2023 Board of Directors Candidates

Election Results

Congratulations to the candidates that were voted onto the Board of Directors at the AGM on November 17, 2022:

  • Colin Brumelle
  • Katherine Enns
  • Eleri Harris
  • Kevin Johnstone
  • Steve Lionais
  • James Nadel

Thank you to all the candidates who applied! 

The recording of the AGM is now available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsNblP-WoFU

All NSMBA members are encouraged to vote in the Board of Directors Election at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 17th. 

There are 6 open positions on the Board of Directors for 2023 (3 vacant positions and 3 positions where the current Directors are seeking re-election, listed below as “incumbents”).

All candidates are posted below (ordered alphabetically by last name). Each candidate has provided a written response, a photo and a ~1min video.

Colin Brumelle (Incumbent)

Colin Brumelle (Incumbent)

 
What is your Current Occupation?

CEO / Software Engineer at ChopShop

 

Tell us about yourself and any qualities you possess which would support you in being a successful NSMBA Director in 2023.

I’m a software engineer and business leader. I was born and raised in Vancouver and have been riding on the shore since I was a kid. I’m a good problem solver, work well under pressure and love to collaborate with others. My past two years on the NSMBA board have taught me a lot about how it operates, and I’m always eager to roll up my sleeves and pitch in wherever I can be helpful, whether it’s creating video assets to help market the NSMBA fund raising raffle, fixing our NSMBA website after something breaks, or course marshaling a fiver.

 

Please share your Employment and/or Volunteer History

I’m currently running a company called ChopShop (https://chopshop.co) that helps people and businesses make great video content. Before that I worked in San Francisco at Twitter as a software engineer and manager, building their advertising platform. I’ve been on the NSMBA board for the last 2 years.

 

Tell us about your experiences/accreditations/competencies which pertain to those being sought for the 2023 Board of Directors

I’m good with software, technology and managing large projects, as learned through my career working in startups and tech companies. Having built the advertising platform at Twitter, I also have a good understanding of digital marketing tools and how they work with social media (for better or worse). As someone who leads teams, I also understand the importance of consensus building, balancing different viewpoints and working together towards common goals.

 

What is your vision for the NSMBA in 2023?

My vision for the NSMBA is simply to double down on the things that are working. Grow our membership, grow the fiver series, fund raise more money, all with an aim towards improving and building better, sustainable trails for all to enjoy. In a more specific note, if I am fortunate enough to get re-elected to the board, I would love to spend some time improving the website and how we communicate with our members and the public at large.

 

Candidate Video

Katherine Enns (Incumbent - Treasurer)

Katherine Enns (Incumbent - Treasurer)

 
What is your Current Occupation?

Accountant (Controller of a tech startup)

 

Tell us about yourself and any qualities you possess which would support you in being a successful NSMBA Director in 2023.

I have been on the board for the last two years as the active treasurer and I am seeking re-election. I received my CPA designation in 2019 and have a variety of experience in the tax/audit work and now in the tech start up world. Learning to balance the chaotic environment of a tech start up has given me valuable skills in managing whatever may come up next, which I have found to be useful on our board.

 

Please share your Employment and/or Volunteer History

Current Employment: Controller at Fintel Connect; 2019-2021 Controller at LightIntegra Technologies Inc.; 2016-2019 Accountant at MNP LLP. Current Volunteer Work: Treasurer of the NSMBA

 

Tell us about your experiences/accreditations/competencies which pertain to those being sought for the 2023 Board of Directors

Current Employment: Controller at Fintel Connect; 2019-2021 Controller at LightIntegra Technologies Inc.; 2016-2019 Accountant at MNP LLP. Current Volunteer Work: Treasurer of the NSMBA

 

What is your vision for the NSMBA in 2023?

2020-2022 NSMBA Treasurer; current avid mountain biker; previous life road bike racer and national team rower.

 
Candidate Video

Anthony Ferrari

Anthony Ferrari

 
What is your Current Occupation?

Construction company owner

 

Tell us about yourself and any qualities you possess which would support you in being a successful NSMBA Director in 2023.

Mountain biking is my biggest passion, I live for it ! I can help with construction of trails, am very good at organization, budget planning, scheduling, crew management, and did I mention I LOVE mountain biking. The Northshore is my home and I want to help make it better by contributing to the NSMBA

 
Please share your Employment and/or Volunteer History

Have been self employed since I was 21 years old.

 

Tell us about your experiences/accreditations/competencies which pertain to those being sought for the 2023 Board of Directors

I have volunteered to help everyone around me my whole life, i am a people pleaser. I help support our community by sponsoring 2 soccer teams (u10 nvfc and ffc in the adult league) ravens UBC old boys rugby club, and two mountain bike trails on fromme (Bookwus and ladies only) as I mentioned above, through my business and personal life, I am very skilled at budgeting, scheduling, decision making, crews management, and overall pleasing everyone by staying positive. Also I have been coaching my son’s soccer team from U5 to U10 (this year) and will continue to do so until U18.

 
What is your vision for the NSMBA in 2023?

More funds, more trails, more trail maintenance, more fun!

 
Candidate Video

Eleri Harris

Eleri Harris

 
What is your Current Occupation?

Climate Scientist

 

Tell us about yourself and any qualities you possess which would support you in being a successful NSMBA Director in 2023.

I love mountain biking! And I’m eternally grateful for the hard work of the nsmba in giving us these trail, and would love to give back as a board member. I was on the Muddbunnies board of directors for 4 yrs, so have some idea of how a board works. And I’m a project manager in my day job

 

Please share your Employment and/or Volunteer History

2022 fivers. Helped encourage my past employer to adopt a trail and organized a couple of trail days while I worked there. Organized trail days with muddbunnies. Muddbunnies ride leading. BCBR volunteer 2016

 

Tell us about your experiences/accreditations/competencies which pertain to those being sought for the 2023 Board of Directors

Project manager in my day job. President and VP of muddbunnies for 4 yrs.

 

What is your vision for the NSMBA in 2023?

MORE trails for all, trails forever!

 
Candidate Video

Sam James

Sam James

 
What is your Current Occupation?

Marketing & Media Coordinator

 

Tell us about yourself and any qualities you possess which would support you in being a successful NSMBA Director in 2023.

I currently work at Steed Cycles as marketing & media coordinator where I handle all of our daily social posts, marketing and promotional materials, organise photo and video shoots, organise (and attend) events such as trail days, our Fiver apres event, and more. I’m organised, hugely passionate about bikes and personable/outgoing. I’m the type of person that’s always got some kind of project going on – striving for self-improvement, learning new skills and creating value.

 
Please share your Employment and/or Volunteer History

Steed Cycles – 2 years as media & marketing coordinator, approx. 8 years bike shop mechanic, Bangor University Mountain Bike Club Captain 2012 – 2013

 

Tell us about your experiences/accreditations/competencies which pertain to those being sought for the 2023 Board of Directors

During my time at university I joined the mountain bike club and seeing potential, the following year I joined the committee and in my final year took the role of captain, turning the bike club from a group of friends into a real recognisable club with events, goals and achievements. With my experience in media, organising events, outgoing personality and contacts in the cycling industry both local and international and with local riders I believe I have a solid platform on which to reach and connect people with one another to build on the incredible foundation that the NSMBA already is.

 
What is your vision for the NSMBA in 2023?

Every year should always be bigger and better than the last, right? I’d love to be able to advocate for our local riders and trails. Without knowing the red tape behind the scenes, I’d love to be part of the driving force that seeks to sanction trails such as Cambodia, Pauls etc, and to work with British Pacific Properties and other stakeholders to really unlock the full potential of the North Shore. Not only this but I’d love to take a role in making the NSMBA’s events bigger and better than ever. I really enjoyed organising the 2022 Steed Fiver party and would love to be able to work with other industry partners to bring that kind of energy to more NSMBA events.

Candidate Video

Kevin Johnstone

Kevin Johnstone

 
What is your Current Occupation?

Environmental Supervisor.

 

Tell us about yourself and any qualities you possess which would support you in being a successful NSMBA Director in 2023.

“Hardcore” mountain biker that has ridden the North Shore since 2003 and seen a significant transition in building styles and ridership. I have been maintaining trails on Cypress for about 10 years. This has given me a unique perspective and will allow me to contribute a perspective to the board that may not otherwise be present.

 
Please share your Employment and/or Volunteer History

I have transitioned from a field technician to an engineering technologist to an environmental supervisor. I have volunteered on a few NSMBA trail days and some streamkeepers days.

 

Tell us about your experiences/accreditations/competencies which pertain to those being sought for the 2023 Board of Directors

Currently serving on the board of the Solid Waste Association of North America, and have been for the past 3 years. Passionate mountain biker and trail builder with more time on the trails than the vast majority of trail users. Strong understand of trail dynamics and willing to learn about the bureaucratic side.

 
What is your vision for the NSMBA in 2023?

To improve the organization by sharing some shortfalls that have been brought to me by the community and working towards an organization that supports builders even more than what the NSMBA does now.

Candidate Video

Steve Lionais

Steve Lionais

 
What is your Current Occupation?

Self-Employed (Business Owner).

 

Tell us about yourself and any qualities you possess which would support you in being a successful NSMBA Director in 2023.

I’m a business leader with deep experience in marketing and business strategy. I founded and lead a software company as CEO until I sold it in 2019. I’ve got more than 20 years of experience in marketing and business strategy and a proven track record growing businesses.

 
Please share your Employment and/or Volunteer History

I’ve been volunteering for the NSMBA since early in 2022. I’m currently self-employed as the owner of a software business. 2013 – 2022 I was the founder & CEO of Dr. Bill, a software business. 2008 – 2012 I worked as a self-employed consultant developing marketing strategies for businesses looking to grow on the internet. Pre-2012 I worked in various marketing roles for software & technology companies.

 

Tell us about your experiences/accreditations/competencies which pertain to those being sought for the 2023 Board of Directors

I have deep experience with marketing, business strategy, financing and growth. I grew my software business from an idea to a sale to RBC in 2019. Along the way I lead the businesses marketing and growth activities, including hiring and managing teams, setting the business strategy and raising the necessary funds to make it all happen.

 
What is your vision for the NSMBA in 2023?

I really believe the NSMBA can grow the revenue it generates from sources it controls such as memberships, sponsorships and other fundraising activities such as the Triple Crown Raffle. In my mind memberships are the cornerstone to this strategy because it’s very predictable and the organization can rely on it for future planning. We estimate that only a small portion of Shore riders are members and there’s a huge opportunity to get more riders supporting the organization. With more predictable revenue, we can hire more trail crew, invest more in the trails, hire more staff to improve our marketing and sponsorship activities which brings in more money. As the revenue grows, the funds can be directed to initiatives the NSMBA cares about.

 
Candidate Video

Geoff Livingston

Geoff Livingston

 
What is your Current Occupation?

Content Marketing Consultant and Creator

 

Tell us about yourself and any qualities you possess which would support you in being a successful NSMBA Director in 2023.

I have owned an operated a video production agency called Noravera in Vancouver for the last 10 years. We were up to 13 employees pre-pandemic, which gave me a ton of experience being a team leader and bigger picture thinker. Obviously getting through the pandemic I had learned a lot and had to navigate a path forward with some difficult decisions, allowing the agency to make it through. I recently sold Noravera to one of the employees, so I could focus my time and energy back into creating content and doing that in the mountain bike world. I have two young daughers, aged 1 1/2 and almost three, so the last few years have been a lot to say the least. Mountain biking has provided so much for me throughout my life, and especially in the last few years as a release a mental break from everything life has thrown my way. In fact it even saved my life, as it help me find a tumour in my kidney that I had for 4 1/2 years, after completing the Great Divide. That is a whole other story though, I’d be happy to talk about on a ride or over a beer. As you can tell though, riding has clearly had a huge impact on my life, and I know what we can do for others, so I want to do whatever I can to help elevate the sport, and the riding experience for those both on the North Shore and those visiting around the world by creating content and helping tell stories of the NSMBA and our community in hopes of elevating the brand even more in the years ahead.

 
Please share your Employment and/or Volunteer History

Currently a freelance content creator and marketing consultant. Owned and operated Noravera Visuals for 10 years. Board member of the Company of Young Professionals Program with the Board of Trade. Leaders of Tomorrow Mentor. Capilano Alumni Associate Board Member.

 

Tell us about your experiences/accreditations/competencies which pertain to those being sought for the 2023 Board of Directors

Diploma in Interactive Design (Cap College), BBA Marketing Management Entrepreneurship (BCIT), Leaders of Tomorrow Mentee of the Year. Certified PMBI Instructor. Complete the Great Divide, I’m a Dad, I’m a Cancer Survivor. I love people. I love telling stories. I love creating content that inspires and employers people to want to live out their dreams, do their best and do good for others.

 
What is your vision for the NSMBA in 2023?

My vision for the NSMBA is to continue to grow it’s member base, and increase its visibility both at a community and political standpoint. The North Shore is the birth place of freeride mountain biking, and it is the reason when I am sure everyone who is a member of the NSMBA lives here. I would like to help continue that legacy by improving the current trail network, updating trails to have newer more common riding features, and providing more accessibility for new and younger riders. The learning curve of our sport is very difficult, and making it safer for those to enjoy it would be something I would like to see. As an advanced rider, I would also like to see some additional more challenging trails added to the network, or previous trails like Pink Starfish and Jerry Rig that have been decommissioned, be revitalized to a new, modern and challenging trail.

 
Candidate Video

Scott McCormick

Scott McCormick

 
What is your Current Occupation?

Sustainable Energy Engineering Student at SFU.

 

Tell us about yourself and any qualities you possess which would support you in being a successful NSMBA Director in 2023.

I believe in NSMBA with all my heart; my mother worked in parks and recreation for over 40 years and she instilled in me the power of community groups and the health and joy that they can bring to a community. I would love to be a part of the NSMBA Board so I can work with likeminded people shaping the future of the organization, and to help our mountain biking community grow, be more inclusive, and ensure that we have a beautiful, fun trail network to enjoy for generations to come. I am currently studying Sustainable Energy Engineering at SFU and hold a Degree in Commerce (Finance and International Business) from UNBC. Both of my post secondary education streams have added to my proficiency in writing, researching, and planning. I have been a lifelong athlete and competed in pretty much everything there was to compete in as a youth, and in college I played four years of varsity basketball and competed at the National Championship level. My sport background as well as my education has taught me the importance of teamwork which will serve me well on the NSMBA Board. I have worked in many sectors from eCommerce to financial planning, orthopedic surgery and currently am on a co-op placement working in Nuclear Materials Transportation at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. Through these experiences I have developed the ability to learn new skills and catch up with the teams agenda very quickly, which will serve me well as a NSMBA Director. Passionate, team player, quick learner!

 
Please share your Employment and/or Volunteer History

– Eight years in medical device and technology sales – One year as a financial advisor – Approximately 100hrs volunteering at Vancouver Aquarium – 200hrs+ coaching youth basketball in Prince George and Abbotsford, BC – Divemaster and scuba instructor apprentice at Vancouver Diving Locker – Worked on building a sailing cargo ship in Germany that now sails the Atlantic to promote sustainable shipping – Took the FVMBA trail building course and worked three trail days this summer, as well as a trail day with FVMBA. I am looking forward to getting more trail days with NSMBA next year.

 

Tell us about your experiences/accreditations/competencies which pertain to those being sought for the 2023 Board of Directors

– Using my business degree and professional experience in sales and financial planning, I can help with fundraising and grant-writing, accounting/financial reporting and marketing. – I have never been a member of a Board but I spent four years Coaching the Mission Marlins swim club where I was employed by their Board of Directors. I attended the AGM each year for the swim club and have also attended AGMs for groups such as the Georgia Strait alliance so I am very familiar with the process of minute taking, motions, and annual reporting of finances, successes and challenges. – I have been riding bikes my whole life; getting outside on my bike is my favorite activity and now that I live in Vancouver only 20 minutes from the North Shore, I get to enjoy the trails that NSMBA has cared for over the last 25 years. I love the mountain bike community and enjoy getting new friends out riding any chance I get.

 
What is your vision for the NSMBA in 2023?

In 2023 I would love to see NSMBA create partnerships with user groups to promote diversification of trail usage. By promoting access to cycling for women and non-binary folks, and the BIPOC community NSMBA can truly uphold the motto, “Trails for All.” – Specifically creating access to mountain biking and trail building for Indigenous people who have stewarded these lands for millennia we will be putting our best foot forward towards “Trails Forever.” This would also be a step towards reconciliation by supporting and promoting calls to action 87, 88, 89, and 90 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action. – We can achieve this vision by creating partnerships and running shore corps and trail academy days in partnership with other community groups like Indigenous Women Outdoors and Colour the Trails, and reaching out to the host nations Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh.

James (Jimmy) Nadel (Incumbent - President)

James (Jimmy) Nadel (Incumbent - President)

 
What is your Current Occupation?

Criminal Lawyer, Writer of Long Emails

 

Tell us about yourself and any qualities you possess which would support you in being a successful NSMBA Director in 2023.

For nearly three years, I have been a grateful resident of North Van. For two of those years, I have been an NSMBA Director, acting most recently as President of the Board. In my view, a successful Director is passionate about the trails, understands the organization?s vision and mission, is a cooperative and collaborative team member, and is generous with their skills and experience. I try to emulate these qualities that I have observed in my fellow volunteers and staff.

 

Please share your Employment and/or Volunteer History

I have been, at various times of my life: a grocery store clerk; a bike mechanic; an unpaid intern; an Assistant Crown Attorney; a defence counsel; and a Federal Prosecutor. I have appeared in trial courts in Ontario and BC, and recently I appeared at the Supreme Court of Canada. But mostly I appear out of control on my bike, riding trails that are far beyond my abilities.

 

Tell us about your experiences/accreditations/competencies which pertain to those being sought for the 2023 Board of Directors

The history of mountain biking on The Shore is decades long, nuanced, and complicated. As someone who comes from away, I don’t pretend to have a complete grasp of each previous issue or conflict. My recent time on the Board, however, has given me the foundational knowledge required to deal with the community’s present concerns and desires in context. Beyond the practical skills and attributes required to operate in a professional setting, recognizing and respecting multiple views of the same issue has assisted during meetings with various stakeholders. Ultimately, trails are not built and maintained without people, and fostering these relationships with all parties has been a principal concern.

 

What is your vision for the NSMBA in 2023?

The NSMBA has grown considerably in every aspect under the dedicated administration of our previous staff and boards. Broadly speaking, in the approaching year I endeavor to support our Executive Director, Deanne Cote, to implement our Strategic Plan. I’m excited for a new season of events, completing specific projects currently in the works (and developing new ones) with our land managers, supporting our builders to realize their visions on their trails, redeveloping a program to train the new generations of trail builders, and strengthening ties with the First Nations upon whose land these trails are situated.

 

Candidate Video

Andrew Spence

Andrew Spence

 
What is your Current Occupation?

My most recent role was Director of Business services with Tetra Tech Engineering where I was responsible for HR, Admin and Corporate Development.

 

Tell us about yourself and any qualities you possess which would support you in being a successful NSMBA Director in 2023.

I grew up on the North Shore and began riding trails on Fromme in the 90?s when it was the Baden Powell and not much else. More recently I am proud to say we are a biking family of 5 where I get out as much as I can with my wife and three kids (15, 12 and 10 yrs old). Skiing, hockey and camping also occupy us throughout the year as well. With my background in HR management, corporate development, and operationalizing strategic plans I feel I can offer some unique insights that combine these important areas. I also have some keen insights into how the youth see the trails and what their focus and priorities are.

 
Please share your Employment and/or Volunteer History

My working career started out in technology and engineering in an industrial R&D company. After managing a few different groups of technologists and Engineers, I transitioned into an HR Management and Corporate Development role where I was able to leverage my communications and coaching skills. Specifically I have broad experience in BC employment standards, recruiting, team building and risk management. I have also been on the Operations and Finance committees where we were focused on implementing our strategic plan. My volunteering in more recent years has been focused on supporting my kids activities: hockey safety rep on various teams, coaching and helping out with the Argyle mountain bike team.

 

Tell us about your experiences/accreditations/competencies which pertain to those being sought for the 2023 Board of Directors

My most direct and relevant experience would be in Human Resources, with a lesser but still relevant experience in legal, financial planning and data governance. I also have a vested interest in cycling advocacy and a long history as a cyclist, mountain biker and member of the NSMBA.

 
What is your vision for the NSMBA in 2023?

The NSMBA has done amazing work and really taken the organization to a new level of professionalism and advocacy. In addition to the progress made, I feel we can engage our youth even more in terms of advocacy for our trails, and the future of the network. The kids and teenagers who are very active users of the trails don’t always understand what advocacy for the trails means. I would really like to explore the idea of getting youth more involved in the NSMBA, whether that is with a youth council, or possibly having more outreach to the high school riding teams etc. This is an area that I would be keen to support and push forward.

Candidate Video

Jared Uramowski

Jared Uramowski

 
What is your Current Occupation?

Graduate Student / University Researcher

 

Tell us about yourself and any qualities you possess which would support you in being a successful NSMBA Director in 2023.

I am a life-long mountain biker who has always strived to welcome others to the sport, and motivate folks to get out and ride and dig! Like many folks in the NSMBA, I am happiest on 2 wheels and I love sharing that feeling with others, from gravel paths to the bike park!I am very charismatic and have great communication skills with all types of people. I take pride in the work that I do, and it is very satisfying for me to know that I have contributed anything for the betterment of the community.

 
Please share your Employment and/or Volunteer History

I am currently the president of the UBC Bike Club, which I re-founded in April of this year after a several year hiatus. I have helped grow this club to over 70 active members from the UBC community, and I love to put on inclusive and welcoming group rides (and social events!) for all ages, genders, and skill levels! I have worked as a mechanical engineer for several automotive companies, and now work in engineering R&D. I have also have been a part of research design projects for folks with physical disabilities, where the way we think about infrastructure and design for the disabled was reconsidered, and direct consultation with user groups was necessary for a successful design. Last but certainly not least, I have been a passionate NSMBA volunteer since moving to Vancouver!!

 

Tell us about your experiences/accreditations/competencies which pertain to those being sought for the 2023 Board of Directors

I have experience in funding and grant proposal writing from my research work. I have managed projects where inclusivity has been baked into the design process, so I know the outreach necessary to include opinions from all user groups. I served a 2 year term as a council member on my universities student association, so I have experience in representing the views of others and participating on a board.

 

What is your vision for the NSMBA in 2023?

I think that 2023 will see even more folks from more diverse user groups coming to the north shore to enjoy our trails, and I think there needs to be continued support for all portions of the ridership. This support should come not only in the form of trails, but in a bigger sense of community. The sense of belonging that many feel after a fiver race for example is not exclusive to racing, and I think having more other types of events put on by the NSMBA would make others feel welcome here. Further, the past year has shown me how the style of trail on the shore is changing to suit modern riding styles and modern bikes, and the needs of the more advanced riders (who maybe already have their sense of community and belonging) need to be included in these changes too.

Candidate Video