Staff

Deanne Cote

Deanne Cote

Executive Director

Ever since I bought by first bike when I was 16 years old, I have immersed myself in all aspects of mountain biking: racing, coaching, officiating, event organization, volunteering on various club boards, advocacy and trail building. The mountains and culture of the sport brought me out to BC in 2005 from the prairies and my dream of one day living on the Shore came true in 2015.

I am honoured to be a part of the NSMBA as the Executive Director to help bring the vision and ideas from the Board and membership into action. I look forward to building upon the legacy of past staff, volunteers, builders, and directors while continuing to elevate the organization. I bring to this role a wealth of knowledge from collaborating with clubs and land managers across Canada, an almost endless supply of patience and perseverance and perspective to do and be better.

There is a lot to do when working with a volunteer driven non-profit organization and I look forward to the challenge everyday! If you need anything do not hesitate to reach out to me!

deanne@nsmba.ca

Sarah McLeod

Sarah McLeod

Trails Director

Having grown up in North Vancouver, I’ve spent a large majority of my time on our local mountains and have always enjoyed working and recreating outside. After completing my Bachelors of Environment at SFU, I was so excited for this opportunity to give back to the trails with a sense of environmentalism and sustainability. The legacy of the North Shore is monumentally important to the sport of mountain biking, and it is something I prioritize while continuing to maintain and grow our trail network for riders of all skill levels. When I’m not on the trails with a shovel or on a bike, you can find me climbing, skiing, and riding throughout the Sea to Sky – see you out there!

sarahmcleod@nsmba.ca

Todd "Digger" Fiander

Todd "Digger" Fiander

Trail Crew

Digger—aka Todd Fiander—is one of the original trail builders that gave Vancouver’s North Shore its legendary status in the mountain biking world.

Marcus VanHeyst

Marcus VanHeyst

Trail Crew

I was born and raised on the North Shore, with the Mt. Fromme trails just outside my back door. I’ve been biking and hiking the local trails as long as I can remember. This has left me with a deep appreciation of our local environment and the excellent trail network that we enjoy.

I want to contribute to the sport in a positive way and help preserve the North Shore as a progressive riding area. I am grateful for the opportunity to help maintain the trails in a sustainable manner, and so they can be enjoyed by all riders.

Gareth Critcher

Gareth Critcher

Marketing Manager

Originally from the steep valleys of South Wales, I’ve relocated with my Canadian partner where the North Shore mountain views are forever inspiring. I studied a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Aided Product Design from Cardiff before joining the bike industry to focus on graphic production, sports marketing and content design. I feel incredibly grateful that I have the opportunity to combine my love for bikes, trails and outdoor adventures with a creative passion for marketing and graphic design.

I am inspired to work and grow the NSMBA community, building upon the incredible history and potential of the North Shore trail networks, community membership and sustainable awareness.

gareth@nsmba.ca

Zahava Barwin

Zahava Barwin

Partnerships & Events Manager

As a kid, I learned how to ride mountain bikes at Buckwallow in Gravenhurst, Ontario. My initial exposure to the North Shore came from watching Drop In TV in the 2000’s. While working for a local shop in Toronto during university, I rekindled my passion for riding through the trails of the Don Valley. Now, with over eight years of work experience in the bike industry, I have developed a profound appreciation for the sport and its wide-ranging communities.

Furthermore, I am dedicated to advocating for inclusivity within our community. I believe that there is still an opportunity to grow the diversity of people who participate in mountain biking. My goal is to continue to expand NSMBA’s events for all trail users, irrespective of their background or skill level. I am beyond excited to be a part of the team at NSMBA!


zahava@nsmba.ca

Ethan Reynolds

Ethan Reynolds

Content Producer

Born and raised on the North Shore, I have developed a deep appreciation for our natural playground and have been riding the trails for as long as I can remember. Off the bike, I have worked in the film industry for the last 3 years, as well as coached sailing, and am currently a third-year student in the Motion Picture Art program at Capilano University, where I am exploring my passion for storytelling and filmmaking. My commitment to professional development drives me to stay ahead of the ever-evolving creative curves in content creation, and I’m honoured to be a part of the NSMBA and our mission to promote and capture its essence and preserve its legacy.

ethan@nsmba.ca