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2021 Board of Directors
The 15-person Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors represent all facets of Chamber membership. There are 12 elected and three appointed — two of which are non-voting: The Chamber CEO and a Prodigy Group representative. The influential board works with decision-makers at all levels of government over the year to support our region’s business interests as well as maximize the value of membership with The Chamber. Executive John Wilson • Chair Kris Wirk • Vice-Chair Dan Dagg • Past Chair Christina Clarke • Secretary Moira Hauk • Treasurer Directors Rose Arsenault • Director Ian Batey • Director Judith Ethier • Director Pedro Marquez • Director Richard Michaels - Director Tom Plumb • Director Captain (Navy) Sam Sader • Director Ann Squires Ferguson • Director Non-Voting Raul Caballero • Director (Prodigy Group) Bruce Williams • Chamber CEO |
To view minutes from the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors meetings, click here.
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John Wilson • Chair
John Wilson is the President and CEO of The Wilson's Group of Companies. Wilson’s has been an active member of the Greater Victoria Business and Tourism community for 40 years. Since its creation, Wilson’s has grown to be one of the largest and most diverse ground transportation companies and an industry leader in British Columbia. With over 200 vehicles in their fleet, The Wilson’s group of Companies has a variety of service offerings under their umbrella from group charters, sightseeing tours, and scheduled services.
Being an avid sports fan since he was a young boy, John took his love of sports to the next level when he ventured into ownership of some local sports teams in 2014. Currently, John is part of the ownership group of the Victoria Grizzlies Junior A Hockey Club, the Victoria HarbourCats and the Nanaimo Night Owls. John is the current Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and Past President of Victoria’s SKAL Club. He also serves as a Board Member of Motor Coach Canada, the City of Victoria’s Economic Development and Downtown Prosperity Task Force, Destination Greater Victoria’s Destination Management and Transportation Committee, as well as the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission Committee.
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John Wilson is the President and CEO of The Wilson's Group of Companies. Wilson’s has been an active member of the Greater Victoria Business and Tourism community for 40 years. Since its creation, Wilson’s has grown to be one of the largest and most diverse ground transportation companies and an industry leader in British Columbia. With over 200 vehicles in their fleet, The Wilson’s group of Companies has a variety of service offerings under their umbrella from group charters, sightseeing tours, and scheduled services.
Being an avid sports fan since he was a young boy, John took his love of sports to the next level when he ventured into ownership of some local sports teams in 2014. Currently, John is part of the ownership group of the Victoria Grizzlies Junior A Hockey Club, the Victoria HarbourCats and the Nanaimo Night Owls. John is the current Chair of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and Past President of Victoria’s SKAL Club. He also serves as a Board Member of Motor Coach Canada, the City of Victoria’s Economic Development and Downtown Prosperity Task Force, Destination Greater Victoria’s Destination Management and Transportation Committee, as well as the Greater Victoria Sport Tourism Commission Committee.
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Kris Wirk • Vice-Chair
Kris is a partner with the accounting firm Dusanj & Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants
Kris brings over fifteen years’ experience in providing accounting and tax services for owner-managed businesses, individuals and non-profit organizations.
Kris is a former lecturer for the CPA School of Business and treasurer for the Victoria Prostate Centre. Kris began serving on The Chamber’s Board in 2016. Kris is also the Chair of The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
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Kris is a partner with the accounting firm Dusanj & Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants
Kris brings over fifteen years’ experience in providing accounting and tax services for owner-managed businesses, individuals and non-profit organizations.
Kris is a former lecturer for the CPA School of Business and treasurer for the Victoria Prostate Centre. Kris began serving on The Chamber’s Board in 2016. Kris is also the Chair of The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
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Dan Dagg • Past Chair
Dan is President and CEO of H2 Accelerator, Victoria based marketing-communications firms with a regional, national and international client base.
Dan has an extensive business and academic background in marketing and advertising, is a Certified Advertising Agency Practitioner through the Institute of Canadian Advertising Agencies and a trained facilitator through the Pacific Institute’s Investment in Excellence program.
Dan has served on The Chamber’s Board since 2010.
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Dan is President and CEO of H2 Accelerator, Victoria based marketing-communications firms with a regional, national and international client base.
Dan has an extensive business and academic background in marketing and advertising, is a Certified Advertising Agency Practitioner through the Institute of Canadian Advertising Agencies and a trained facilitator through the Pacific Institute’s Investment in Excellence program.
Dan has served on The Chamber’s Board since 2010.
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Christina Clarke • Secretary
Christina Clarke is CEO of the Songhees Development Corporation for the Songhees Nation. She started with the Nation in 1995 after graduating from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian History and Anthropology.
Christina lead implementation of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act for Songhees Nation, helping to achieve the first FMA laws in Canada and first debenture bond issue by the First Nations Finance Authority. Christina has represented Songhees Nation as a board member of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and the South Island Prosperity Partnership and on the Mayor’s Task Force on Social Procurement and Social Enterprise for the City of Victoria. She is the Chambers nominee for the Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society. Christina’s second proudest achievement is her contribution to the planning and financing of the award winning Songhees Wellness Centre. Christina’s proudest moments are with her daughter Katie. Christina is also on The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee and the Finance Committee
Christina has served on the The Chamber's Board since 2018.
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Christina Clarke is CEO of the Songhees Development Corporation for the Songhees Nation. She started with the Nation in 1995 after graduating from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian History and Anthropology.
Christina lead implementation of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act for Songhees Nation, helping to achieve the first FMA laws in Canada and first debenture bond issue by the First Nations Finance Authority. Christina has represented Songhees Nation as a board member of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and the South Island Prosperity Partnership and on the Mayor’s Task Force on Social Procurement and Social Enterprise for the City of Victoria. She is the Chambers nominee for the Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society. Christina’s second proudest achievement is her contribution to the planning and financing of the award winning Songhees Wellness Centre. Christina’s proudest moments are with her daughter Katie. Christina is also on The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee and the Finance Committee
Christina has served on the The Chamber's Board since 2018.
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Moira Hauk • Treasurer
Moira Hauk is the Regional Manager, South Island for Coastal Community Credit Union; the largest Island-based Credit Union with more than $2.5 billion in assets and 24 branches across Vancouver Island.
Moira is Chair of The Chamber’s Finance and Audit Committee, and is the Victoria Chamber representative to Destination Greater Victoria’s Board of Directors. Moira is also Chair of Community Futures Cowichan. An active volunteer, Moira believes that by supporting the communities where we live and work, we contribute to the health and vibrancy of our local economy.
Attraction and retention of a skilled workforce, housing affordability and safe communities are areas requiring innovative thought and action to reach solutions.
Moira has served on The Chamber's Board since 2019.
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Moira Hauk is the Regional Manager, South Island for Coastal Community Credit Union; the largest Island-based Credit Union with more than $2.5 billion in assets and 24 branches across Vancouver Island.
Moira is Chair of The Chamber’s Finance and Audit Committee, and is the Victoria Chamber representative to Destination Greater Victoria’s Board of Directors. Moira is also Chair of Community Futures Cowichan. An active volunteer, Moira believes that by supporting the communities where we live and work, we contribute to the health and vibrancy of our local economy.
Attraction and retention of a skilled workforce, housing affordability and safe communities are areas requiring innovative thought and action to reach solutions.
Moira has served on The Chamber's Board since 2019.
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Rose Arsenault • Director
Rose is Branch Manager at Agilus Work Solutions (formerly Talentcor), where she has been advising public and private employers on their recruiting and human resource needs since 1997.
Rose, who was awarded the Chamber Member of the Year in 2019, has been an active member of The Chamber since 2007. She has spent countless hours as a board and committee member — most recently, as an Ambassador providing outreach and assistance to new members.
Rose rejoined The Chamber’s Board in 2019.
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Rose is Branch Manager at Agilus Work Solutions (formerly Talentcor), where she has been advising public and private employers on their recruiting and human resource needs since 1997.
Rose, who was awarded the Chamber Member of the Year in 2019, has been an active member of The Chamber since 2007. She has spent countless hours as a board and committee member — most recently, as an Ambassador providing outreach and assistance to new members.
Rose rejoined The Chamber’s Board in 2019.
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Ian Batey • Director
Born, educated and raising his family (with wife Anne) in Victoria, Ian is serious about economic growth and prosperity for individuals and community. As Principal, IPB Consulting, he provides essential advice to free enterprise and NFP sector organizations built on enduring relationships, trust and transparency. Ian has significant leadership expertise in business, governance, philanthropy, homelessness, affordable housing and major sport events through the Institute of Corporate Directors, Coalition to End Homelessness, GV Housing Society, Our Place, Bayview Place and PGA Canada’s Cardtronics Open. A contributing Chamber member since 2009, Ian also serves on the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
Employment housing and entrepreneurism ground truth Ian’s vision for our community—a continuously vibrant and competitive business environment with a robust supply and retention of highly qualified, skilled and motivated people.
Ian has served on The Chamber's Board since 2018.
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Born, educated and raising his family (with wife Anne) in Victoria, Ian is serious about economic growth and prosperity for individuals and community. As Principal, IPB Consulting, he provides essential advice to free enterprise and NFP sector organizations built on enduring relationships, trust and transparency. Ian has significant leadership expertise in business, governance, philanthropy, homelessness, affordable housing and major sport events through the Institute of Corporate Directors, Coalition to End Homelessness, GV Housing Society, Our Place, Bayview Place and PGA Canada’s Cardtronics Open. A contributing Chamber member since 2009, Ian also serves on the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
Employment housing and entrepreneurism ground truth Ian’s vision for our community—a continuously vibrant and competitive business environment with a robust supply and retention of highly qualified, skilled and motivated people.
Ian has served on The Chamber's Board since 2018.
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Raul Caballero • Director (Prodigy Group chair)
Raul Caballero is the founder of Oui Jewellery, a jewellery store inspired by Canada’s beautiful diversity to build an idea that would highlight the different cultures present in Canada. Oui proudly has featured 18 incredible artists from 12 different countries, while continuing to grow.
Oui Jewellery’s name is a mix of English and French—like Canada. Its suppliers are as diverse as the Canadian population, featuring not only Canadian artists, but also curated collections from Scandinavia, Asia, Eastern Europe, North and South America.
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Raul Caballero is the founder of Oui Jewellery, a jewellery store inspired by Canada’s beautiful diversity to build an idea that would highlight the different cultures present in Canada. Oui proudly has featured 18 incredible artists from 12 different countries, while continuing to grow.
Oui Jewellery’s name is a mix of English and French—like Canada. Its suppliers are as diverse as the Canadian population, featuring not only Canadian artists, but also curated collections from Scandinavia, Asia, Eastern Europe, North and South America.
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Judith Ethier • Director
Judith Ethier is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), overseeing risk management, legal, finance, human resources, information technology, leasing, administration and governance for the Board of Directors. Judith’s role includes supporting and developing the strategic initiatives that will ensure the organization enjoys long term sustainability and growth.
Judith has been a resident of Victoria since 2017 and enjoys involvement within the community. In 2020, Judith took a role as a Board Member with the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and sits on their Finance and Audit Committee.
Judith is a Chartered Professional Accountant and 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.
Judith is also on The Chamber’s 2021 Public Policy and Advocacy Committee and Finance and Audit Committee.
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Judith Ethier is the Chief Administrative Officer for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA), overseeing risk management, legal, finance, human resources, information technology, leasing, administration and governance for the Board of Directors. Judith’s role includes supporting and developing the strategic initiatives that will ensure the organization enjoys long term sustainability and growth.
Judith has been a resident of Victoria since 2017 and enjoys involvement within the community. In 2020, Judith took a role as a Board Member with the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce and sits on their Finance and Audit Committee.
Judith is a Chartered Professional Accountant and 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.
Judith is also on The Chamber’s 2021 Public Policy and Advocacy Committee and Finance and Audit Committee.
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Pedro Márquez • Director
Pedro Márquez holds a doctorate degree from the University of Calgary in Management and Political Science and is the Vice President of Global Advancement, Marketing and Business Development at Royal Roads University. Pedro has been an active member of the community serving on numerous boards such as the South Island Prosperity Project, West Shore Chamber of Commerce and Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, among others.
An academic at heart, Pedro has worked closely with businesses and the community to capitalize opportunities, synergies and advancement, both in Canada and Mexico. His research is focused on corporate governance, international education, business ethics and NAFTA. Pedro considers regional economic development and small business development as key issues for the future.
Pedro has served on The Chamber's board since 2019.
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Pedro Márquez holds a doctorate degree from the University of Calgary in Management and Political Science and is the Vice President of Global Advancement, Marketing and Business Development at Royal Roads University. Pedro has been an active member of the community serving on numerous boards such as the South Island Prosperity Project, West Shore Chamber of Commerce and Vancouver Island Economic Alliance, among others.
An academic at heart, Pedro has worked closely with businesses and the community to capitalize opportunities, synergies and advancement, both in Canada and Mexico. His research is focused on corporate governance, international education, business ethics and NAFTA. Pedro considers regional economic development and small business development as key issues for the future.
Pedro has served on The Chamber's board since 2019.
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Richard Michaels • Director
Richard Michaels is the president of MACCRIM Solutions, a land development consultant company, specializing in assisting investors, developers and landowners to facilitate and create a vision of well-planned sustainable land-use developments. Richard is a collaborative facilitator, providing essential information and detailed initiative support that enables his client's to position their strategies congruent with sustainable land-use development and redevelopment projects, with smart growth potential.
Richard contributes his time to a number of community organizations serving on numerous boards including the Better Business Bureau Vancouver Island, Board of Directors, he is the president of the Victoria Harbourcats Foundation, an active member of the Victoria Rotary Club, a member of the Victoria Inter-Cultural Association, and is the Commodore of the Vancouver Island International Yachting Fellowship Rotary.
Richard will begin serving on The Chamber's Board in 2021."
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Richard Michaels is the president of MACCRIM Solutions, a land development consultant company, specializing in assisting investors, developers and landowners to facilitate and create a vision of well-planned sustainable land-use developments. Richard is a collaborative facilitator, providing essential information and detailed initiative support that enables his client's to position their strategies congruent with sustainable land-use development and redevelopment projects, with smart growth potential.
Richard contributes his time to a number of community organizations serving on numerous boards including the Better Business Bureau Vancouver Island, Board of Directors, he is the president of the Victoria Harbourcats Foundation, an active member of the Victoria Rotary Club, a member of the Victoria Inter-Cultural Association, and is the Commodore of the Vancouver Island International Yachting Fellowship Rotary.
Richard will begin serving on The Chamber's Board in 2021."
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Tom Plumb • Director
Tom is President and CEO of Kinetic Construction. Kinetic employs 140 people across three branch offices in British Columbia and has more than 20 active construction projects on the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Tom began serving on The Chamber’s Board in 2019
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Tom is President and CEO of Kinetic Construction. Kinetic employs 140 people across three branch offices in British Columbia and has more than 20 active construction projects on the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
Tom began serving on The Chamber’s Board in 2019
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Captain (Navy) Sam Sader • Director
Capt. (N) Sam Sader has assumed the role of Base Commander at CFB Esquimalt, one of Greater Victoria's largest employers and contributors to the economy.
Capt. (N) Sam Sader graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada with a Bachelor degree of Business Administration in 2000.
His most cherished sea time has been serving from 2005 to 2007 as the Head of the Logistics Department in HMCS OTTAWA while deployed on OP ALTAIR Task Force Arabian Sea. Operational highlights included leading the Forward Logistics Site Team and being seconded to the Naval Boarding Team. He held the shore Branch Head position of Base Comptroller at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt following the completion of his MBA in 2011.
On completion of a Master of Defence Studies at Canadian Forces College Toronto in 2015, he joined the National Defense Headquarters Naval Staff as section head within the Directorate of Naval Logistics. While in Ottawa, he assumed the role of Royal Canadian Navy lead for strategic supply chain analytics and developed a passion for modernizing the Navy’s supply systems.
In July 2017, he was thrilled to be back to the beloved West Coast as the Commanding Officer of Base Logistics Esquimalt where he could support deploying ships while implementing Logistics strategic initiatives and digital transformation. He was promoted to his current rank in June 2019.
As with previous CFB Esquimalt Base Commanders, The Chamber appointed Capt. (N) Sader to its Board of Directors. He also serves on The Chamber's Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
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Capt. (N) Sam Sader has assumed the role of Base Commander at CFB Esquimalt, one of Greater Victoria's largest employers and contributors to the economy.
Capt. (N) Sam Sader graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada with a Bachelor degree of Business Administration in 2000.
His most cherished sea time has been serving from 2005 to 2007 as the Head of the Logistics Department in HMCS OTTAWA while deployed on OP ALTAIR Task Force Arabian Sea. Operational highlights included leading the Forward Logistics Site Team and being seconded to the Naval Boarding Team. He held the shore Branch Head position of Base Comptroller at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt following the completion of his MBA in 2011.
On completion of a Master of Defence Studies at Canadian Forces College Toronto in 2015, he joined the National Defense Headquarters Naval Staff as section head within the Directorate of Naval Logistics. While in Ottawa, he assumed the role of Royal Canadian Navy lead for strategic supply chain analytics and developed a passion for modernizing the Navy’s supply systems.
In July 2017, he was thrilled to be back to the beloved West Coast as the Commanding Officer of Base Logistics Esquimalt where he could support deploying ships while implementing Logistics strategic initiatives and digital transformation. He was promoted to his current rank in June 2019.
As with previous CFB Esquimalt Base Commanders, The Chamber appointed Capt. (N) Sader to its Board of Directors. He also serves on The Chamber's Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.
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Ann Squires Ferguson • Director
Ann Squires Ferguson is a true cross-pollinator, with twin degrees in Interior Design and Electro-Mechanical Engineering. She comes to the design industry via the Canadian Navy, where she specialized in shipboard weapons and the audio engineering field, with a focus on the Asian Karaoke market.
As CEO of Western Interior Design Group, Ann leads an all-female team specializing in Commercial Design + Build. An avid community connector, Ann is past chair of the Interior Designers Institute of BC, Vancouver Island Chapter; and has led Western’s engagement in multiple pro bono projects with local non-profit organizations, serving Cool Aid, Our Place, GVHS, the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Society and Habitat for Humanity. At home, Ann is a proud military spouse and parent of ten-year-old twins Daring and Danger.
Ann was elected to service on The Chamber's 2021 Board.
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Ann Squires Ferguson is a true cross-pollinator, with twin degrees in Interior Design and Electro-Mechanical Engineering. She comes to the design industry via the Canadian Navy, where she specialized in shipboard weapons and the audio engineering field, with a focus on the Asian Karaoke market.
As CEO of Western Interior Design Group, Ann leads an all-female team specializing in Commercial Design + Build. An avid community connector, Ann is past chair of the Interior Designers Institute of BC, Vancouver Island Chapter; and has led Western’s engagement in multiple pro bono projects with local non-profit organizations, serving Cool Aid, Our Place, GVHS, the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Society and Habitat for Humanity. At home, Ann is a proud military spouse and parent of ten-year-old twins Daring and Danger.
Ann was elected to service on The Chamber's 2021 Board.
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