Region. With a keen enthusiasm for orchestrating impactful industry events and fostering professional growth opportunities, Emily holds a crucial role in driving the success of diverse initiatives within the region. Emily brings a comprehensive grasp of logistical intricacies, budget oversight, and vendor coordination to her position. She swiftly adapts to dynamic scenarios and efficiently resolves challenges, positioning her as a valuable and integral team member for UDI.
Job Titles:
- Board Vice Chair at Large[President, BC Region, Intracorp Homes]
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- President, Infinity Properties]
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- Regional Committee Director[Westcorp
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- Board Director Regional Committee Director[President, Pooni Group]
With an impressive tenure spanning four decades, Ginny Normandeau has been an integral part of UDI since March 1984, when she became the organization's first staff member. From her beginnings, Ginny's role centered around events and has evolved into her current position as the Special Events Coordinator, or Program Manager. Ginny's remarkable dedication has shaped UDI's event landscape, orchestrating essential functions such as the Awards Program, Receptions, Golf Tournaments, and Fraser Valley events. Additionally, she provides invaluable assistance across UDI's array of activities, including lunches and other events. As a witness to UDI's growth, Ginny's profound impact is evidenced not only by her lasting presence but also by the organization's expansion from less than 30 members when she began to its current influential position.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Policy & Stakeholder Engagement
- Urban Development Institute in 2021 As the Policy and Research Coordinator
Heather Park joined the Urban Development Institute in 2021 as the Policy and Research Coordinator, and her exceptional contributions led to her promotion as the Manager of Policy and Stakeholder Engagement in 2023. In her current role, Heather takes charge of policy matters across 11 municipalities north of the Fraser River. Overseeing Municipal Liaison Committees, she collaborates closely with UDI membership and municipal staff to craft balanced policies, bylaws, regulations, and development processes. Heather's role involves extensive research and analysis of municipal and provincial policies, resulting in key reports and publications that offer valuable insights to UDI members. Actively participating in municipal and regional engagement sessions, she provides informed industry feedback on a wide variety of housing and development policies.
Job Titles:
- Board Director[Senior Vice President, PCI Developments
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- Manager, Municipal Policy
Jay Chadha brings his extensive background in real estate and policy to his role as the Manager, Municipal Policy at the Urban Development Institute. Drawing on a diverse background, Jay is adept at navigating the complexities of municipal policy. He actively fosters relationships with municipal staff and stakeholders, ensuring that UDI and its members are well-informed and effectively represented in policy deliberations.
His previous role as the Manager of Policy and Research at the Homebuilders Association Vancouver further deepened his understanding of policy in the real estate sector. With a diploma from the Professional Real Estate Program at BCIT, Jay combines practical experience with academic knowledge. His dedication and expertise make him an invaluable member of UDI's policy team.
Job Titles:
- Regional Committee past Chair[Owner / Director, Fort Properties
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- Vice President & Senior Policy Advisor
- Vice President and Senior Policy Advisor for the Urban Development Institute
As the Vice President and Senior Policy Advisor for the Urban Development Institute, Jeff Fisher has been a driving force since he joined in 2004. His expertise spans a range of pivotal planning issues, encompassing growth financing, building policy, development process enhancements, transit, and sustainability initiatives. Jeff's impactful contributions extend to various committees, including the Energy Step Code Council, the Province's Development Finance Review Committee, and the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association's Policy Advisory Committee.
Job Titles:
- Board Director[Senior Vice - President, Development, Bosa Properties
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- Board Director[Vice President, Advisory, Rennie
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- Regional Committee Treasurer[Partner, Schibli Stedman King LLP
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- Regional Committee Director[Construction Project Manager, Kang & Gill Construction
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- Board past Chair[President & CEO, Reliance Properties
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- Board Vice Chair at Large Regional Committee past Chair[President & CEO, GMC Projects]
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- Executive Director
- Executive Director UDI Capital Region
- Executive Director[Urban Development Institute - Capital Region
Executive Director[Urban Development Institute - Capital Region]
Kathy Whitcher brings over 30 years of experience in urban planning and development management. Born and raised in Vancouver, Kathy started her planning career with the City of Vancouver's Planning Department in 1989. In her role as Executive Director, Urban Development Institute Capital Region, Kathy is responsible for the direction, growth and management of the organization and its members. Under Kathy's direction, UDI Capital Region has grown from a small, one-person run office to a flourishing multi-staff office and where she has more than doubled their corporate membership in the past 12 years.
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- Regional Committee Director[Edgecombe Enterprises Inc
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- Regional Committee Director[Bear Land Development Services
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- Board Director[President & CEO, Wesbild Holdings Limited
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- Regional Committee Treasurer[Grant Thornton LLP
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- Regional Committee Director[Callahan Property Group LTD
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- Regional Committee Director[Senior Director, Development, Townline
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- Regional Committee Director[Provincial Director of Redevelopment, BC Housing
Leah Bell is a passionate advocate for nurturing diverse and resilient communities through built environment development. With a holistic perspective and a knack for instigating transformation, she combines attention to detail with the value of cultivating trustworthy relationships that contribute to meaningful achievements. Leah is an enthusiastic member of the Urban Development Institute team, dedicated to collective positive change and the pursuit of impactful outcomes.
Job Titles:
- Regional Committee Director[CEO, Stober Group
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- Board Director Regional Committee Director past Chair[Executive Vice President, Mission Group Enterprises]
With a passion for creativity and delivering results, Lyka Bacala joined the Urban Development Institute as the Content Marketing + Graphic Design Specialist in 2024. Prior to joining UDI, Lyka held pivotal roles, including Director of Media and Marketing at sister companies, Syndicate Lending Corporation and Redwood Early Childhood Education, as well as Graphic Designer and Content Producer at LyCala Studios. Complementing her professional endeavors, Lyka also dedicates her time to creative volunteering at FlyOver Canada and multiple non-profit organizations. Through these diverse experiences, she has honed her skills in creative direction, marketing coordination, content creation and more.
Job Titles:
- Regional Committee Director[Director, Mortgage Origination, Canada ICI
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- Board Director[Partner, Bennett Jones LLP
Job Titles:
- Events & Programs Coordinator
Joining Urban Development Institute in September 2023, Markella Moschonissios brings a decade-long background in program coordination and management to her role as Events and Programming Coordinator. In this capacity, she enhances UDI's offerings through seamless event planning and execution. Collaborating across teams and with member volunteer committee groups, Markella's innovative approach and effective communication skills contribute to the success of special events and educational programming throughout the Lower Mainland. Markella's role at UDI leverages her skill set to provide valuable experiences for UDI members and elevate the organization's impact.
Job Titles:
- Board Director[Regional President, British Columbia, RBC Royal Bank
First joining UDI as Vice President of Government Relations and Communications in 2021, Michael spearheaded a renewal of the organization's public affairs mandate, leveraging his expertise to navigate complex policy landscapes and foster impactful relationships. Recognized for his leadership and results-driven approach, he was recently elevated to the role of Executive Vice President, where he closely supports the office of the President and CEO, contributing to the overall vision and direction of the organization.
Job Titles:
- Board Vice Chair at Large[CEO, Strand Development]
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- Board Director[Executive Vice President, Marcon Developments
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- Regional Committee Director[Principal, McConnan Bion O'Connor Peterson Law Corp
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- Board Director[CEO, Darwin Group
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- Board Director[Partner, Ryan ULC
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- Director, Knowledge Transfer
Since assuming the role of Director, Knowledge Transfer at the Urban Development Institute in April 2022, Rachel Klassen has showcased her abilities as a dynamic communications professional. Leveraging her expertise, Rachel has adeptly managed teams, fostered stakeholder relationships, and delivered on business objectives. Her commitment to continuous learning aligns perfectly with UDI's ethos of growth and development. Rachel's unique combination of experiences, shaped by her presence in two of Canada's largest cities, adds a rich perspective to her work, making her an invaluable asset to UDI's mission and vision.
Job Titles:
- Regional Committee Director
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- Board Chair[CEO, Townline
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- Regional Committee Director[Victor Projects LTD
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- Board Vice Chair at Large[Executive Vice President, Development, Anthem Properties]
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- Regional Committee Director[Sales Manager Vancouver Island, Residential Strategic Partnerships, TELUS
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- Board Director[Executive Vice President, Polygon Homes
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- Board Director[President, the Salient Group
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- Board Director[Vice President, Development, Onni Group
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- Board Officer & Treasurer[Partner, KPMG LLP]
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- Regional Committee Director[Principal, Formwell Homes
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- U40 Chair[Director of Development & Sustainability, Adera
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- Regional Committee Director[Kent - Macpherson Appraisals LTD
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- Regional Committee Director[Worman Resources LTD
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- Regional Committee Director[CTQ Consultants
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- Executive Assistant to the President & CEO Executive Business Administrator - Membership
With a dedicated tenure beginning at the outset of 2023, Tracey holds a dual role at Urban Development Institute as the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and the Executive Business Administrator for Membership. In her capacity, Tracey's core responsibilities encompass a range of crucial functions, from supporting the President & CEO to overseeing UDI's membership program. Tracey's role directly engages UDI members by managing memberships, facilitating new member approvals, and addressing membership-related matters. Her meticulous administration and seamless management of UDI's Head Office contribute to the smooth functioning of the organization, indirectly benefiting members by ensuring efficient operations.
Job Titles:
- Director, Professional Development & Programming
Having joined Urban Development Institute in August 2021, Verna Yu brings her passion for creating valuable connections to her role as the Director, Professional Development and Programming. With a focus on educational events and networking opportunities, Verna collaborates closely with UDI's Policy team, Under Forty, Women of UDI, and UDI Education Committees to curate programs that directly benefit UDI members. Verna's commitment to fostering connections and her well-rounded background make her an essential part of UDI's mission to provide meaningful experiences for its members.
Job Titles:
- Board Director[Principal, Pottinger Bird Community Relations
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- Board Director[VP, Research Services & Strategy, GWL Realty Advisors