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NSMBA Board of Directors Candidates

We are looking to fill six positions on the Board of Directors moving into 2024 (2 directors for re-election and 4 open spots)

Members will vote on who will become directors at the Annual General Meeting on November 14th.

All candidates are posted below. Click the name or +/- icons to expand and shrink each profile.

Each member will be able to vote for up to 6 candidates. Voting will be done online on November 14th so please click here for instructions. 

Ali Shuparski

Why would you like to join the NSMBA Board of Directors?

I would like to be on the board of directors for the NSMBA as I want to further build the community behind NSMBA. Through my group riding this summer one of the predominate undertones of every woman and non-binary ride was how people felt so supported when riding in a large group on the trails. This is great and group rides are an amazing way to build connections and share a common goal. However, I think that riding alone and feeling like you are allowed to take up space on trails when you aren’t in a group is equally as important. And I think this safe space could be further promoted by NSMBA and truly stands as part of Trails for All, Trails Forever vision. Another big part of my riding community centers around Indigenous Women Outdoors (IWO) and furthering representation in the mountain bike community. After participating on the IWO race team, I truly recognized how much representation in the community matters and this all stems from accessibility of mountain biking to get people out on the trails and most importantly feeling welcomed to stay and learn on the trails. By being on the board of directors I hope to further build on the NSMBA mission of Trails for All which is a stepping stone to Trails Forever.

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

Even though I am new to mountain biking (2 years) I grew up on the North Shore and call these mountains home. I am a very organized individual who strives in finding process and order in complex logistics. My current career has me working the hours of 6am-2pm which makes me free and available during pacific working hours to spend time on NSMBA content. Biking with IWO this year has made me realize the benefit of a strong and supportive community and this has become a personal goal of mine; to share a sense of community with where I live and recreate. I think my drive to build stronger community, along with my organization and masters of business administration would lead me to be a successful board member.

Please share any relevant employment and/or volunteer experience that you feel would be beneficial to the NSMBA Board.

I currently work in brand advertising at BMO which will add value to NSMBA through my social media strategy experience and brand development work. I have also completed my MBA and am confident in most aspects of small businesses from financial reporting to the creating of business plans. One of my previous experiences in the non-for-profit sector is with a local marine conservation group, through my work with this non-for-profit I gained experience in the ”belt buckling’ that is needed to successfully operate multiple programs with limited financials. My educational background includes an undergraduate degree in marine biology and paired with my MBA gives me a unique perspective of understanding the needs of a business and the needs of sustainability. Though my work experience with large companies and small non-for-profits I feel that I have a comprehensive background that would support me being on the board of directors and bring value to the NSMBA community.

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors.

I am able to positively add to the experience and skills that have been outlined for the 2024 board of director members through my past education and career/ volunteer work. I have gained financial literacy for small businesses through my MBA along with practical experience in managing budgets and spending reports through past careers. Not only will I bring financial understanding with me to the board of directors, but I also have experience with EDIA initiatives from my time on the admissions committee of the Dalhousie University CRMBA program. I am comfortable asking for and initiating change to increase EDIA and representation which is why I sat on the leadership board for my MBA class as the program culture representative in 2022 and director of athletics in 2023. Lastly, with my present work in brand and my past work as a social media marketer I am familiar with different media channels to further the reach and strategy of NSMBA. I feel confident that I have enough experience in some of the sought after areas to be an asset to the 2024 board of directors and NSMBA.

Ben Organ

Why would you like to join the NSMBA Board of Directors?

I’m seeking re-election after 4 years on the Board. I want to continue supporting the great work NSMBA are doing, in particular re-vamping our website and improving accessibility to mountain biking for under-represented groups.

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

I’ve lived in Vancouver for just over 5 years now and love being able to get out on the trails in my spare time. In my day job I’m a Director of Engineering. As well as experience with web technology I also bring strong experience with team management, marketing and business strategy.

Please share any relevant employment and/or volunteer experience that you feel would be beneficial to the NSMBA Board.

I have been on the NSMBA Board for the past 4 years. I have also run my own business for over 12 years.

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors.

Although I am not an accountant, I do have financial literacy along with technology skills, strategic decision making skills, and an interest in accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion.

 

Brad Samis

Why would you like to join the NSMBA Board of Directors?

I have lived and ridden in the north shore for 21 years; both are my passion. Now with two kids who also ride, and a wife who trail runs, I would love give back to the community and sport that I love so much. I feel i have a great appreciation for the history of MTB on the north shore and often like to just chat with Digger and trail builders . I have been involved in the local race scene for years and know what a good event looks like. I have seen the MTB demographic change dramatically over the past 20 years. I love where it is heading but also lived in its past.

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

First and fore most – Passionate Mt Biker. I just completed the Coconino bike back loop in Arizona on my MTB, five days self supported 430km (see attached photo). Long time North Vancouver resident, father of two great daughters. Comfortable public speaker, professional project/Portfolio manager. Well integrated in the current MTB community in both North Van and Whistler. I work in a high paced professional environment which involves technical writing, public consultation, strategic thinking and work with Indigenous communities.

Please share any relevant employment and/or volunteer experience that you feel would be beneficial to the NSMBA Board.

I have a Degrees in Environmental sciences and a masters in Sustainability and Business. Early in my career i was involved in many Environmental Impact assessments for Oil and Gas and mining developments. No i focus more on writing strategic plans, creating and facilitating working groups. Currently I mange the decarbonization / Electrification program for Bc Hydro (where i have been for 15years). This allows me to utilize my best skills sustainability and strategic management. I regularly am involved in multi stakeholder projects that often include First Nations. I deal regularly with large corporations and small communities. I am very comfortable with technical work/writing as well as business and finance. I have regularly volunteered for the BC Bike race (which i have completed) as well as dozens a of ski races at Grouse, Cypress and whistler.

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors.

B.Sc., M.A. Professional Agrologist, and a Risk management professional. My Science degree is largely founded in soil science and forestry with a specialty in land reclamation and conservation which i feel is a unique professional skill set for the NSMBA. I also have completed several professional courses in Project/portfolio management as well as Structured Decision making. I am a Registered level one ski coach. Level two ski race official.

Colin Strong

Why would you like to join the NSMBA Board of Directors?

As a regular user of the North Shore trails, I want to give back to the organization that has already given so much to me. I want to get more involved in a community that I’m passionate about, meet people, and make new friends. Finally, I want to expand my experience working with an advocacy organization.

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

I’ve got excellent written and spoken communication skills, and an eye for detail in written copy. I have a genuine interest in including different points of view to help solve a problem creatively, and I’m not afraid to say “I don’t know” and seek other opinions. I have experience working with diverse stakeholders to deliver projects. I’m a fast learner and a hard worker.

Please share any relevant employment and/or volunteer experience that you feel would be beneficial to the NSMBA Board.

As a software developer: I have strong technical skills, and collaborate across teams and disciplines to deliver complex projects. As a former ESL teacher: I have experience working with diverse cultures, personalities, and viewpoints. I’m able to take complex topics and explain them in a manner adapted to the audience. As a former tree planter: I’m no stranger to shovelling dirt. It taught me to respect nature and conservation, and the importance of including First Nations in land management decisions.

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors.

I’m a professional software developer, employed at Shopify — I’ve got excellent technical skills. Teaching English abroad for two years gave me empathy the challenges faced by newcomers to any group, whether they be recent immigrants to Canada, or people coming to the sport of mountain biking for the first time. Living in remote northern communities and working with First Nations people exposed me to the urgency of Truth & Reconciliation..

Ella Walmsley

Why would you like to join the NSMBA Board of Directors?

I would like to join the NSMBA Board of Directors to contribute to creating an inclusive mountain biking community and encourage connection with the natural world. I believe in NSMBA’s vision of Trails for All, Trails forever, as a queer woman who believes that connection with nature will create positive change in all aspects of life and society. Joining the board would mean having the opportunity to contribute to and guide the mountain biking community in a positive direction.

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

I’m an outdoorsy person who has adopted mountain biking as my passion most recently. I’ve been a mountain bike coach for a kids club for the past 3 years so understand about creating a supportive sports community. I have volunteered for many different groups and organisations over the years from environmental community and university groups to volunteer mountain bike coaching. I’ve been self employed for the past 4 years and so know about getting projects up and started. I work as an environmental educator and have also done this through voluntary roles. I am full of energy and excitement for forests and exploring and finding small wonders in the world. I have a deep understanding and appreciation of the natural world which links nicely with NSMBA vision of trails being accessible forever. I recently moved to Canada from New Zealand and so bring a newcomer’s perspective which includes a lot of ideas and fresh eyes.

Please share any relevant employment and/or volunteer experience that you feel would be beneficial to the NSMBA Board.

My experience ranges from education to event planning and community engagement. I work as an environmental educator and have also done this as a volunteer. Through my work I have gained skills in developing education programs for school ages and community groups, I will be able to contribute to the education strategy of NSMBA with these skills. Running events and speaking to landowners has also meant engaging with local indigenous groups and partnering to gain knowledge and share ideas such as protection and monitoring of waterways. Through my work I have organised and run events including outdoor monitoring events and snorkelling tours. NSMBA has a goal to develop community events and fundraising, my experience in organising medium scale (20-100 people) events will be valuable in realising this. The events that I have led through work and volunteering have always been accessible in the sense that they welcome people at the level of knowledge/skill they are at. For example, I organised a freshwater monitoring event and provided some equipment needed and ensured that teaching during the event made sense for all ages and experience levels present. I have volunteered as a mountain bike coach for the past 3 years for a youth club and have been part of a leadership team for Forest & Bird Youth doing environmental advocacy. These experiences have instilled an understanding of the importance of youth involvement in community work. I have also gained a sense of creating safe spaces for youth to be in the outdoors and learn, this translates to creating safe spaces for adults too. I worked in a bike retail store for a year recently, gaining knowledge of the bike industry. This gave me some insight into a shops and the industry’s motives and how to then engage them in work for the biking community.

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors.

I have skills and experience in at least 4 of the areas sought after for the board of directors. I have previous board experience as a volunteer in Friends of the Farm and Forest & Bird Youth. These roles have involved working as part of a team to create a vision and then follow through on that vision. I have been part of decision making and consulting processes. With F&BY I created and lead an online action team to fulfil its mission of nature learning and engagement during Covid lockdowns. I have envisioned welcoming and fun events such as environmental monitoring workshops and large-scale community plantings and brought them to life. I have worked and continue to work in the non-profit industry and so understand fundraising and making the most of funds. I have experience in applying for funding, reporting on progress, and staying true to the funds mission through project delivery. During project delivery I have kept partners informed of achievements and progress to ensure fulfilment for all parties involved. As a queer woman in mountain biking, I have known what it is like to feel other during events so I strive to create inclusive environments in mountain biking. I have achieved this by leading women only rides welcoming all levels of rider and through my coaching experience. Coaching young women has been inspiring and being able to be a role model has lead to their continued involvement and feeling safe in the sport. Through my coaching I became accredited as a Level 1 PMBIA coach so that I could ensure I was passing on best practice and was always improving my skills. Having moved to Canada recently I have am now completing 2 indigenous knowledge courses to increase my awareness and put myself on a path towards truth and reconciliation.

Grigory Loginov

Why would you like to join the NSMBA Board of Directors?

I’d like to contribute to the community and the area where I ride the most + I hope that I can expand my personal and professional networks as well as apply and advance in my skill set and leadership by being an NSMBA Director.

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

I like helping people and having that feeling of accomplishment and some real outcomes of my work, I think I possess some useful hard and soft skills for this role and I’m happy to contribute a certain amount of my time for community work.

Please share any relevant employment and/or volunteer experience that you feel would be beneficial to the NSMBA Board.

Managerial consulting and Business analytics – Electronic Arts, Doctors of BC, Thompson Rivers University,  KPMG. Volunteering – I’m currently a mentor at Colour the Trails (CTT).

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors.

Having worked in managerial consulting and business analytics I have a pretty thorough understanding of finances, tech, decision making support and stakeholder management. I will be happy to apply my knowledge towards better operational efficiency of NSMBA as well as helping to drive those strategic discussions, workshops and working with leadership and stakeholders both within and outside of the organization.

Rachid Nayel

Why would you like to join the NSMBA Board of Directors?

To contribute positively to the advocacy efforts and preservation of our North Shore trails.

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

I am a father of 3 young boys, and a CFO. I served as the treasurer of the NSMBA for 4 years between 2010 and 2017.I have lived on the North Shore since 2009 and have ridden + maintained the trails since 2007.

Please share any relevant employment and/or volunteer experience that you feel would be beneficial to the NSMBA Board.

Financial background, working as a CFO. I served as the treasurer of the NSMBA for 4 years between 2010 and 2017.

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors.

Accounting and financial skills. Trail building experience. I am currently the treasurer of the KidSafe Project Society, supporting Vancouver’s more resilient kids.

Raj Brar

Why would you like to join the NSMBA Board of Directors?

First and foremost, I think we?re beyond lucky to have the access (free, at that!) to the north shore trail system and shortly after I started riding, I began looking for ways I could contribute. I After reading the strategic report, I realized I can offer insights and skills learned from my professional career as well as my past volunteer experiences. Using my skillset as a Chartered Professional Accountant and recent work in indigenous consultation, I would like to help preserve and extend the life the north shore trail system and assist in ensuring we’re operating as proper stewards of the land – and of course, nothing beats working alongside the community you love! 

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

Name an outdoor activity and I’ve probably dipped my feet in it. I love being outdoors, be it snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, running or generally just faffing about in the north shore. Professionally, there’s not much of a crossover between these activities and being a CPA – so I’ve taken to volunteering to bridge the professional and personal pursuits. Having spent majority of my career in consulting, I’ve enjoyed the people aspect of work and finding common ground in complex situations as a form of problem solving. I’ve relied on strong communication skills and my genuine curiosity in finding solutions that appease both sides. I think my passion for the outdoors, strong financial literacy and effective communication would support me in being a successful NSMBA director.

Please share any relevant employment and/or volunteer experience that you feel would be beneficial to the NSMBA Board.

As far as my employment and volunteer history, I’ve worked in both the public and private sector as well as having volunteered across a variety of NPOs. Having spent over four years in consulting for Deloitte Canada, I was able to provide professional financial services to a number of NPOs ranging in size, and complexity in terms of the issues we tackled. Being a CPA, I’ve been able to provide lectures on financial literacy to students in under-served communities, financial reporting advice to large and small organizations but I’m particularly proud of my time at a local Ottawa area hospital where I assisted physicians in organizing sports/ recreational therapy for in-patients as a form of exercise and socialization. More recently in my day job at Natural Resources Canada, I’ve assisted in establishing a working group solely dedicated to assessing challenges and successes related to our department’s efforts in advancing reconciliation with the indigenous communities we serve. I believe my professional experience as well as my skill-based and non-skill-based volunteering to-date will assist the NSMBA board of directors in advancing a number of the priorities identified in the strategic report.

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors.

I believe I can provide a variety of hard and soft skills, as well as competencies that will benefit the NSMBA board. My professional accreditation as a CPA will help ensure financial issues are addressed with the expected competency of a professional. The experiences both professionally and volunteer-based that I’ve discussed above will provide a strong foundation for tackling issues that are unique to funding-based NPOs. But most importantly, I believe as a strong communicator, I will be able to work effectively with board members and other partners – because none of these skills are worth much if you’re not able to communicate effectively!

Richard Grimes

Why would you like to join the NSMBA Board of Directors?

I would love to be a part of an association that gives back to the mountain biking community on the North Shore.

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

I would love to be a part of an association that gives back to the mountain biking community on the North Shore.

Please share any relevant employment and/or volunteer experience that you feel would be beneficial to the NSMBA Board.

Over 15 years of HR experience; 8 years of team leadership at a senior level. Twilight as a HR Consultant for small to medium sized businesses. I am currently a member of the Accessibility Steering Committee at my current organization where our goal is to remove all barriers for people with disabilities. I volunteer with Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports (VASS) as a Canadian Adaptive Snow Sports (CADS) Level 2 Instructor, teaching children with disabilities how to ski.

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors.

I have been a senior team leader for over 8 years. I am a collaborative team leader and strive on building high performing teams. I have experience in all aspects of HR, and in particular have experience creating and implementing people development plans, not to mention my experience with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion through my work and personal life with my son.

Robin Donovan

Why would you like to join the NSMBA Board of Directors?

I would like to continue my term on the board of directors because I believe I still have more work to do and I can provide a great resource.

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

As a commissioning provider my day to day tasks are managing various construction projects and dealing with owners, designers and contractors. I have been involved in managing projects and feel that this can also translate to projects through the NSMBA. I believe there is a correlation between dealing with owners of buildings and dealing with land owners on the trails. I also am a volunteer trail builder for the NSMBA and this year have organized social rides with a small group of friends that followed the existing FIVER series in a non race format. This allowed riders to experience new trails they might not have ridden and allowed to meet new people.

Please share any relevant employment and/or volunteer experience that you feel would be beneficial to the NSMBA Board.

I have been a building commissioning provider for 12 years and I have volunteered through the NSMBA with trail building and social events for the since 2014. I have also volunteered at mountain bike events and Crankworx as well in the past.

Tell us about any experience, accreditations or competencies which pertain to the skills being sought for the Board of Directors.

I tend to get out on my bike as often as possible during the riding season and enjoy sharing new trails with friends. I feel the community aspect of mountain biking on the North Shore is strong and would like to see it get even stronger. My experiences trail building, social events and project management would allow me to help further grow the NSMBA.