#RCBC2018 Speaker Bios
(List regularly updated and subject to change)
David Van Seters, Keynote Speaker, Sustainability Ventures
David is President of Sustainability Ventures, a business consulting firm that makes the business case for adopting higher standards of environmental, social, and economic performance in business and communities. He is also an entrepreneur who has helped launch and/or grow six triple bottom line businesses. His most recent business is a community crowdfunding platform called Wayblaze.com, which is partnering with RCBC to stimulate new ideas for reuse initiatives and enterprises. David is currently working in sustainable transportation, building energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable food systems, and the sharing economy.
David is President of Sustainability Ventures, a business consulting firm that makes the business case for adopting higher standards of environmental, social, and economic performance in business and communities. He is also an entrepreneur who has helped launch and/or grow six triple bottom line businesses. His most recent business is a community crowdfunding platform called Wayblaze.com, which is partnering with RCBC to stimulate new ideas for reuse initiatives and enterprises. David is currently working in sustainable transportation, building energy efficiency, waste management, sustainable food systems, and the sharing economy.
Jeff Ainge, McIver & Associates
Jeff is a respected project manager and program coordinator with twenty years of local government experience in British Columbia. Prior to establishing his own consulting firm in 2018, Jeff held a number of roles with the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN). Between 2007 and 2010, Jeff was responsible for planning and implementing residential organics collection for the 50,000+ rural and suburban homes in the RDN. He's been closely involved in researching, planning, establishing & implementing new programs, building and facilitating relationships, and leading change in the Parks, Solid Waste & Asset Management departments.
Jeff is a respected project manager and program coordinator with twenty years of local government experience in British Columbia. Prior to establishing his own consulting firm in 2018, Jeff held a number of roles with the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN). Between 2007 and 2010, Jeff was responsible for planning and implementing residential organics collection for the 50,000+ rural and suburban homes in the RDN. He's been closely involved in researching, planning, establishing & implementing new programs, building and facilitating relationships, and leading change in the Parks, Solid Waste & Asset Management departments.
Chris Arkell, Sea to Sky Removal
Throughout his tenure in the construction industry, Chris realized there was a need for environmentally conscious waste removal business along the Sea to Sky Corridor. Although the majority of the need was along the scenic coastal route, the service expanded into the Lower Mainland to address the ever growing demand.
Throughout his tenure in the construction industry, Chris realized there was a need for environmentally conscious waste removal business along the Sea to Sky Corridor. Although the majority of the need was along the scenic coastal route, the service expanded into the Lower Mainland to address the ever growing demand.
Veronica Bartlett, Morrison Hershfield
Veronica Bartlett has worked as a solid waste planner for over a decade. However, her solid waste career started when she was six and singing about the need to recycle batteries. She has worked for Morrison Hershfield for six years providing strategic solid waste management planning advice to a wide variety of public and private-sector clients. Veronica recently helped Metro Vancouver and Ministry of Environment with the assessment of economic and environmental impacts of EPR programs in BC.
Veronica Bartlett has worked as a solid waste planner for over a decade. However, her solid waste career started when she was six and singing about the need to recycle batteries. She has worked for Morrison Hershfield for six years providing strategic solid waste management planning advice to a wide variety of public and private-sector clients. Veronica recently helped Metro Vancouver and Ministry of Environment with the assessment of economic and environmental impacts of EPR programs in BC.
Nicki Casley, Bokashi Living
Nicki has been a business partner with Bokashi Living for the past 3 years. Her sustainability career started nearly 15 years ago in the UK and she has spent the last 8 years working in the Canadian sustainability and waste fields. To date, Nicki and the Bokashi Living team have helped homeowners compost nearly 200 tonnes of food waste across the US and Canada.
Nicki has been a business partner with Bokashi Living for the past 3 years. Her sustainability career started nearly 15 years ago in the UK and she has spent the last 8 years working in the Canadian sustainability and waste fields. To date, Nicki and the Bokashi Living team have helped homeowners compost nearly 200 tonnes of food waste across the US and Canada.
Teresa Conner, BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
As Senior Policy Advisor, Teresa Conner has led consultations with key stakeholders, developed policy, led amendments to the Recycling Regulation, oversaw several EPR programs in BC, managed several contracts supporting governments work on EPR, and represented the province on various EPR working groups.
As Senior Policy Advisor, Teresa Conner has led consultations with key stakeholders, developed policy, led amendments to the Recycling Regulation, oversaw several EPR programs in BC, managed several contracts supporting governments work on EPR, and represented the province on various EPR working groups.
Cinci Csere, Sea to Sky Removal
Cinci originally got into waste removal to support her hardworking husband, and well...if we’re being honest, to actually see him once in a while! But once she started to learn everything that was involved in the waste management industry, and after an eye opening trip where she witnessed firsthand the amount of needless amounts of waste entering the landfill, she dove headfirst into the business and hasn’t looked back since.
Cinci originally got into waste removal to support her hardworking husband, and well...if we’re being honest, to actually see him once in a while! But once she started to learn everything that was involved in the waste management industry, and after an eye opening trip where she witnessed firsthand the amount of needless amounts of waste entering the landfill, she dove headfirst into the business and hasn’t looked back since.
Rosemary Cooper, One Earth
Rosemary is a Senior Associate with One Earth, leading on Share, Reuse, & Repair. She is a planning professional with over 20 years experience advancing sustainability by emphasizing collaboration amongst government, business, & community. One Earth is a Vancouver ‘think and do tank’ creating & imagining sustainable ways of living in cities and around the world. Rosemary co-authored the 2015 Local Governments and the Sharing Economy Roadmap & teaches in BCIT’s Sustainable Business Leadership program. Her Masters at York University explored the integration of economic development & sustainable community planning.
Rosemary is a Senior Associate with One Earth, leading on Share, Reuse, & Repair. She is a planning professional with over 20 years experience advancing sustainability by emphasizing collaboration amongst government, business, & community. One Earth is a Vancouver ‘think and do tank’ creating & imagining sustainable ways of living in cities and around the world. Rosemary co-authored the 2015 Local Governments and the Sharing Economy Roadmap & teaches in BCIT’s Sustainable Business Leadership program. Her Masters at York University explored the integration of economic development & sustainable community planning.
Chris Diplock, The Thingery
A leader in Vancouver’s collaborative economy, Chris Diplock is the Founder and CEO of The Thingery, the parent organization of neighbourhood Thingery branches. The Thingery focuses on the development of community owned lending libraries of things (a Thingery). Chris has extensive experience in Vancouver Sharing Economy, having co-founded The Vancouver Tool Library and lead a city-wide research project called The Sharing Project.
A leader in Vancouver’s collaborative economy, Chris Diplock is the Founder and CEO of The Thingery, the parent organization of neighbourhood Thingery branches. The Thingery focuses on the development of community owned lending libraries of things (a Thingery). Chris has extensive experience in Vancouver Sharing Economy, having co-founded The Vancouver Tool Library and lead a city-wide research project called The Sharing Project.
Andrew Doi, Metro Vancouver
Andrew Doi is an Environmental Planner at Metro Vancouver who specializes in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs and policy. Andrew holds a Masters in Resource and Environmental Management from SFU and is a Registered Professional Planner. He participates on a number of working groups and committees, including the Electronic Products Recycling Association, Recycle BC, Tire Stewardship BC, and others. Andrew played a key role in developing the Memorandum of Understanding on EPR between Metro Vancouver and the B.C. Ministry of Environment.
Andrew Doi is an Environmental Planner at Metro Vancouver who specializes in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs and policy. Andrew holds a Masters in Resource and Environmental Management from SFU and is a Registered Professional Planner. He participates on a number of working groups and committees, including the Electronic Products Recycling Association, Recycle BC, Tire Stewardship BC, and others. Andrew played a key role in developing the Memorandum of Understanding on EPR between Metro Vancouver and the B.C. Ministry of Environment.
Mia Edbrooke, Metro Vancouver
Mia Edbrooke is a Senior Policy Analyst in Metro Vancouver’s Air Quality and Climate Change Division. She focuses on policy development and public engagement for bylaws that aim to reduce air contaminant emissions across the region. Mia recently led consultations on approaches to odour management and changes to the non-road diesel engine regulatory program. Prior to joining Metro Vancouver in 2012, Mia worked for Amec Foster Wheeler, Environment Canada and the University of British Columbia.
Mia Edbrooke is a Senior Policy Analyst in Metro Vancouver’s Air Quality and Climate Change Division. She focuses on policy development and public engagement for bylaws that aim to reduce air contaminant emissions across the region. Mia recently led consultations on approaches to odour management and changes to the non-road diesel engine regulatory program. Prior to joining Metro Vancouver in 2012, Mia worked for Amec Foster Wheeler, Environment Canada and the University of British Columbia.
Avery Gottfried, BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Avery is an engineer who is a senior analyst with the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. He has worked in waste management and sustainability industry using his strong science-based technical expertise in the strategic development of integrated waste management solutions with long term visions, targets, and performance metrics.
Avery is an engineer who is a senior analyst with the BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. He has worked in waste management and sustainability industry using his strong science-based technical expertise in the strategic development of integrated waste management solutions with long term visions, targets, and performance metrics.
Angela Hamilton, Quupe Inc.
Angela Hamilton serves as CEO/co-founder/instigator of Quupe (pronounced “koop”), a sharing-economy platform that allows people to rent their things to others. Quupe’s mission: To enable the world to share resources. As a proud supporter of young leaders & social entrepreneurship, Angela is a speaker, mentor, and partner with communities and organizations such as the NZWC, Chasing Sustainability, the Social Enterprise Conference, Green Bricks Education Society, Impel, Enactus, BCIT, YELL, Purpose Five, & Women In Tech. Impose Magazine once referred to her professional brand as “snarky intern”; she’s been clinging to that ever since.
Angela Hamilton serves as CEO/co-founder/instigator of Quupe (pronounced “koop”), a sharing-economy platform that allows people to rent their things to others. Quupe’s mission: To enable the world to share resources. As a proud supporter of young leaders & social entrepreneurship, Angela is a speaker, mentor, and partner with communities and organizations such as the NZWC, Chasing Sustainability, the Social Enterprise Conference, Green Bricks Education Society, Impel, Enactus, BCIT, YELL, Purpose Five, & Women In Tech. Impose Magazine once referred to her professional brand as “snarky intern”; she’s been clinging to that ever since.
Dan Kershaw, Furniture Bank
Dan Kershaw is the Executive Director at Furniture Bank, one of Canada’s rapidly growing social enterprises that turns affordable housing into affordable homes through the diversion of gently loved furniture from landfills. Dan holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business and a Masters in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo. His eclectic career has spanned over two decades across a variety of industries and sectors, leading him to develop a passion for “business for good.” This makes him suited for his role at Furniture Bank and for his position in the “Social Entrepreneurship in the Non-Profit Sector” program at Georgian College.
Dan Kershaw is the Executive Director at Furniture Bank, one of Canada’s rapidly growing social enterprises that turns affordable housing into affordable homes through the diversion of gently loved furniture from landfills. Dan holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business and a Masters in Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo. His eclectic career has spanned over two decades across a variety of industries and sectors, leading him to develop a passion for “business for good.” This makes him suited for his role at Furniture Bank and for his position in the “Social Entrepreneurship in the Non-Profit Sector” program at Georgian College.
Nick Kiss, Bokashi Living
Nick is a founding member of Bokashi Living Inc. Prior to that, he spent 14 years in Vancouver’s waste management industry, helping to implement many of the waste diversion programs that are currently in place today. He now focuses on soil biology and how residential food waste can be used to create healthier soils and gardens for homeowners.
Nick is a founding member of Bokashi Living Inc. Prior to that, he spent 14 years in Vancouver’s waste management industry, helping to implement many of the waste diversion programs that are currently in place today. He now focuses on soil biology and how residential food waste can be used to create healthier soils and gardens for homeowners.
Peter J. Holgate, Ethical Phones4Good
Over the past 25 years, Peter Holgate has founded, built, and exited businesses that drove innovation in different global industries. Peter has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations including the Vancouver Chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO). Peter has several degrees including an MBA from Simon Fraser University and is a recent graduate of the Harvard Business School strategic negotiations program.
Over the past 25 years, Peter Holgate has founded, built, and exited businesses that drove innovation in different global industries. Peter has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations including the Vancouver Chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO). Peter has several degrees including an MBA from Simon Fraser University and is a recent graduate of the Harvard Business School strategic negotiations program.
Joe Hruska, Canadian Plastics Industry Association
As Vice President of Sustainability, Joe Hruska leads the development and execution of the Canadian Plastics Industry’s sustainability program, advocacy, and partnership programs to promote solutions that increase the recycling and recovery of plastics at their end-of-life and to promote plastics benefits throughout its entire life cycle. Founder of the consulting firm Hruska & Associates, Joe is recognized for his contributions to public policy on stewardship issues. As Executive Director of OMMRI & Corporations Supporting Recycling in association with industry and government partners, he implemented the UN recognized Blue Box recycling system.
As Vice President of Sustainability, Joe Hruska leads the development and execution of the Canadian Plastics Industry’s sustainability program, advocacy, and partnership programs to promote solutions that increase the recycling and recovery of plastics at their end-of-life and to promote plastics benefits throughout its entire life cycle. Founder of the consulting firm Hruska & Associates, Joe is recognized for his contributions to public policy on stewardship issues. As Executive Director of OMMRI & Corporations Supporting Recycling in association with industry and government partners, he implemented the UN recognized Blue Box recycling system.
Calvin Lakhan, York University
Calvin Lakhan, Ph.D, is currently co-investigator of the "Waste Wiki" project at York University (with Dr. Mark Winfield), a research project devoted to advancing understanding of waste management research and policy in Canada. He holds a Ph.D from the University of Waterloo/Wilfrid Laurier University joint Geography program, and degrees in economics (BA) and environmental economics (MEs) from York University. Calvin has worked as both a policy planner for the MOECC and as a consultant on projects for Stewardship Ontario, Multi Material Stewardship Manitoba, AMERIPEN, and Ontario Electronic Stewardship.
Calvin Lakhan, Ph.D, is currently co-investigator of the "Waste Wiki" project at York University (with Dr. Mark Winfield), a research project devoted to advancing understanding of waste management research and policy in Canada. He holds a Ph.D from the University of Waterloo/Wilfrid Laurier University joint Geography program, and degrees in economics (BA) and environmental economics (MEs) from York University. Calvin has worked as both a policy planner for the MOECC and as a consultant on projects for Stewardship Ontario, Multi Material Stewardship Manitoba, AMERIPEN, and Ontario Electronic Stewardship.
Simon Langer, Diabetes Canada
Simon Langer is the National Manager of Government and Strategic Partnerships at Diabetes Canada. He and his team are responsible for overseeing the organization’s 160 municipal partnerships across Canada, as well as helping municipalities, regions and provinces create and expand their textile diversion programs. In fact, in 2016 Simon worked closely with the City of Markham to develop Canada’s first municipal textile diversion program, which has already helped divert over 7 million lbs of textiles from landfill YTD.
Simon Langer is the National Manager of Government and Strategic Partnerships at Diabetes Canada. He and his team are responsible for overseeing the organization’s 160 municipal partnerships across Canada, as well as helping municipalities, regions and provinces create and expand their textile diversion programs. In fact, in 2016 Simon worked closely with the City of Markham to develop Canada’s first municipal textile diversion program, which has already helped divert over 7 million lbs of textiles from landfill YTD.
Brock Macdonald, Recycling Council of British Columbia
Brock Macdonald joined RCBC in 2004 to direct communications and was appointed CEO in 2006. The communications manager for Product Care Association, from 2000 to 2004, he is a former educator and journalist who now leads RCBC’s waste elimination efforts by promoting the transition to a sustainable circular economy.
Brock Macdonald joined RCBC in 2004 to direct communications and was appointed CEO in 2006. The communications manager for Product Care Association, from 2000 to 2004, he is a former educator and journalist who now leads RCBC’s waste elimination efforts by promoting the transition to a sustainable circular economy.
Bob McDonald, BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy
Bob McDonald has been managing waste diversion programs in BC for the past 25 years. He was involved in the BC government's original 'in-house' managed stewardship programs in the early 1990's, and has returned to the Ministry in 2014 to lead 21 different Extended Producer Responsibility programs now in place. He served for the Cowichan Valley Regional District for many years, helping it achieve one of the lowest per-capita waste disposal rates in Canada, while building a thriving local waste management industry. Bob has a diverse range of education, including the trades, marketing management, & degree in business administration.
Bob McDonald has been managing waste diversion programs in BC for the past 25 years. He was involved in the BC government's original 'in-house' managed stewardship programs in the early 1990's, and has returned to the Ministry in 2014 to lead 21 different Extended Producer Responsibility programs now in place. He served for the Cowichan Valley Regional District for many years, helping it achieve one of the lowest per-capita waste disposal rates in Canada, while building a thriving local waste management industry. Bob has a diverse range of education, including the trades, marketing management, & degree in business administration.
Carey McIver, McIver & Associates
Carey McIver, formerly RDN's Solid Waste Manager, has over 25 years experience. Under her leadership the RDN implemented an award-winning Zero Waste Program that reduced disposal from all sectors to 350 kg/capita. She directed a commercial food waste disposal ban, residential curbside food waste collection, the construction of a food waste transfer station, and the negotiation of a processing agreement with a private sector facility operator. Since starting her firm, Carey has developed organic diversion strategies for regional districts as they strive to meet their waste diversion & climate change mitigation targets.
Carey McIver, formerly RDN's Solid Waste Manager, has over 25 years experience. Under her leadership the RDN implemented an award-winning Zero Waste Program that reduced disposal from all sectors to 350 kg/capita. She directed a commercial food waste disposal ban, residential curbside food waste collection, the construction of a food waste transfer station, and the negotiation of a processing agreement with a private sector facility operator. Since starting her firm, Carey has developed organic diversion strategies for regional districts as they strive to meet their waste diversion & climate change mitigation targets.
Myron McLelland, Regional Municipality of York
Myron McLelland is a Project Coordinator in the Regional Municipality of York's Environmental Services department. Myron is responsible for developing reduction, reuse, and recycling programs and policies outlined in the Region's Integrated Waste Management Master Plan, the SM4RT Living Plan. He is currently promoting reuse in the Region by coordinating Repair Cafés and developing a Lending Library. Prior to joining York Region in 2017, Myron worked in consulting and for several municipalities in Ontario and Alberta.
Myron McLelland is a Project Coordinator in the Regional Municipality of York's Environmental Services department. Myron is responsible for developing reduction, reuse, and recycling programs and policies outlined in the Region's Integrated Waste Management Master Plan, the SM4RT Living Plan. He is currently promoting reuse in the Region by coordinating Repair Cafés and developing a Lending Library. Prior to joining York Region in 2017, Myron worked in consulting and for several municipalities in Ontario and Alberta.
Al Metauro, Cascades Recovery +
As the Executive Vice President of Cascades Recovery+ Al is responsible for the continued improvement and growth of the Division in all sectors of material recovery across Canada and the northeast USA. The portfolio of the Division’s operations include collection and recovery facilities for paper, packaging and other secondary materials, collected from both the ICI and municipal sectors. In addition, the Division is responsible for the procurement of 2 million tonnes of recovered fibre for consumption by Cascades’ mills and for the marketing of market-ready materials generated by the Division’s operations as well as by third-party operators.
As the Executive Vice President of Cascades Recovery+ Al is responsible for the continued improvement and growth of the Division in all sectors of material recovery across Canada and the northeast USA. The portfolio of the Division’s operations include collection and recovery facilities for paper, packaging and other secondary materials, collected from both the ICI and municipal sectors. In addition, the Division is responsible for the procurement of 2 million tonnes of recovered fibre for consumption by Cascades’ mills and for the marketing of market-ready materials generated by the Division’s operations as well as by third-party operators.
Sarah Miller, RecycleSmart Solutions
Sarah Miller is an Account Manager at RecycleSmart Solutions where she helps customers maximize cost reduction, increase waste diversion, and streamline daily operations. She has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Masters of Resource and Environmental Management in which she focused her research on solid waste diversion. Sarah is passionate about environmental sustainability and believes that responsible waste management is critical for the health of the planet. She has significantly limited her contributions to the landfill and is dedicated to helping others achieve the same.
Sarah Miller is an Account Manager at RecycleSmart Solutions where she helps customers maximize cost reduction, increase waste diversion, and streamline daily operations. She has a Bachelor of Commerce and a Masters of Resource and Environmental Management in which she focused her research on solid waste diversion. Sarah is passionate about environmental sustainability and believes that responsible waste management is critical for the health of the planet. She has significantly limited her contributions to the landfill and is dedicated to helping others achieve the same.
Jessica Pautsch, Food Mesh Exchange
Jessica is a 4x entrepreneur, certified B Corp consultant, and strategist for social impact businesses. For 12 years, Jessica has consulted for Fortune 500 corporations, startups, non-profits, government, including the United Nations, in community economic development and sustainability. Jessica has served as the Vice-Chair of KASOW, a Kenyan-based charity focused on entrepreneurial pursuits in food security, health, and education. Jessica serves on the Vancouver Food Policy Council and support the development of a dozen social enterprises, including EcoTrek Tours, Social Impact Technology Accelerator (SITA) & Food Mesh.
Jessica is a 4x entrepreneur, certified B Corp consultant, and strategist for social impact businesses. For 12 years, Jessica has consulted for Fortune 500 corporations, startups, non-profits, government, including the United Nations, in community economic development and sustainability. Jessica has served as the Vice-Chair of KASOW, a Kenyan-based charity focused on entrepreneurial pursuits in food security, health, and education. Jessica serves on the Vancouver Food Policy Council and support the development of a dozen social enterprises, including EcoTrek Tours, Social Impact Technology Accelerator (SITA) & Food Mesh.
Jennifer Pereira, Fluent Motion Inc.
Jennifer Pereira's career holds over 16 years of collective experience in the aviation, industrial, construction, auditing, hospitality, healthcare, energy, education, professional sports, and waste & recycling industries. She currently serves on the Executive Board for the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario, which allows for the sharing of her leadership experience. Jennifer holds the designations of Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP); Environmental Professional (EP); Registered Kinesiologist (R.KIN); Certified Athletic Therapist, C.A.T. (c); Doctor of Acupuncture, DAc.
Jennifer Pereira's career holds over 16 years of collective experience in the aviation, industrial, construction, auditing, hospitality, healthcare, energy, education, professional sports, and waste & recycling industries. She currently serves on the Executive Board for the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario, which allows for the sharing of her leadership experience. Jennifer holds the designations of Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP); Environmental Professional (EP); Registered Kinesiologist (R.KIN); Certified Athletic Therapist, C.A.T. (c); Doctor of Acupuncture, DAc.
Mark Rowlands, Global Enlightening Enterprise
Mark has worked for over 25 years as a civil/environmental engineer/planner nationally and internationally. He is a Certified Environmental Professional and has worked in government and private sectors. With his wife Cheryl-Dean, he created a company with the goal to advise executives, coach and train environmental leaders, and analyse and audit environmental systems to determine performance and to co-create interdisciplinary approaches to improving their impact. Currently, Mark is enrolled in the Masters of Global Leadership program at Royal Roads University to offer leadership around the world for environmental issues.
Mark has worked for over 25 years as a civil/environmental engineer/planner nationally and internationally. He is a Certified Environmental Professional and has worked in government and private sectors. With his wife Cheryl-Dean, he created a company with the goal to advise executives, coach and train environmental leaders, and analyse and audit environmental systems to determine performance and to co-create interdisciplinary approaches to improving their impact. Currently, Mark is enrolled in the Masters of Global Leadership program at Royal Roads University to offer leadership around the world for environmental issues.
Tamara Shulman, Tetra Tech
As Team Lead for Waste Management Planning, Tamara Shulman brings over 20 years of waste reduction, diversion policy, and program experience. She has supported initiatives across western Canada to conduct studies and implement programs to reduce food waste and optimize food scraps collection programs. Building from these successes, she led a study on food waste prevention for the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, a trilateral organization that supports cooperation among NAFTA partners to address environmental issues.
As Team Lead for Waste Management Planning, Tamara Shulman brings over 20 years of waste reduction, diversion policy, and program experience. She has supported initiatives across western Canada to conduct studies and implement programs to reduce food waste and optimize food scraps collection programs. Building from these successes, she led a study on food waste prevention for the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, a trilateral organization that supports cooperation among NAFTA partners to address environmental issues.
Cheryl Skribe, Whistler Community Services Society
Cheryl spent much of her professional life in the investment industry. This gave her a strong financial and management platform. Her strength lies in understanding and assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of any size business and then laying out an achievable plan for success. Cheryl has used her knowledge for business and her passion for her community in her role as Executive Director for Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS). By turning trash into cash, WCSS’s Re-Use-It and Re-Build-It Centre’s play a lead role in waste diversion while providing an important protective layer in the social fabric of Whistler.
Cheryl spent much of her professional life in the investment industry. This gave her a strong financial and management platform. Her strength lies in understanding and assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of any size business and then laying out an achievable plan for success. Cheryl has used her knowledge for business and her passion for her community in her role as Executive Director for Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS). By turning trash into cash, WCSS’s Re-Use-It and Re-Build-It Centre’s play a lead role in waste diversion while providing an important protective layer in the social fabric of Whistler.
Cheryl-Dean Thompson, Global Enlightening Enterprise
Cheryl-Dean has embraced many roles – executive coach, consultant, speaker, educator, mentor, therapist, leader, facilitator – all to unleash the power and potential of others. Cheryl-Dean has provided tailored solutions for personal and professional growth for over twenty-five years. Cheryl-Dean and her husband Mark formed Global Enlightening Enterprise Inc. to support individuals, organizations, and communities to go beyond themselves and have powerful, sustainable impacts. Cheryl-Dean is working on her Doctor of Social Sciences degree and bringing regenerative psychology into our society as an aid to human dynamics.
Cheryl-Dean has embraced many roles – executive coach, consultant, speaker, educator, mentor, therapist, leader, facilitator – all to unleash the power and potential of others. Cheryl-Dean has provided tailored solutions for personal and professional growth for over twenty-five years. Cheryl-Dean and her husband Mark formed Global Enlightening Enterprise Inc. to support individuals, organizations, and communities to go beyond themselves and have powerful, sustainable impacts. Cheryl-Dean is working on her Doctor of Social Sciences degree and bringing regenerative psychology into our society as an aid to human dynamics.
Mary-Em Waddington, BC Technology for Learning
Mary-Em is the Executive Director of BC Technology for Learning Society and a big fan of refuse, reuse and recycling (she is not a fan of straws). For over two decades, Mary-Em has worked to deliver the Computers for Schools program across BC and has seen over 160,000 computers have their useful lives extended before being sent for premature recycling or worse. 80% of a computers energy consumption is used in its manufacturing before it’s ever turned on.
Mary-Em is the Executive Director of BC Technology for Learning Society and a big fan of refuse, reuse and recycling (she is not a fan of straws). For over two decades, Mary-Em has worked to deliver the Computers for Schools program across BC and has seen over 160,000 computers have their useful lives extended before being sent for premature recycling or worse. 80% of a computers energy consumption is used in its manufacturing before it’s ever turned on.
Mairi Welman, District of North Vancouver
Mairi Welman is a career strategic communications professional with 30 years of experience across a variety of sectors, including public service, transportation, technology, film and television, non-profit arts, and environment. Mairi also ran a successful consulting service for a decade, advising colleagues on strategic approaches to communications. She is currently focused on building the District of North Vancouver’s capacity in strategic communications and public engagement, with a particular focus on broadening the range of input the District receives on a wide variety of issues.
Mairi Welman is a career strategic communications professional with 30 years of experience across a variety of sectors, including public service, transportation, technology, film and television, non-profit arts, and environment. Mairi also ran a successful consulting service for a decade, advising colleagues on strategic approaches to communications. She is currently focused on building the District of North Vancouver’s capacity in strategic communications and public engagement, with a particular focus on broadening the range of input the District receives on a wide variety of issues.
Wilbert Yang, Tetra Tech
Wilbert is an Environmental Engineer with nearly 30 years of experience in the environmental and waste management field. His experience is almost evenly divided between the regulatory level, the municipal level and in the consulting industry. Waste diversion and solid waste system analysis is - and continues to be - a large part of Wilbert’s career.
Wilbert is an Environmental Engineer with nearly 30 years of experience in the environmental and waste management field. His experience is almost evenly divided between the regulatory level, the municipal level and in the consulting industry. Waste diversion and solid waste system analysis is - and continues to be - a large part of Wilbert’s career.
