NSMBA Board of Directors Candidates – 2025
The Board of Directors consists of 10 members, elected at the AGM by NSMBA members. Each Director serves for 2 years, at which point they can seek re-election.
For 2026 we have 5 open seats and 3 of our incumbent directors are seeking re-election.
Members will vote on who will become directors at the Annual General Meeting on November 20th
All candidates are posted below. Click the name or +/- icons to expand and shrink each profile.
Each member can vote for up to 5 candidates. Voting will be completed online on November 20th, via the M365 Member Portal. Please click here for instructions.
Ally Dick

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
I have experience of chairing and serving on a similar board for 6 years which has given me extensive experience across several of the key skills being sought by the board, including strategic board oversight, legal and HR matters. In my day job, i manage a team of approximately 50 people, and am responsible for managing the lululemon’s financial risks.
Brent Nichols

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
I have run a governance board and have financial skills learned from my work experience and my education (Commerce Degree at UBC, Chartered Financial Analyst, CFA and Certified Financial Planner, CFP). In addition, fundraising experience and a knowledge of the North Shore trails will be instrumental in supporting the organization.
Daniel Lui

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Geology, a Master of Science in Geology, and am a practicing registered member of Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.
In my profession, I serve as an Exploration Manager for Equity Exploration Consultants Ltd., which manages a diverse array of mineral exploration projects globally, from projects at the grassroots level to more advanced mine development and active mining levels.
My responsibilities include the management, mentoring, and oversight of numerous project management teams. These teams are responsible for many project components, including project design and concept, in-field execution, stakeholder consultation, permitting preparation and execution, and management of the project’s health, safety, and environmental policies.
Daniel Shaw

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
I’ve lead many volunteer trails days and know the effort it takes to execute physical trail work. Beyond this, I have a business degree with a major in marketing and have 2 years of experience working with Knolly Bikes. I believe I can connect with many individuals that are not currently members of the NSMBA to join, as well to get them involved in community events.
Egor Povaliaev

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
Operating a non-profit society, reinvesting all funding into the ongoing development and maintenance of the park. Handle planning, building, and organizing, ensuring full community oversight and shared responsibility for future growth.
Organizing events, securing sponsors, coordinating volunteers, and creating opportunities for riders of all ages to engage with their community. This experience has given me a solid understanding of what it takes to lead, collaborate, and bring projects to life that benefit the broader mountain biking network.
I’m motivated by the idea of giving back, using my skills and passion to support projects that keep the trails safe, inspiring, and welcoming for everyone.
Jeff Horswill

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
I was called to the bar as a lawyer in British Columbia in 2004 and have practiced in good standing since.
Jeff Taylor

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
I served as a director of Climbing Escalade Canada, the national sporting organization for climbing, from 2017 – 2022. During this time I helped the organization transition from an operational board to a governance base board. During such time we grew the organization’s budget by more than 10x, hired the organization’s first full time employees (the Executive Director and the Performance Director and Head Coach) and navigated the admission of the sport to the Olympic Games (the sport’s first Olympic appearance was Tokyo 2021 where we had two athletes represent Canada). As a director I regularly worked with key stakeholders including Canada Olympic Committee, Own the Podium, the International Federation of Sport Climbing, various Provincial and Territorial Sporting Organizations, Alpine Club of Canada, local gyms and training facilities, sponsors, athletes and coaches.
I also served as a director of the Kingston Bouldering Co-op, a small community based climbing gym from 2014 – 2015.
Kristen Gross

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
My “day job” is all about communications and marketing, included on the list of requested skills.
Penny Deck

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
Communications & Media
– social media management & content creation for FVMBA, Trek Dirt Series
– eNews management & content creation for FVMBA, NSMBA Shore Corps, Trek Dirt Series
– creation of educational content e.g. presentations, infographics, lectures etc for FVMBA, NSMBA, SFU
Risk Management
– trail & site inspection for Recreation Sites & Trails BC, FVMBA, NSMBA
– development of emergency action plans for FVMBA, Trek Dirt Series
Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
– participated in multiple half & full day training courses on building relationships with & working with First Nations
– successfully applied for SASET (Sto:lo Aboriginal Skills & Employment Training) grant to hire First Nations youth for trail crew; hired, trained and worked with youth May – August 2024
People Management
– hired, trained, and managed FVMBA Trail Crew
Fundraising
– wrote multiple successful grant applications for the FVMBA, tripling organization revenue over 4 years
– have taken grant writing courses as part of graduate studies at SFU
Pete Atkinson

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
Of the listed skills, my background means I can provide support and insight into Legal and Risk Management, Marketing and Communications, PR & Media, and Human Resources and People Management. From an accreditation and competency standpoint, I’m a registered Architect (AIBC and OAA). I work in CAD, various 3D modelling tools, and GIS software. I’m a designer, specializing in both the physical environment and graphic design. I’ve got some tech nerd to me, which shows up in data analytics, database development, spreadsheet financial modelling, QuickBooks reporting, and some web development skills. I can swing a hammer, I like working in the mud, and of course, I love riding and fixing bikes.
Riley Frackleton

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
The experience I have with grant researching and grant writing through my position as Program Coordinator at RFMBA is what I feel would be most helpful to the NSMBA Board of Directors. In addition, all of the experience I have from organizing logistics for a trail crew for 3 seasons and organizing logistics for both independent volunteers and group volunteer events could be beneficial to NSMBA.
Ross Gold

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
With past experience in executive management roles, I have worked on many legal and HR challenges that are inherent to companies experiencing rapid change. I also have some experience dealing with media in these types of situations. My governance experience includes both corporate and non-profit boards.
Shawn Pettipas

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
MBA. Certificate in Advanced Leadership.
Thomas Fyfe

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
In my day job in real estate development, I work on large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects that require clear communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to get people aligned around a shared vision. I’m used to working with municipalities, consultants, and community groups to solve problems and move complex plans forward—skills that I think translate well to a Board setting.
I have a Bachelor of Commerce and work closely with financial models, long-term planning, and project execution, so I’m comfortable contributing on both the strategic and operational sides. I’m also experienced in reviewing budgets, navigating governance processes, and making thoughtful, data-informed decisions.
Outside of work, I’m deeply involved in the riding community and understand what makes the North Shore trail network special. I bring a mix of professional experience, community passion, and a collaborative mindset that fits well with the skills the Board is looking for.
Raj Brar - incumbent director

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
Incumbent treasurer, CPA with experience overseeing financial responsibilities for the NSMBA over the past two years, having previously served on two charitable boards in the capacity of treasurer/ finance director.
Rachid Nayel - incumbent director

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
I am an incumbent director and a CPA, CA (Accounting), CIA (Internal Audit), and CFP (Financial Planning) with experience overseeing the financial responsibilities of the NSMBA stretching back to 2010. Professionally, I serve as the CFO of a locally based boutique investment management firm.
In addition to financial oversight, I bring grant writing and editing experience with the NSMBA, along with strong community ties. I maintain longstanding relationships with past board members, dedicated members, Shore Riders, financial supporters, and various stakeholder groups. These connections have been built on a foundation of respect, collaboration, and mutual understanding developed over many years of advancing the NSMBA’s mission and vision.
Having served on the board from 2010 to 2017 and as a North Shore resident since 2007, I offer the board of directors a deep understanding of the organization’s history, context, and precedents.
With respect to board experience, I have served on six charitable boards and two corporate boards in roles such as Treasurer, Finance Director, or CFO.
Robin Donovan - incumbent director

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors?
Ive been on the board for 4 years, a trail builder for multiple years and a project manager for over 15 years.