REFBC - Key Persons
Ahmed Omran has been involved in the affordable housing sector in BC for over 10 years. He has worked with BC Housing and the Aboriginal Housing Management Association on the government side, and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. on the non-profit side.
Ahmed holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia, a Master of Business Administration from Vancouver Island University, and a Master of Science in International Business from the University of Hertfordshire. In addition, he holds a Professional Project Management (PMP) designation from the Project Management Institute.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Audit Committee
- Board Member and past - President of the Real Estate Institute of BC
- Executive Director, Real Estate
Andre Gravelle is the Executive Director, Real Estate Education at the UBC Sauder School of Business. As an instructor and educator for many years, Andre has worked to develop strong real estate education programs.
An active volunteer in the real estate community, Andre has served as a board member and Past-President of the Real Estate Institute of BC and as a member of the UBC Development Permit Board. In 2017, he was recognized by the Appraisal Institute of Canada with an Honorary AACI designation for his work in developing real estate valuation programs in Canada.
Together with his wife Anna, Andre lives in Vancouver. They have two sons, who are both studying at UBC.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Impact Investment Committee
Anthony Bastiaanssen works as a Realtor and managing broker based in West Kelowna. He grew up in Kelowna and spent time in Winnipeg and the Lower Mainland before returning to the Okanagan. He has raised his family in West Kelowna for the past 25 years.
Anthony has volunteered in the organized real estate space since 2014, serving as President of the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board in 2016, Chair of the BC Real Estate Association in 2020, and a current member of the Governance and Bylaws Committee for the Canadian Real Estate Association. He is active in his local community as Chair of the City of West Kelowna's Advisory Planning Commission and Treasurer of the West Kelowna Yacht Club.
Since becoming aware of his family's Métis heritage, Anthony has been proudly learning about his family's history and is working to gain a better understanding of Métis and Indigenous peoples in Canada.
Cheyenne Bergenhenegouwen supports the communications and engagement strategy for the Healthy Watersheds Initiative. In her role as a communicator, Cheyenne enjoys bringing the voices and work of those out in the field to light, through videography and storytelling.
Cheyenne is passionate about the environment and conservation. These passions were able to grow through her different communications roles at the BC Wildlife Federation. In her most recent position, she led communications and content creation for the BCWF's Wetlands Workforce project, one of the over 60 projects supported through the HWI.
Cheyenne has a diploma in broadcast and online journalism from BCIT and a BA from Simon Fraser University with a double major in world literature and Middle Eastern and Islamic history. Outside of work, Cheyenne can be found hiking, biking, or curled up reading a good book.
Job Titles:
- Director, Investments and Banking
Christian Hansen oversees the Real Estate Foundation of BC's revenue and investments and liaises with financial institutions and real estate brokers. In recent years, Christian moved the Foundation's investments to a fully ESG-screened portfolio and initiated a program of impact investments that support the Foundation's priorities. He advises real estate brokers on setting up pooled trust accounts in compliance with the Real Estate Services Act.
He has a CPA designation and a Bachelor of Science in Management and Systems Science from Simon Fraser University. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling around BC with his partner, staying active as a runner and cyclist, and competing in triathlon races.
Deanna Wing brings her experience supporting community-led solutions and collaboration as the Program and Grants Manager at Central City Foundation.
Her past work also includes supporting sustainable practices and member services in the cooperative sector. She is passionate about learning alongside community partners and building strong connections through listening, listening, and listening some more!
Deanna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master in Adult Education from the University of BC. She is just completing a 200-hour Yoga teacher training and is currently in training with Martha Beck to be a Wayfinder Coach.
Hedy Rubin helps organizations access funding from the Foundation by reviewing grant proposals, liaising with applicants about their projects, and making funding recommendations to the Board of Governors.
With a passion for connecting with worthwhile organizations and assisting them to fulfill their missions, Hedy brings strong research and communication skills to the Foundation. She has more than 20 years of experience working in grantmaking and community programs, including 13 years at Vancity. Hedy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French from the University of BC. Hedy's favorite thing to do is to spend time with her three kids.
Jen McCaffrey provides feedback on grant applications, suggests partnerships, and makes funding recommendations to REFBC's Board of Governors. With a passion for sustainability and lifelong learning, Jen is committed to building strong, lasting relationships with grantees and partners.
Jen holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Certificate in Sustainable Development, both from Simon Fraser University. During her career, she has worked as a sustainability analyst at NEI Investments, a grants manager at Vancity Community Foundation and the Real Estate Foundation of BC, and, most recently, as a fund development manager at Family Services of Greater Vancouver. She enjoys baking, hiking, and spending time with her family and dog.
Job Titles:
- Watershed Security Senior Projects Specialist
Jennifer Archer brings value-aligned passion and directly relevant experience to our watershed-focused work. Over the last 11 years, she has specialized in strategic and policy advice related to freshwater protection in British Columbia.
In 2016, she helped launch and then codirected the BC Freshwater Legacy Initiative over a period of six years. During this time, she served as a liaison and partner to Indigenous governments, the Crown, and non-profit organizations to advance watershed governance. She facilitated and managed the BC Water Funders Collaborative over a period of seven years and was an active partner and advisor on the Koksilah Water Sustainability Scoping Initiative, and the province-wide Collaborative Monitoring Initiative.
Prior to that, she practiced law in the corporate and non-profit sectors for 10 years. In 2012, she completed a Master of Laws from UBC directed at Indigenous interests in international water law and identifying opportunities for shared watershed governance to advance reconciliation and protect fresh water. In 2023, she completed a graduate certificate in Executive Coaching.
Jennifer is very grateful to live and work in the Nanaimo River watershed on Vancouver Island with her partner and two teenage boys in the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.
Josie Iaci joined the Foundation in 2023. As the Grants Coordinator, she supports the grants team with administration and coordination, along with task and process planning, management, and delivery.
Before joining the Foundation, Josie worked as a Land Referrals Officer for Kwantlen First Nation under the Kwantlen Lands, Resources and Stewardship Department. She holds a BCom from UBC Sauder School of Business.
Josie enjoys running, hiking, yoga, and live music.
Working closely with the grants team, Kim Kadas assists with funding requests processing, database administration, and data quality.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts in cultural and historical studies from Marylhurst University, she has over 15 years of experience in administration and data management, and a wealth of expertise in, and passion for, data hygiene and process documentation.
She enjoys researching genealogy, travelling, and staring at the ocean.
Job Titles:
- Governance and Operations Manager
As the first point of contact, Kimiko Johanson provides administrative support to the staff and Board, operational planning management, as well as meeting and project coordination to ensure the smooth operation of the Foundation.
After graduating from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English Literature and a diploma in Public Relations from Langara College, Kimiko decided to pursue a career in the not-for-profit sector. For several years, she worked with organizations that assessed and improved accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities and others with accessibility needs. Then, to broaden her skill set and experiences, Kimiko switched gears to supporting a Learning Services team within a school district only to realize that she missed working with not-for-profits. She joined the Real Estate Foundation of BC in 2014.
As parents to two young children, Kimiko and her husband spent lots of time exploring parks and playgrounds in their Tri-Cities neighbourhood in their spare time.
Job Titles:
- Director, Strategic Programs and Partnerships
Leanne Sexsmith leads on strategic programs and partnerships, including REFBC's learning and impact assessment strategies. She is Co-director of the Healthy Watersheds Initiative, a program delivered in partnership with Watersheds BC, and provides oversight and direction on grant funding, management, reporting, and shared learning.
Leanne is inspired by the dedicated people and organizations working in territories across BC and beyond to support resilient, healthy communities and natural environments. She is committed to learning from and building on shared insights and experiences, with open-mindedness, adaptability, and reciprocity. Leanne has over 20 years of experience in community development, land use planning, and community grants, and brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to grantmaking and community partnerships. She is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (RPP) and has an MA in Community and Regional Planning from the University of British Columbia (SCARP). She is grateful for her two beautiful daughters, deep connections to family, and the land and waters where she lives.
Leslie Dickie is a Councillor with the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. A member of the Kwakiutl First Nation in Port Hardy, Leslie resided in Fort Nelson from 1980 to 2016. She recently moved back to Fort Nelson and is the Director of Corporate Services at the Fort Nelson First Nation.
Her five sons and 19 grandchildren provide her with inspiration to work towards a bright future for future generations. The Dickie family is here to stay, with a deep connection to the land, environment, and opportunity for those who choose to reside here.
Leslie has several years of experience in business, management, administration, finance, and as a business owner in Fort Nelson. She has been the elected Chief of her nation, sat on the Board of Governors for the North Island College, and is a board member for the Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island. Volunteering for events, participating in community activities, being an avid golfer, and the love of outdoors help keep life in balance.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Impact Investment Committee
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- CEO of the Real Estate Foundation of BC
Mark Gifford is the CEO of the Real Estate Foundation of BC. In this role, he leads the staff team and oversees the Foundation's operations, programs, and grantmaking. He is interested in the relationships between land use, real estate practices, and community sustainability, and excited about opportunities to work with people to create thriving, resilient, and livable communities across BC.
Mark's professional, academic, and volunteer life has focused on creating more socially just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. Mark brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the philanthropic, public, private, and non-profit sectors. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of Kiwassa Neighbourhood House. Previously, he served in senior grantmaking and community engagement roles at Vancouver Foundation and The Philadelphia Foundation. Mark is also a Trustee and past Chair of the New Westminster Board of Education, is a former Chair of Environment Funders Canada (formerly known as the Canadian Environmental Grantmakers Network), and has served on numerous boards and committees throughout his career.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Latin American Studies from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Arts in Urban Studies from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.
Mark lives in New Westminster with his better half and their amazing son, and enjoys riding his bike, a good hike, or finding an excuse for a cup of coffee
Job Titles:
- Grants Systems Manager
- System Manager
Meghan Ray is our Grants System Manager. Meghan oversees the operations of the REFBC's database systems, ensuring they are running smoothly by providing technical support to the grants and special programs teams. This role takes a dedicated focus on building, managing, and improving the grantmaking and programmatic systems of the Foundation.
Meghan has a Bachelor of Environment in Global Environmental Systems and a certificate in Geographic Information Science from Simon Fraser University.
Outside of work, Meghan enjoys scuba diving, travelling, and hiking.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Impact Investment Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Impact Investment Committee
Job Titles:
- Director, Grants and Community Engagement
As the Director of Grants and Community Engagement, Sherry Yano leads the grants team, directs grantmaking and community engagement strategies, and works to strengthen relationships with partners in the community, government, education, professional, and non-profit sectors.
Sherry brings deep experience in community engagement, advocacy, and program development. In her latest role as the Associate Director of Sustainable Communities at the David Suzuki Foundation, she worked with community organizations and leaders across Canada to advance meaningful climate action at both the local and federal levels. Previously, Sherry served as the Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Pembina Institute.
Sherry holds degrees in chemical engineering (B.A.Sc.) and international planning and development (M.Sc.) from the University of Waterloo and University of Guelph, respectively. Her work has been published in the Vancouver Sun, Georgia Straight, The Province, and the National Observer, and she's delivered several short documentaries on CBC Radio and authored a children's book and three plays.
In and out of the office, Sherry is passionate about conversations on climate and clean energy, great meals with wonderful people, any kind of writing, and going to events with inspiring speakers that change the way she sees the world.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Impact Investment Committee
- Member of the Audit Committee
Stacey Tyers lives in Terrace, BC, where she works with Doctors of BC. In her career, Stacey has worked with social services and non-profit organizations that serve vulnerable and marginalized people.
A "chronic volunteer", Stacey has served two terms on Terrace's city council, as Chair of the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, and as a member of many boards and committees. Through public service, she has been a strong advocate for remote and rural communities, social issues, and quality of life in Northern BC. She is the proud mother of one daughter.
Job Titles:
- Communications Manager
- Media Contacts
Stephen Hui leads the Real Estate Foundation of BC's communications, marketing, sponsorships, and Land Awards.
Stephen is the author of three bestselling hiking guidebooks - 105 Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, Destination Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, and Best Hikes and Nature Walks With Kids In and Around Southwestern British Columbia (Greystone Books).
Previously, Stephen worked at the Pembina Institute, a climate policy think-tank. He spent several years as an editor at the Georgia Straight newspaper, winning a Canadian Ethnic Media Association Award in 2009.
In 2022, Stephen was named a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. He serves as a Canadian commissioner on the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission.
Tara Marsden, of the Gitanyow (Gitksan) people, is working in partnership with REFBC to advance the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples across what is now known as BC.
A respected Indigenous sustainability, reconciliation, and governance consultant, Tara previously worked with the Healthy Watersheds Initiative as Senior Indigenous Advisor. She is the sole proprietor of Hlimoo Sustainable Solutions, an Indigenous-owned consulting business aimed at operationalizing free, prior and informed consent for Indigenous peoples, one of the pillars of the UN Declaration.
Tara has over 20 years' experience working with and for First Nations on sustainable development, land use planning, policy and governance related to lands and resources, and community-driven research. She holds a master's degree in political science from the University of Northern BC.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Audit Committee
Toni Boot is a former mayor and councillor of the District of Summerland. She is an active member of a number of local government boards and non-profits. She taught at Okanagan College for several years, co-owned Kettle Valley Dried Fruit Company, and founded and owned Grasslands Nursery.
Job Titles:
- Accounting and Payroll Manager
Tracey McAfee brings more than 25 years of accounting experience to her long-time role at REFBC.
She has a diverse background in supporting small businesses and larger organizations. She has enjoyed the opportunities at the Foundation to learn beyond accounting and embrace new perspectives and be involved with an organization that is always striving to do better.
Tracey is mom to a now grown-up son, who will always be her pride and joy. She is also a lifelong yoga practitioner with a passion for felines. That affection is supported by the office staff who love it when both cats visit during summer heat waves to relax in the air-conditioned office.