Leadership

Bob was a long-time executive at Clearnet Communications and then TELUS, where he was named Canada’s Top CFO. Bob is a proponent of best practices in corporate governance, with over two dozen years of corporate board service.

Bob is a member of the board of TSX-listed Definity Financial, Canada’s 5th largest property and casualty insurer, where he chairs its Audit Committee. Previously Bob served on the board and chaired the Audit, Risk & Conduct Committee of HSBC Bank Canada until its March 2024 acquisition by RBC. Previous corporate board service includes Entertainment One, InnVest REIT, and Royal & Sun Alliance (RSA) Canada.

In the NFP sector, Bob chairs the UBC Information Technology Advisory Council and received the Director Emeritus recognition for his many years of service on the Board of Trustees of Queen’s University. In addition, Bob serves on the Executive of the BC Chapter of the Institute of Corporate Directors as Vice Chair. Bob is the Academic Director of ICD’s nationally offered Enterprise Risk Management Oversight by Directors course.

Bob holds a degree in commerce from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, an MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University, the Directors Education program ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors, and the Global ESG Competent Boards Designation (GCB.D).

Bob has served on the Greater Vancouver Advisory Board since 2005 and has been Chair since October 2013. He has also served on The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board in the capacity of Vice Chair since its inception in November 2009 to January 2018, including being a member of its Task Force on Homelessness (2013-2016).

“It is an honour for me to assist The Salvation Army, which does so much good for others. In our BC community, throughout Canada and around the world. I choose to help The Army help others, given its renowned efficiency and effectiveness in delivering social services, as it creates hope and purpose for the lives of the many thousands it impacts every year.”

Bill Aujla, Vice President of Real Estate at Aquilini Investment Group, possesses extensive experience in real estate acquisitions, dispositions, development, and facilities management. Bill previously held positions with the City of Vancouver as General Manager of Real Estate and Facilities Management and as Project Manager for the Southeast False Creek and Olympic Village Development.

As General Manager, with approximately 400 staff, he oversaw all of the City’s real estate transactions, capital investments and facilities operations. In this role, he also negotiated major public benefits from rezonings and led the negotiations for the acquisition of the Arbutus Corridor from CP Rail. As the Olympic Village Project Manager, he led a team that achieved a LEED Platinum certification for Southeast False Creek, which was recognized as North America’s greenest community.

Having formerly been a member of the Army’s Harbour Light Community Council, Bill brings a wealth of experience in his field to the Greater Vancouver Advisory Board and to the work and mission of The Salvation Army.

“The Salvation Army has a longstanding reputation for making a positive impact on our community, whether it is local, national, or international. It is truly my honour to be able to support The Army in its mission to help vulnerable individuals, pursue social justice for all and provide emergency support and disaster relief.”

Matthew is a real estate development consultant with a focus on helping institutional and not-for-profit landowners redevelop underutilized properties.

He has managed real estate development projects for UBC Properties Trust; Great Northern Way Campus Trust; Simon Fraser University; the Resort Municipality of Whistler; the Polygon family of companies; the United Church of Canada and the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver.

With a strong interest in affordable housing issues, Matthew was a founding member of Catalyst Community Developments Society—a not-for-profit development group. He also serves on the Board of MOSAIC, a settlement and employment services organization that helps newcomers to Canada.

Originally from the UK, Matthew moved to Vancouver in 2002. He graduated from Oxford Brookes University with a bachelor’s degree in 1995 and, in 1997, qualified as a Chartered Surveyor. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys cycling and playing soccer. He lives in East Vancouver with his wife and three children.

“It’s a privilege to serve on The Salvation Army’s local Advisory Board. The Army’s breadth of involvement in delivering vital social services to our community is incredible. It works with compassion and efficiency to bring hope and purpose to the most vulnerable. The Army has such a positive impact on those it serves and, in doing so, creates a better community for us all. It’s an honour to be involved.”

Dave is a public affairs executive and consultant committed to enabling business success. VP Communications and Public Affairs at E-Comm 911 and has also worked as a journalist, political speechwriter, lobbyist and public relations strategist. His past leadership roles include Deputy Chief of Staff to the Premier of B.C., VP Government Relations at TELUS, and Chief Communications Officer for the Provincial Health Services Authority of B.C.

Dave is a past director of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, the VSO School of Music (chair), the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the TELUS Vancouver Community Board. He is currently vice-chair of the Greater Vancouver Advisory Board, chair of the membership committee, and the lead for public relations and government relations.

“The Salvation Army’s community service and values are more important today than ever, including supporting others without discrimination, and respecting and valuing each other, recognizing everyone’s worth.”

Daryl Dunn retired from Scotiabank as Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Western Canada on December 31, 2024 after 35 years. In this role, he was responsible for Commercial Distribution across Ontario and Western Canada.

Daryl brings decades of experience in both Commercial and Retail banking. He was responsible for the development and execution of strategic objectives while creating a workplace of pride in driving an exceptional customer experience.

Daryl joined Scotiabank in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1989 on a management training program. He has held roles of increasing responsibility primarily across Western Canada including: Branch Manager – Calgary Main Branch, Director & Group Lead Commercial Banking – Central & Southern Alberta, Vice President Retail Banking – South Manitoba & N.W. Ontario, and Vice President & Head Commercial Banking – British Columbia & Yukon Region. Daryl holds an MBA from Dalhousie University and lives in Vancouver with his wife Monita. Daryl is part of the Hope in the City Breakfast Committee while also supporting many other important causes and activities across British Columbia. In particular, Daryl is a passionate supporter of Diversity and Inclusion, including initiatives supporting the Indigenous community.

“I am honored to work alongside The Salvation Army where we give hope to building a better community and future for everyone. The work is critically important in so very many ways.”

Georgia Stavridis serves as Vice President, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Canada at TD Bank Group, a role she assumed in November 2024. In this capacity, she oversees the operational strategy, performance, and outcomes of the FIU’s Canadian operations.

Before joining TD Bank Group, Ms. Stavridis was Vice President, Global Head of Financial Crimes Governance, and Chief of Staff at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).

Prior to RBC, she held the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer, and Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officer at HSBC Bank Canada. Ms. Stavridis enjoyed a distinguished 23-year tenure with HSBC, holding various senior compliance roles.

As Senior Vice President, Head of Financial Crime Compliance and later, Chief Anti-Money Laundering Officer, she established a specialized team to oversee the implementation of the bank’s financial crime program. As Chief Compliance Officer, she led a dedicated regulatory compliance team, strengthening the bank’s compliance management framework. She also served as Chief Compliance Officer of the Trust and Mutual Fund businesses, Head of Compliance for the Retail Banking division, Head of Anti-Money Laundering, and Senior Legal Counsel.

Before joining HSBC, Ms. Stavridis practiced law at a Canadian firm and held a client-facing role in corporate trust financial services. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia and an LL.B. from the University of Victoria.

Ms. Stavridis has been recognized for her professional achievements, receiving the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) 2018 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award in the KPMG Professionals category and being named one of British Columbia’s Most Influential Women in Finance: Banking by BC Business Magazine in 2019.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Stavridis is deeply committed to community service.

“I am honoured and consider it a privilege to serve on The Salvation Army Advisory Board, where I can contribute my knowledge to support the organization’s mission to uplift and serve those in need and be a transforming influence in the community.”

Sabine Kempe is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) who has been with TELUS since 2013. Since 2021, she has served as the Director of Finance, leading enterprise risk management and internal audit functions with a focus on financial regulatory compliance and internal controls. Prior to her current role, Sabine worked as the Accounting Policy and External Reporting Controller in Vancouver, B.C., where she led the development and implementation of compliance programs supporting the adoption of various financial regulatory accounting and securities standards.

Before joining TELUS, Sabine served in the Audit and Assurance practice at KPMG’s Vancouver office supporting their financial services and real estate practice. During her time at the firm, she transferred to KPMG’s London, UK, office, where she participated in the development of internal audit programs used nationwide related to compliance with the Financial Services Authority’s regulatory framework.

Sabine is an Accounting graduate from the Sauder School of Business (UBC) and completed her CA designation during her time at KPMG. On the Greater Vancouver Advisory Board, from 2019 to 2022, Sabine was involved in both the Nine Stories of Hope Capital Campaign & HERstory of Hope campaign. Since 2019, she has served as Chair and Co-Chair of the Hope in the City Breakfast Committee.

“The Salvation Army embodies the essence of compassionate action, tirelessly working to uplift those in need. Their commitment to providing hope, dignity, and support to vulnerable individuals resonates deeply with my personal values. By volunteering with The Salvation Army, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of community service and the profound impact it has on both those who give and those who receive.”

Michael Meneer has two decades of experience in journalism, fundraising and public affairs in the United States and Canada. Michael is President & CEO of the Pacific Salmon Foundation, which he joined in 2009. Before moving to Vancouver in 2007, he worked for seven years in Washington, D.C. as an association executive director, journalist and communications officer for two non-governmental organizations. This included stints at the ABC News affiliate in the nation’s capital, Catholic Charities (social services) and the U.S. Council on Competitiveness (economic policy).

Michael earned a bachelor’s degree in history from The Ohio State University in 1997 and a master’s degree in journalism and public affairs from American University in Washington, D.C., in 2004. While a college student, Michael joined AmeriCorps, the domestic version of the Peace Corps, and was a literacy instructor for low-income children in Columbus, Ohio. That experience led to his appointment as executive director of the national AmeriCorps alumni association in Washington, D.C. He travelled the country speaking to charitable and philanthropic organizations and lobbied the U.S. Congress to support national and community service.

Michael volunteers as a board member of CODE, an Ottawa-based non-governmental organization that partners with the Government of Canada and other international development agencies to deliver quality books and teacher training in Sub-Saharan Africa. In his spare time, Michael is also a film and television actor, event emcee and commentator on U.S. politics. On the Greater Vancouver Advisory Board, he serves as Co-Chair of the Hope in the City Breakfast Committee.

“I’m honoured and humbled to have the opportunity to volunteer for The Salvation Army Vancouver Advisory Board. The Salvation Army has a remarkable record of efficient and effective service for the most vulnerable of our fellow citizens. I was raised with the ethos that it’s up to all of us to do what we can for people in need, and I thank The Salvation Army for the opportunity to do my part.”

Following a 30-year career in telecommunications, Kasey is focused on ESG investing and sustainable philanthropy with a particular emphasis on building capacity, resiliency, and cross-generational support in our LGBTQ2+ & Latina/o communities.

During his professional career, Kasey served as VP, Risk Management and Chief Internal Auditor at TELUS from 2002 to 2014, reporting to both the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and the EVP and CFO. At TELUS, he and his team redesigned TELUS’ enterprise risk assessment approach, reengineered the internal audit processes, established the ethics office, and worked collaboratively with stakeholders across the company to help TELUS achieve significant & sustained external recognition for ethics, enterprise risk governance, business continuity management, diversity and inclusiveness, environmental sustainability and CSR reporting.

Kasey represented TELUS on the Advisory Board of the Conference Board of Canada’s Strategic Risk Council (2008 to 2014). He is a founding member of TELUS’ Diversity and Inclusiveness Council, and one of the founders of TELUS’ LGBTQ team member resource group – Spectrum. Previously, he was with Ameritech/SBC/AT&T in Chicago where he was one of the founding members of Ameritech’s LGBT employee resource group – GLEAM. In the 1990’s he served on the board of the Chicago LGBTQ Professional Networking Association (CPNA) and was a founding member of the Color Triangle which was formed to address racism and other barriers within Chicago’s LGBTQ community.

More recently, Kasey served as the Board Treasurer for QMUNITY – BC’s Queer Resource Centre (2015 to 2018) and since 2014 has participated annually on the scholarship selection committee for the LOUD Foundation of the GLBA.

Kasey and his spouse, Javier Barajas, are actively engaged in both the LGBTQ/2S & Latin American communities in Vancouver and are long-time supporters of a number of NFPs including Out in Schools/Out on Screen (the Vancouver Queer Film Festival), Qmunity, the LOUD Foundation, CampOUT, the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation, AIDS Walk Vancouver, the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival, and the Vancouver Latin American Cultural Centre.

“Representation matters. As the LGBTQ2+ community is overrepresented within the client base that The Salvation Army serves in BC and across Canada, I believe that it is vital that LGBTQ2+ voices and perspectives are sought and included at the table as the SA continues to move forward with regard to the full spectrum of Diversity, Equity, Justice and Inclusion.”

Sharon Singh is the co-head of McMillan’s Indigenous and Environment practices and is renowned for guiding businesses on environmental, Indigenous, ESG, and human rights matters. With nearly two decades of experience, Sharon has a proven track record delivering strategic, practical and tailored solutions to some of Canada’s leading businesses. Her industry expertise encompasses mining, energy, infrastructure, construction, manufacturing and agribusiness.

As a thought leader and leading practitioner, Sharon’s approach emphasizes the importance of collaborative relationships, particularly with Indigenous nations, local communities and regulatory bodies. She has built trusted relationships with industry stakeholders, government agencies and the non-profit sector, leveraging her extensive experience to provide focused legal advice.

In terms of Indigenous relations, Sharon negotiates benefit, partnership, and other collaboration agreements. She also assists in structuring equity participation by Indigenous communities in natural resources and infrastructure projects, complementing this with advice on securing financing and permitting on reserve or Treaty lands.

In her environmental and regulatory practice, Sharon excels in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and environmental assessments, assisting clients with achieving operational success, partly informed by her experience working for an international mining company. She also advises on the transportation of dangerous goods, conducts regulatory audits, and provides guidance on the sale and redevelopment of contaminated sites.

A strong advocate for sustainability, she helps organizations evaluate their key and rapidly evolving ESG risks and opportunities, including guiding clients on ESG policies and disclosures, establishing human rights due diligence and product stewardship.

“I’m honoured to support The Salvation Army, which brings hope and help to those in need, making a meaningful difference in our community and beyond. Their consistent commitment to service and compassion leads to countless lives being touched and supported each year, and I’m privileged to witness that positive impact.”

Russell is an arbitrator, mediator and associate counsel to the firm Hunter Litigation Chambers. He was born in Vancouver and raised in Burns Lake.

Russell’s career began as litigation counsel at the Bars of British Columbia and Alberta, handling a wide range of commercial, insurance, construction, estates and other issues. While a member of the Alberta Bar, he also served as Professor and Associate Dean of Law at the University of Alberta and Chair of the Health Law Institute.

Russell then served for over 10 years on Canada’s federal judiciary, including eight years on the Supreme Court of Canada, where he wrote significant judgments in commercial and private law (both common law and civil law), constitutional law, administrative law, aboriginal law, oil and gas, tax law, technology law, criminal law and class actions. He retired from the Supreme Court of Canada in June 2023.

Russell is the author and co-author of several legal treatises and over 40 published law review articles. His scholarship and judgments have been cited by Commonwealth high courts, and he has continued to give invited presentations to lawyers, judges, legal academics, legislators and policymakers across Canada, the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand and Israel. He regularly contributes to academic and professional conference proceedings and judicial education conferences.

Russell holds degrees from the Universities of British Columbia, Victoria and Toronto, including earned master’s and doctoral degrees from Toronto. He is a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, an Honorary Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, an Honorary Member of the governing board of the Canadian Forum for Civil Justice, the holder of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from the University of Alberta and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal from the Government of Alberta “in recognition of significant contributions to the province”.

Russell previously served on the Advisory Board of The Salvation Army in Victoria and in Edmonton (where he also served as board chair).

“I support The Salvation Army because I want my neighbours who need help to receive it from a highly effective, professional and trusted organization that is motivated by faith, hope and love.”

Michael is responsible for Deloitte BC’s team of professionals across its Vancouver and Victoria offices in all the areas where they deliver services, including Audit & Assurance, Tax & Legal, Advisory, Technology & Transformation, and Operate.

Michael is committed to people development. His experiences working globally with Deloitte in Canada, the US, the UK and Switzerland sparked his passion for unlocking the strengths in diverse teams. Helping move the needle on diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility is a primary pillar in Michael’s call to action.

Michael is passionate about the growing BC technology marketplace. He contributes to BC Tech through his work on the BTM Advisory Board at SFU, his membership with the Vancouver Board of Trade, as well as his work with several BC start-ups.

“I am honoured to work with The Salvation Army in BC. The Army’s impact is profound across the province, helping anyone who needs it. I’m particularly proud of the impact that The Salvation Army is having on the Downtown Eastside, a community that benefits so greatly from the love and care provided.”

Marcus has extensive experience in board governance, public policy, and community service in his local community and throughout Canada. He is currently part of the faculty in the School of Computing and Academic Studies at BCIT. From 2018 to 2022, he served on West Vancouver City Council and is the first and only person of colour ever elected to West Vancouver City Council.

Prior to his term on Council, Marcus was appointed by the Attorney General to serve on the board of the West Vancouver Police Department. Prior to serving in public office, Marcus worked for many years in marketing and communications, having been the corporate media spokesperson for a major utility company, overseeing government relations for the entire BC dairy industry, and having served as a communications advisor to several provincial cabinet ministers.

As an experienced corporate leader, Marcus has the necessary experience to get things done when the solution requires many different groups and stakeholders working together. He gained valuable experience in diplomacy and relationship-building while working for the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C., helping to strengthen relationships with members of the International Olympic Committee, the World Olympians Association, Olympians Canada, and both houses of the United States Congress.

In recognition of his community service to West Vancouver, he was awarded the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by the Governor General of Canada and the West Vancouver Police Centennial Medal. On the Greater Vancouver Advisory Board, Marcus is prime for subjects involving Public and Government Relations and Asian-Canadian Relations.

For more information about Marcus Wong, please visit marcuswong.ca.

“In this life, I have been blessed with much, and therefore I feel that it is my moral responsibility to give back my time, talents, and treasure in a meaningful way,” said Marcus Wong. “Indeed, if democracy and the rule of law are the bases upon which our society is governed, then surely, the soul of our humanity is governed by a tacit understanding that we shall strive, unselfishly and without a second thought, to give the next generation better than we ourselves received.”