Our Board
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
If you are interested in joining the Stroke Recovery Association of BC Board of Directors, please contact president@strokerecoverybc.ca.
The Stroke Recovery Assocaition of BC (SRABC) is a non-profit assocaition.
Biographies of SRABC Board of Directors 2011
Directors-at-Large
Dr. Gail D. Bellward
Qualifications: Ph.D. (Pharmacology); Post-doctoral Fellowship (Clinical Pharmacology); Professor Emerita, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of B.C.
Experience: Board memberships-UBC Appeals Board (1990-94); Board of Trustees, UBC Faculty Pension Plan (1990-1993); Province of B.C.- Science Council of B.C. (1992-1998); Government of Canada, various expert advisory committees( Health Canada; Environment Canada-1980s-2003); Chair, UBC Clinical Research Ethics Board,(2005-2009); present: Executive Committee, Stroke Recovery Association of B.C. Selected Awards: Killam Senior Fellow; Janssen-Ortho Award; Woman of Distinction, YWCA.
Skills: mediation; chairing and participating in boards, committees, etc.; research; teaching; administration. I am a member of the SRABC executive committee.
Dr. Kate Keetch
Relevant Work Experience: Presently I work at the Children’s Health Policy Centre in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University. My previous position was with the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy in the Faculty of Medicine at UBC. In my role as Research Grants Facilitator, there I was responsible for:
- The development, management and implementation of grant preparation, organization and funding for the department
- Seeking out and maintaining a detailed database for upcoming grant opportunities and application procedures
- Writing grant proposals for large-scale clinical/hospital based research programs
Since I took this position in March 2011, I have contributed to over 15 grant applications for more than $2.2 million dollars of potential funding. Moreover, I personally have successfully obtained funding ($200,000) from national federal funding agencies for my doctoral and postdoctoral work. Prior to my position at UBC, I worked as a medical technician and research and clinic manager at a Vancouver-based mood disorders clinic.
Educational Background: In 2009 I obtained my PhD in Psychomotor Behaviour from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. My expertise is in the area of motor learning, relearning and rehabilitation. Of particular relevance, throughout my graduate career I had a special interest in stroke recovery. I was a member of a group through the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences that met monthly to discuss current research on stroke recovery and rehabilitation.
Committee Membership: Throughout my graduate career, I was a member of several committees and consequently have a strong appreciation for what the purpose of an board of directors is, and how it can be effectively and efficiently organized and run
Once again, I am very keen on becoming involved with the SRABC and being a contributing member to this organization. I would very much welcome the opportunity to speak directly to each and every individual involved in making this important decision – and also look forward to meeting everyone, in general.
Dan Kennedy
Qualifications and Experience: I am a Senior Manager of Strategic Stakeholder Partnerships responsible for Western Canada for Sanofi Canada Inc. I have built my career in the pharmaceutical industry gaining experience in a wide range of responsibilities before taking on my current role. My contact with the neurology community over the past 10 years has led to a deep understanding and passion for improving stroke care and I have recently served on the steering committee for the development of the Coordinated Stroke Strategy for British Columbia. I am actively involved in the Deep Cove community and have served as the co-chair of the Seycove Family of Schools Auction, which is now in its 28th year and raises a substantial amount of funds annually for Deep Cove schools. I have also served as an Executive Committee member of the Stroke Recovery Association of BC for the last 4 years and he have held the position of President of the SRABC Board of Directors for the last two years. In my time on the Board, I have tried to bring a fair, objective approach to the challenges that the Association faces in order to fulfill our primary mandate – To help stroke survivors and their caregivers to have a higher quality of life. I have also used my influence to provide funding for some important SRABC programs including the Strides for Stroke event and our current Fund Development Plan
Allan Douglas Thackray
Qualifications and Experience: I have a long career in the field of law, which began in 1958 when I received my LL.B. from the University of British Columbia. Throughout my career, I was appointed Queen’s Counsel, and became a member of the Supreme Court of British Columbia, for which I primarily dealt with criminal and commercial matters. In 2007 I retired from my final position which was with the British Columbia Court of Appeal. In 2008 I rejoined the Harper Grey LLP firm, and primarily work as a consultant. Currently I live in Vancouver with my wife Maureen. I am a member of the SRABC executive committee.
Ann Wreford BA, CFRE
Qualifications and Experience: With 25 years of business experience in the not-for-profit and corporate fields, I will offer to the Board of Directors a commitment to the Stroke Recovery Association of BC with extensive knowledge in volunteer management and fund development. Born and brought up in England, I married a Canadian, hence Canada became my home. After many years of child rearing, studying and part time jobs, I worked for 10 years at CIBC in Toronto in the systems and management areas, before moving to Vancouver in 1994. Having volunteered over the years, I decided to find employment in the not-for-profit field. Initially working for the Alzheimer Society of BC and the Arthritis Society, I gained experience in fundraising through special events, direct mail, monthly giving and donor recognition. In 1998 my husband and I moved to Thailand for a three year project. Knowing how important it was for young Thais to learn English, especially in the business world, I volunteered to teach conversational English classes at a state run high school. Returning to Vancouver in 2001 I worked for St. Vincent’s and Holy Family Health Care Foundation (now Tapestry Foundation for Health Care) and retired in 2007. My position was Manager, Gift Planning, where I secured large major gifts from individuals, foundations and service clubs and future gifts from individuals for the residents of long term care facilities of Providence Health Care. Finally, I opened a small consulting company which I closed in 2010.
My volunteer experience includes, in earlier years, canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Foundation; the Canadian Cancer Society; special events committees for the Canadian Mental Health Association. More recent experience was President of the North Shore Chorus choir and a member of my condominium Strata Council.
Current hobbies include singing, running, swimming, dragon boating, tennis as well as spending quality time in retirement with my husband and doggie.
For your information, I had a stroke more than 20 years ago and so the work of the Board of Directors and the Stroke Recovery Association of BC is very relevant to me.
Casey Crawford
I have recently re-joined the Board at SRABC. Previously, I was a Board member from 2006 to 2011. As a volunteer board member, I help contribute to a number of organizations, including Vancouver United Football Club and Little Mountain Baseball and the Quilchena Elementary Parent Advisory Council. I have also had experience working on boards with the Canadian Diabetes Association and YES Canada-BC (a non-profit society providing education and employment services to youth). As a communications and marketing professional, I bring my skills in these areas to assist organizations to deliver their message to their various stakeholders.
Since graduating from SFU, have over 25 years experience in customer service, marketing and sales. Currently, I am a Project Manager with Canada Wide Media – a large publishing and communications firm located in Burnaby, where I oversee several specialty publications and projects. I assist my clients, including many not-for-profit, maximize their marketing efforts with limited funds.
A resident of Greater Vancouver all my life, I live in Vancouver with my wife and two, very active sons.
Regional Directors
Mary-Joan Giffin: Interior Region
Qualifications and Experience: Mary Joan was a director of the Burnaby South Branch from 1996-2008. She became a director of the Vernon Branch in 2009.
She has volunteered for SRABC in the following projects:
1. Hospital Liaison
Mary Joan called hospitals throughout BC to determine their needs for our new promotional materials ‘Stroke Information Booklet’ and Stroke Recovery Association of BC pamphlet, to be used with stroke survivors receiving in-patient care. She then created a list of materials they requested from SRABC and arranged for these to be mailed out.
2. Annual Retreat Organisation
A three-day retreat has been incorporated into the June Board of Directors meeting at Naramata, BC. Stroke survivors, caregivers, branch directors and coordinators attend from all parts of BC. Mary Joan liaises with The Naramata Centre to coordinate meals, accommodation and room bookings. She also runs the registration desk at the retreat.
3. Branch Director
Mary Joan acts as a volunteer branch director for the Stroke Recovery Association of BC, Vernon Branch.
4. RBC Volunteer Grants Program
Mary Joan volunteers for SRABC under this program and every year we receive a donation as a result. The grant funds in 2011/12 will be used to contribute towards the expense of mailing costs for promotional materials.
Gregory J. D. McKinstry: Vancouver Coastal Region
Board Experience:
Village Farms Income Trust 2000-2011, Great Canadian Casino Limited 2002-2003 (Board of Directors Chair, Audit Committee and Chair, Governance Committee), P.A. Woodward Foundation, Vancouver B.C. (Director 1987-1991) 2001-Current, Prostate Centre at VGH, Vancouver B.C. Annual Golf Committee 2004-2005, United Way of the Lower Mainland, Board of Directors & Secretary-Treasurer 1997 Vancouver Public Library, Capital Campaign 1994, Schneider Museum of Art, Ashland Oregon Director 1991-1993, Science World, Corporate Campaign, Committee Chair 1987-1988, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Development Counsel 1988-1990, Friends of Triumf 1989-1990, and British Columbia Kidney Foundation, Director and Treasurer 1985-1987.
Career History:
Versacold Income Trust 2000-2002: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Fujitsu Consulting Inc. 1998-2000: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer- North America, MacMillan Bloedel 1997-1998: Vancouver, British Columbian Chief Financial Officer- Distribution Division, Mohawk Canada Limited: 1994-1996 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and DMR Group Inc.: Vice President, Support Manager, North America West 1992-1993, Director, Plans & Control 1993-1994. Business Consultant at: Bear Creek Corporation: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 1979-1989, Woodward’s Limited: Senior Vice President, Finance and Director Treasurer and Assistant Secretary, Company Accounts Manager, Research Manager 1974-1979, and IBM Canada Limited: Market Representative, Systems Engineer 1970-1974, T. Eaton Company: Area Services Manager, Research Analyst 1969-1970.
Education:
Canadian Securities Course 1993, Master of Business Administration, University of British Columbia 1985, Bachelor of Commerce, University of British Columbia 1970.
Directors Appointed by the Board:
Marc A. Montrichard
Qualifications: Certified Management Accountant
University of Toronto – Bachelor of Commerce, Specialist Management & Economics Co-op
I have my Financial Risk Manager designation, and have completed the CMA Strategic Leadership Program.
Experience and skills: I am a finance and risk professional who is eager to contribute to strategic decision-making while continuing to learn new skills. I am a service minded individual and a student of strategy. The CMA program has provided a good foundation for my development and I now hope to apply that knowledge while continuing to learn from seasoned professionals.
I am looking for new challenges and learning opportunities in finance and risk management. I support the growth and performance of organizations by utilizing my skills in Management Reporting, Implementation and Analysis. Strengths include:
• Engaging stakeholders, building consensus and managing expectations
• Identifying and implementing strategies to increase operating efficiency and profitability
• Improving credibility through fiscal accountability and strengthening of internal controls
Atul Gadhia
Qualifications and Experience: I moved from London, England in 1996 with a degree in Sports and Recreational Management. I had the opportunity to work with a number of non-profit organisations from Hostelling International to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, as well as the Stroke Recovery Association of BC.
In 2004, I was the Provincial Coordinator of the Stroke Recovery Association of BC. My time with SRABC was one of great opportunity, learning and excitement. After 3 wonderful years, I moved to Toronto to pursue a managerial position with the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. In 2010, I decided to move back to Vancouver to be closer to family and friends and to take on a new challenge as a Student Recruiter -Advisor with The University of British Columbia. My years of experience, along with building relationships with diverse members of the SRABC and the MS Society of Canada have equipped me with the necessary tools and knowledge to serve on the Board of Directors and to contribute to the goals and objectives of the SRABC mission.
In my spare time in I find balance through my love of running, practicing yoga and meditation.
