Pavco Board of Directors
The Board meets at least three times a year to discuss the business of the Corporation and to provide direction to management. Ad hoc committees are formed at the call of the Chair; the Standing Committees are the Audit and Governance Committee, Community Engagement and Development Committee and Marketing and Business Development Committee. These Committees meet as required.
cHAIR
Her career includes teaching in her home community school before working for a local school district as an Aboriginal Support teacher. She was the Education Manager for Stó:lō Nation Government and developed a grade 4 longhouse program featuring the local Stó:lō culture and traditions.
In partnership with the local school district she also developed the local Halq’emeylem language program that started with an Immersion Program for “teachers of the language”. Many of those “teachers” serve as teachers of Halq’emeylem today.
Gwen also worked for the Ministry of Education Aboriginal Branch as a Regional Representative on two different occasions. She served along-side her husband with his appointment as BC’s 28th Lt. Governor.
DIRECTORS
With a career spanning two decades in real estate development and the delivery of $2 Billion in complex real estate development, Carla Guerrera stands as a visionary developer, recognized for her role in creating sustainable and leading-edge development. As the Founder and CEO of Purpose Driven Development, Carla leads a firm dedicated to executing mixed-use development projects with a people, planet and profit approach with First Nations, governments, non-profits and investors. Her adept ability to simplify complexity, reduce risk, and unlock value has proven invaluable to clients, partners, investors, and stakeholders alike.
Her proven track record is demonstrated in projects that have achieved financial success, while pushing boundaries on social, and environmental sustainability to create sustainable communities. Notably, she played a key leadership role in West Don Lands redevelopment, an 80 acre former industrial site on Toronto's waterfront and now a globally-acclaimed new neighbourhood.
Carla serves on the Board of Directors for the Thames Estuary Growth Board, the UK's largest growth initiative focused on regenerative development along the Thames River corridor.
Dan Cahill is retired from the BC Government and Employees Union where he worked as a Director of Advocacy, Human Resources, Administration and Finance; Regional Coordinator; and Staff Representative during his 12 year career.
Dan bring over 3 decades of experience as labour advocate, negotiator, arbitrator and mediator. Prior to joining the BCGEU, Dan worked in various labour and employment positions including Vice Chair and Deputy Registrar at Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal; Regional Manager with the Employment Standards Branch; and Labour Relations Specialist and Industrial Relations Officer with the Ministry of Labour.
Dan is a member and past president of the BC Federation of Fly Fishers, currently a director of the Steelhead Society of BC and continues to volunteer for campaigns and initiatives.
Previously, Ms. Coughlan was Director of Finance for the Vancouver School District (No. 39) and Accounting Manager in the North Vancouver School District (No. 44). She is currently the Vice President of the BC Association of School Business Officials and served on numerous provincial committees, including the Funding Formula Review Panel, Technical Review Committee, K-12 Education Sector Leadership Development Working Group, Accountability Framework Redesign, Procurement Steering Committee for BC Education Marketplace, Executive Committee for ERAC, Accounting Advisory Committee, and the Government Organizations Accounting and Auditing Forum.
He presently serves on the Board of the University of Victoria Properties Organization and Maple Leaf Adventures. He has contributed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Tourism Commission, the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation, and the Pacific Asia Travel Association.
He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and MBA, with a major in Marketing, along with Professional Certification from the Institutes of Canadian Advertising and Corporate Directors, and was inducted into the Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame in 2013.
Harpo's advocacy extends beyond the festival grounds, notably championing the arts and culture sector, particularly within the South Asian community. As a thought leader, Harpo has graced panels for the BC Arts Council, Break Out West, and many other community organizations. Harpo has regularly appeared in the media, including CBC Radio, News 1130, OMNI Punjabi, Shaw Multicultural, The Tyee, Cold Tea Collective, and Radio Canada, where she has shared her insights on cultural dynamics and social issues which resonate deeply.
With a relentless dedication to community empowerment and cultural representation, Harpo stands as a beacon of change and inclusivity in the Canadian cultural landscape.
Joanna is an Instructor and the former Convenor of the School of Tourism Management at Capilano University, where she teaches Human Resources and Organizational Behaviour, helping students identify their career passion and potential. She has held leadership roles in sales, catering and human resources at top hospitality brands including Marriott International, Shangri-La Hotels, Sequoia Company of Restaurants and Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse. Joanna holds a Provincial Instructor’s Diploma from Vancouver Community College and a Masters in Leadership from Royal Roads University.
Bruce Williams brings a wealth of experience, and a diverse skill set to the Board of PavCo, combining expertise in public engagement, communications, and business development. Currently serving as the CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, he was recognized as the Top Chamber Executive in Canada by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada in 2023.
Bruce's diverse background includes roles as a CEO, senior business management team member, and Chair of nonprofit boards and capital campaigns. As a skilled strategist, Bruce has coordinated public policy and advocacy messaging, created media content, and led public engagement and promotional campaigns. His role at the Chamber has been marked by significant DEI advancements and revenue generation.
In addition to his Chamber responsibilities, Bruce serves on several key committees, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Inclusive Growth Committee, and is the BC representative on the Policy Resolution Review Committee. He also leads the Vancouver Island Chambers Policy Alliance Committee and contributes to The Victoria Foundation Vital Signs Engagement Committee and The Community Liaison Committee of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.