Ruth Simons, D.Litt. - President & Executive Director since 2017
Ruth has been a dedicated volunteer in Howe Sound following a term as a Village of Lions Bay Council member (2008-2011). Prior to 2008, she was in the travel insurance industry as a business owner and CEO. For her work on leadership towards achieving the UNESCO designation, Ruth received one of the highest honours from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)—an Esémkwu (blanketing ceremony) in recognition for her achievement and an Honorary Degree of Letters from Capilano University in 2023. A lifelong resident of the region, she is happiest in nature often seen either on the trails or the water. RuthSimons@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 (2017-2025) 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.
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
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
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.
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.
Dr. Hasan Hutchinson - Director 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.
Cathy Jenkins - Director since September 2023
Cathy has 15+ years senior leadership experience in the tourism and education sectors and is currently the Project Manager at Cheakamus Centre. She is a founding director of the Cheakamus Foundation for Environmental Learning and is passionate about lifelong learning. Cathy is also a volunteer board member with the Whistler Institute of Learning Society. An outdoor enthusiast, Cathy loves exploring the trails and special places in her Sea to Sky backyard paradise.
Cameron Burke - Director since September 2023
Born and raised in Vancouver Cam has spent his life in, on and around Howe Sound. He is an experienced tech entrepreneur, advisor and investor, consistently implementing strategies that harmonize profitability with long-term sustainability and environmental stewardship. He was recognized by Business in Vancouver, Top 40 under 40 in 2015 and today is a partner at Fort Capital Partners- Technology & Innovation Banking. Cam sits on various boards including the Museum of Vancouver. Nothing makes him happier than being on the water in Howe Sound.
Jenn Schofield - Treasurer - Director since September 2023
Jenn is a Partner at MNP LLP and serves as their Financial Services Director for Indigenous Services. Prior to joining MNP, Jenn was a CFO for a First Nation on Vancouver Island and had also worked with researchers and Indigenous communities from Ghana, Tanzania, and Canada, exploring the impact of national parks on Indigenous communities. Jenn has explored Átl'ka7tsem through skiing, hiking, paddleboarding and completing all of her scuba diving certifications in the waters here. This has given Jenn a deep appreciation for the unique biodiversity of Átl'ka7tsem and a strong desire to engage in its conservation a meaningful way.
Robert Walker - Director Since October 2023
Bob Walker is a sustainability consultant with thirty years of experience, helping lead the development of the sustainable investing industry in Canada and globally. Bob currently chairs the Nominations and Governance Committee of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), a top global environmental think-tank. A resident of Horseshoe Bay, Bob has a passion for backcountry skiing, cycling, hiking, and open water swimming — literally immersing himself In Howe Sound nearly every day.
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 - Honorary Director
Pat served on the board since early days of 2017 and with her background as a Socio-economics specialist with PhDs in anthropology and economics, her many years of experience in university teaching and managing sustainability-related initiatives her contribution has been greatly appreciated. Pat continues her work teaching at Simon Fraser University and is the chair of the Suzuki Elders Council.