Sandra grew up in Northern California studying International business from California State University Sacramento and a Master’s degree in Enology from the University of California Davis. In 1995 she moved to BC to start Tinhorn Creek Vineyards. Over the next 20 years as winemaker was the first in Canada to use Stelvin screw top caps, expanded the marketability of Cabernet Franc and became a hub for South Okanagan events including a yearly concert series and the Oliver Festival of the Grape which she started with her husband, Ken. In 2011 Sandra stepped into the CEO/President role at the winery and continued with innovative initiatives such as driving for BC’s first sub appellation—the Golden Mile Bench, establishing Tinhorn Creek as Canada’s only carbon neutral winery and winning Canada’s safest employer award for Hospitality and Canada’s Top 100 Powerful Women awards, both in 2016. Tinhorn Creek’s major shareholders sold the winery in the fall of 2017 and Sandra and Kenn began anew, starting Elysian Projects a beverage and tourism consulting company. Her desire to give a hand up to the beverage industry led her to create the annual business conference “Fortify” which helps small companies get better at human resource, marketing and financial issues. Sandra is an active board member of the Tourism Industry Association for BC (TIABC) and is passionate about health and safety across the province. She loves social media and created the #BCWineChat hashtag on twitter in 2011 which she still manages weekly, every Wednesday.

Jeff is an accomplished leader and communicator with over a decade of successful experience in government relations, political communications, and issues management. Initially from New Brunswick, Jeff comes to ABLE BC directly from Parliament Hill in Ottawa where he worked for three different Members of Parliament-including two MPs from BC. He is well-connected in British Columbia and brings a wealth of experience working collaboratively with government, business, and industry officials-particularly in the small business and tourism sectors. In his free time, Jeff is also a ranked competitive curler and has served on the Board of Directors of the Ottawa Curling Club, where he was responsible for strategic planning and membership services to the club’s 600 members. In each of these roles, Jeff has distinguished himself as an effective and highly skilled communicator whose leadership style reflects his open, collaborative, and passionate personality.

Darcy’s work in the food service industry began at a very early age, growing up in the founding family of Dickie Dee Ice Cream Ltd. Guided by his emerging passion for the industry, Darcy began his career with A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. right after graduating from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) degree, majoring in both Marketing and Small Business/Entrepreneurship. He has been with A&W for the past 21 years in various roles covering both the Marketing and Operations departments. He is currently the General Manager, A&W Root Beer Beverages.

Bill has worked with White Spot Restaurants for over 40 years and is there current Business Consultant/Risk Manager. He closely works with the franchisees, insurers and legal teams. As well Bill oversees the Health and Safety portfolio for the brand. Throughout the years Bill has lent his time and expertise to many non-profit organizations. He is Past President of Variety “The Children’s Charity” of British Columbia (January 2014-December 2015) and continues to serve on the board since 2009. Bill has also worked on committees with Go2 HR, including the Health and Safety Technical Advisory Committee for the Food and Beverage Sector, and the Technical Advisory Committee. Bill brings his expertise in board development, governance and strong interpersonal skills to the BCHF. He has received many awards with his work with Variety including 2010 Corporate Hero Award, 2015 Variety BC Barker of the Year Award and the 2016 Variety International Presidential Citation Award. During his spare time Bill spends time with his family, and enjoys traveling and golf.

Richard has spent his entire career in the hospitality and wine & spirits industries. At a young age he started working at his family’s lodge in northern Ontario, later attending Ryerson University and going on to become Beverage Manager at Deerhurst Resort. His hospitality background gave him the opportunity to move to the wine and spirits sales over 30 years ago. Richard has been actively involved in a variety of industry associations and committees over the years. Some of these include IVSA, Drinks Ontario and the LCBO’s We Care industry fundraising committee. The BC Hospitality Foundation is an especially important cause and something Richard has become passionate for. The industry advisory committee has provided a chance to understand the purpose and people behind the BCHF. The BCHF is a unique organization and a vital part of our hospitality industry. Richard is keen to increase his involvement in the BCHF and support the great work of the board and executive team. The BCHF is playing a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic and Richard is committed to work hard to raise awareness and the ability to give back to those most in need.

Maik has spent the past 20 years working in the Hospitality and Tourism sector. In 2016, he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (Honors) in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Okanagan College in Kelowna. As a recipient of the “Future Leader Award” from the BC Hospitality Foundation, Maik was made aware of the BCHF and decided to apply his skills and give back as volunteer for the past 6 years and, now a member of the Industry Advisory Council and Member of the Board of Directors. Maik is currently working for JPdL as a Program Manager while studying towards the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. Prior to JPdL, Maik worked for Russell Hendrix, Cactus Club Café and Delta Hotels. He enjoys travel, reading, volleyball, and other outdoor activities

Al Hudec is a corporate/commercial lawyer with 40 years of experience. He is a frequent legal advisor to the BC wine industry, advising on winery purchase and sale transactions and industry regulatory matters. Al is a founding member of the Canadian Chapter of ADIV, the International Wine Law Association (Association Internationale des Juristes du Droit de la Vigne et du Vin), a member of the American Association of Wine Economics and a member of the Canadian Association for Food Law and Policy. Al speaks and writes frequently on issues relating to the Canadian wine industry. In addition to being a Member of the Bar in British Columbia and Alberta, he is also a Chartered Financial Analyst. Al splits his time between Vancouver and Oliver, BC

A visionary armed with a passion for the hustle of small business, a lifelong love of good food and drink and a staunch belief in supporting local purveyors and suppliers, James Iranzad is a respected veteran of the Vancouver hospitality industry who first began affixing his indelible mark on the scene almost two decades ago. Born in Iran, James arrived on the West Coast by way of London, England, he graduated from UBC with a degree in Art History and Shakespearean studies and made his first foray into the industry as owner of Kitsilano establishments Abigail’s Party, Hell’s Kitchen and Flying Tiger. After savouring his first taste as an owner, James joined forces with acclaimed local bartender Josh Pape to found Gooseneck Hospitality and opened the first establishment under the brand’s umbrella in Gastown’s Wildebeest in 2012. The pair went on to launch Pizzeria Bufala in Kerrisdale in 2014, Kitsilano’s Lucky Taco in 2016, and Bells and Whistles in Fraserhood/Cedar Cottage in 2017.

A long term professional in the global logistics industry, with the past 13 years primarily focused on the beverage alcohol marketplace, Geoff joined 18 Wheels logistics in 2022, providing diversified and in-depth experience in multi-modal freight, warehousing and distribution. He is a Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation (CITT) professional and has served on the CITT National Board. He currently holds executive roles on various community and industry committees and associations. Geoff started off his working life working in the hospitality industry in various capacities and fully supports the great work of the BCHF and its support to the amazing people who work in the BC industry.

Debbie brings a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry to her position as a BCHF Board Member. She worked for Delta Hotels for over three decades, including a role providing support for the Regional Vice President. Over the past 13 years, Debbie has assisted the Hotel Association of Vancouver Board of Directors and its 74 members. She has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the Association’s Hotels to Help Lottery since its inception. The annual lottery is an industry-run venture that donates all proceeds to the BCHF. The Board benefits not only from Debbie’s expertise, but also from her longstanding relationships with many individuals and businesses in the local hospitality industry.

Alana has over 15 years of experience in marketing and hospitality. She is the founder of Aurillia Consulting Ltd., a firm that provides consulting services with a focus on developing innovative marketing initiatives and business growth strategies. With her international marketing experience, Alana has successfully raised the status of clients’ brands in Canada, the UK and the USA. Alana is no stranger to the non-profit sector. She served on the board of directors for United We Can, was a member of the BCHF Industry Advisory Council and fundraising partner. Alana believes that every person should have access to financial help when they need it most. She is passionate about expanding the reach of the BCHF to help more hospitality workers with health conditions. With her entrepreneurial mindset and strong background in marketing, Alana’s goal is to make the BC Hospitality Foundation a recognized name across British Columbia by engaging new audiences through digital media campaigns, educational programs, and strategic partnerships. Alana enjoys travelling, unexpected food and wine pairings, live shows (especially the symphony) and reading.

Lucy is a lawyer with more than eight years of volunteer experience in strategic and governance areas in the Greater Vancouver Area. Lucy worked as an associate lawyer with the Maritime in Mexico for six years before relocating to BC. She was a legal assistant for seven years at the law firms Hartshorne & Mehl and Shapray Cramer in Vancouver. From 2004 to 2015, she focused on starting a family and caring for her two sons while actively volunteering in her sons’ Elementary school and taking key roles at the Carisbrooke Elementary Parent Advisory Council. A trustee and former chair of the North Vancouver District Public Library board, she developed fundraising strategies, reviewed board policies and worked on trustee orientation and recruitment parameters. She cemented her passion for the hospitality industry with a stage as a baker for two years with Cobs Bread.