Copy Current Board of Directors & Advisors (Copy)

Ruth Simons - President since 2017Ruth has been a dedicated volunteer in Howe Sound for nine years following a term as Village of Lions Bay Council member (2008-2011). Prior to 2008 she was in the travel insurance industry as a business owner and CE… — **Ruth Simons - President & Executive Director since 2017**
Ruth has been a dedicated volunteer in Howe Sound for ten years following a term as Village of Lions Bay Council member (2008-2011). Prior to 2008, she was in the travel insurance industry as a business owner and CEO. She has been advocating for a holistic comprehensive land and marine use plan for the region since 2012. Ruth has been the Coordinator of the Howe Sound Community Forums for the past 8 years and leading the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative since its start in 2016. A lifelong resident of the region, she is happiest in nature often seen either on the trails or the water. **RuthSimons@howesoundbri.org**

**Joseph Moric - Research Assistant**
Joey comes from a diverse background of field ecology, fisheries research, and work in the marine industry. After completing his BSc in Natural Resource Conservation at UBC, Joseph worked in various technical roles including with the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council, the Canadian Coast Guard, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada. His passion for the Coast Mountains, community driven conservation, and the vibrancy of Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound has led him to work with HSBRIS. Joseph lives in Squamish and can often be found out in the mountains or exploring the rock climbing around town. **josephmoric@howesoundbri.org**

Joyce Williams – Squamish Nation Co-Chair since 2020 Joyce is from the traditional village of Waiwakum, BC. She was elected to the Squamish Nation Council (2017-2021) as an advocate for the protection of the sacred land and waters within the territo… — **Joyce Williams – Squamish Nation Co-Chair since 2020**
Joyce is from the traditional village of Waiwakum, BC. She was elected to the Squamish Nation Council (2017-2025) as an advocate for the protection of the sacred land and waters within the territory and for the Culture of the Skwxwu7meshulh. Joyce is Chair of the Indigenous Education Council School District #48, the Squamish Nation Climate Task Force and Chair of the Rights and Titles Advisory Committee. She is passionate about the need for building relationships to create solutions, and will never forget her three-week Tribal Journey by canoe from Atl’ka7tsem to Bella Bella adventure.

**Isabella Johnston - Community Outreach Coordinator (summer)**
Bella's deep connection with the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound comes from the summers she spent exploring Gambier Island with family and friends. She just completed two years at Dalhousie University studying Community Design & Sustainability and is now continuing her undergraduate degree at the University of Victoria with a focus on physical geography. Her passion for sustainability, the diversity of the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound area and an eagerness to get into the field as a student has led her to work with HSBRIS. She is an outdoor enthusiast and can be found exploring Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound through mountain biking, backcountry skiing, hiking or on the water. **bellajohnston@howesoundbri.org**

Diane Mitchell - Administrator - Part-time

After working with HSBRIS as a volunteer for over a year, Diane now officially works part-time, assisting with administration, writing and editing. She is the owner of Red Rock Creative and self-published In Love With Earth in Squamish & Whistler book in 2015. Her expertise is content development for exhibits. Clients include Sea to Sky Gondola and Malahat Skywalk. After 14 years as the Curator of education and collections at the Britannia Mine Museum, Diane is now pursuing her love for nature and a healthy environment. Diane lives in Squamish and can be reached at admin@howesoundbri.org

Ian Winn - Vice President since 2018Ian has been a dedicated community member for 10 years including a term as Area Director for the West Howe Sound electoral area (2015-2018). Following a career in the forest industry and high technology manufactur… — **Ian Winn - Vice President since 2018**
Ian has been a dedicated community member for 10 years including a term as Area Director for the West Howe Sound electoral area (2015-2018). Following a career in the forest industry and high technology manufacturing management, Ian and his wife settled on the Sunshine Coast and are now tourism entrepreneurs. Ian is passionate about the need for sustainably run industry and business in the region as well as for good planning to ensure the continued recovery of Howe Sound. Ian is an avid outdoor enthusiast and is often seen enjoying a good catch of crab and prawns with neighbors.

**Micaela Anguita - OECM Project Director**
Mica's upbringing fostered a deep connection to nature, leading her to complete a BSc in Natural Resource Conservation with a focus in Science Mgt at UBC and an Advanced Diploma in GIS at BCIT. Her interests include science communication and the use of visualizations to break down the scientific language barrier, as well as the prioritization of Traditional Knowledge in landscape level planning. Mica has been working as a restoration and conservation project manager on the unceded lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat7úl Nations for many years. Mica explores through rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and trail running. micaelaanguita@howesoundbri.org

Dr. Hasan Hutchinson - Treasurer since 2020Hasan has spent 10 years dedicating his career to nutrition as the Director General of the Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion Health Canada, the focal point for public health nutrition within the fede… — **Dr. Hasan Hutchinson - Treasurer since 2020**
Hasan has spent 10 years dedicating his career to nutrition as the Director General of the Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion Health Canada, the focal point for public health nutrition within the federal government. He is an Associate with the Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue and is passionate about healthy, sustainable food and living systems. Hasan spent his early years on the mountains around Howe Sound and has now returned home to settle on Bowen Island. He is an outdoorsman and enjoys volunteering in the community.

**Leslie Anthony PhD- Advisor**
Leslie is an adventure travel and science/environment writer, writing extensively about climate, ecosystems and biodiversity in the popular literature. He holds a PhD in Zoology and Evolutionary Ecology and is currently a Research Associate in the Reptile & Amphibian Section of the Department of Natural History at the Royal Ontario Museum. He sits on the boards of the Canadian Herpetological Society, Whistler Naturalists, Fire & Ice Aspiring Geopark, Snow Lovers, and chairs the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council. Leslie lives in Whistler and loves adventuring in the outdoors.

Stephanie Hewson - Governance Advisor Stephanie Hewson, B.A.&Sc., B.C.L., LL.B., is a Staff Lawyer with the Marine Program at West Coast Environmental Law. Her work focuses on ocean protection at the local and federal levels, with an emphasis on m — **Stephanie Hewson - Advisor**
Stephanie Hewson, B.A.&Sc., B.C.L., LL.B., is a Staff Lawyer with the Marine Program at West Coast Environmental Law. Her work focuses on ocean protection at the local and federal levels, with an emphasis on marine protected areas and the impacts of commercial shipping, aquaculture and offshore oil and gas. Stephanie is the lead author of WCEL’s new *Guide to Coastal and Ocean Protection Law in British Columbia*, and co-author of reports on marine spills, and reducing shipping impacts in marine protected areas. She has contributed to the successful reform of the *Oceans Act* and the development of protection standards for all federal marine protected areas. Stephanie lives in Squamish and can often be found in her happy place, walking along the estuary.

**Suzanne Senger - Director and Secretary since 2017**
Suzanne is a dedicated nature lover, passionate community advocate and former tourism proprietor in the Town of Gibsons. She is a Campaigns Director with BC Spaces for Nature, long time supporter of a UNESCO designation for Howe Sound and a founding director. Suzanne works as a strategic advisor with a number of BC NGOS including the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association. When not away on an adventure, Suzanne can be found in her garden, or hiking and biking in her community.

Bob Turner - Honorary Director. Bob was a founding director and a significant contributor to the UNESCO nomination. He is a long-time steward and advocate for a healthy Howe Sound, a federal scientist and two-term Mayor of Bowen Island. Often in his — **Bob Turner - Honorary Director & Advisor**
Bob was a founding director and a significant contributor to the UNESCO nomination. He is a long-time steward and advocate for a healthy Howe Sound, a federal scientist and two-term Mayor of Bowen Island. Often in his kayak capturing the marine life for another of his wonderful films, he is a passionate about connecting people with nature through storytelling. A more recent project that Bob has championed is the Bowen Island Marine Atlas.

Patricia Plackett PhD - Director since 2017Pat is a Socio-economics specialist with PhDs in anthropology and economics. She has many years of experience in university teaching and managing sustainability-related initiatives. Pat is currently teachin… — **Patricia Plackett PhD - Director since 2017**
Pat is a Socio-economics specialist with PhDs in anthropology and economics. She has many years of experience in university teaching and managing sustainability-related initiatives. Pat is currently teaching at Simon Fraser University and is the chair of the Suzuki Elders Council. She has been connected to the Sunshine Coast and Bowen Island for many years but is most often seen enjoying the outdoors from a float home in Coal Harbour.