President
Mike Keenan
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Mike Keenan is proud to call himself a ‘local’ boy having attended both elementary and high school in Maple Ridge. Along with his wife of 35 years, Cheryl, they have raised their two daughters here as well, and now enjoy time with their two grandsons in this fine city. Having retired as a high school principal in 2018, Mike was honoured to be asked to serve in the President role for the 2020 BC Summer Games and he looks forward to committing the time and energy necessary to make our Games a success. He has personally participated in the Games four times since their inception; twice as an athlete and twice as a coach. Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are no strangers to producing highly accomplished athletes on the international stage. Larry Walker, Cam Neely, Greg Moore, Brendan Morrison, Andrew Ladd, and Karina LeBlanc are just a few local products who have made their hometowns proud. Mike acknowledges that these individuals, and others, needed to get their start somewhere, and the BC Games represent one of these opportunities for young, aspiring athletes. Mike and the Board of Directors of 2020 BC Summer Games look forward to welcoming athletes and their families from across the province to Maple Ridge next July. They will do all they can to offer a competitive opportunity that adheres to the concept fair play, sportsmanship and an appreciation of physical fitness in our daily lives. |
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Vice President
Tom Bowen
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Tom Bowen has lived in Pitt Meadows or Maple Ridge since 1988. He is co-founder of Hazmasters Environmental, building it to 12 branches and 158 employees across Canada, and eventually selling it to an American company in 2014. While Tom has been retired since 2014 he has a part time job delivering groceries for Save-On Foods because he just can’t sit around! Both of Tom's daughters grew up playing ball in our local association and he began coaching from day one in 1997 until his youngest graduated in 2016. A highlight for Tom was winning the World Series in Park City Utah in 2008 with his first group of 18 year olds. Tom's biggest satisfaction and his motivator was steering these great groups of gals on the right track and keeping their focus on the game and the importance of being good citizens. Tom was also actively involved in getting the Steve Nash Youth Basketball program started for boys and girls back in the late 90s. He has been a member of Maple Ridge Community Church since 1993 and has served in its growth over the years. Tom has also been involved with the RCMP choir that tours the seniors’ homes at Christmas-time. |
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Director of Access Control
Dave Walsh
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Dave Walsh retired from the RCMP in 2015 after serving 34 years. For most of this time Dave served in the areas of general duties, drug section and major crime as well the Emergency Response Team. He was the Officer in Charge of Ridge-Meadows RCMP Detachment from 2009 to 2013. He also worked at the Critical Incident Program at RCMP Headquarters in Vancouver. During the 2010 Olympic Winter Games he was one of the Critical Incident Commanders. Dave currently resides in the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows area. |
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Director of Accommodation
Ken Elphick
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Ken Elphick and his wife have both lived and worked in Maple Ridge for the past 23 years and they are proud to call Maple Ridge home. They have three children, one of which is finishing grade 11 at MRSS, while the older two are in University. For the first twenty years of his career Ken was a teacher and coach at Maple Ridge Secondary. Presently, he is the Vice Principal of Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary. Ken has coached track and field for the past 23 years and has also spent many years coaching soccer in the community for Golden Ears and WCAGFC as his children were growing up. Ken has loved sport throughout his life and his children have benefited from their participation in both community and school sports in Maple Ridge. Ken believes that bringing the BC Summer Games to Maple Ridge provides the community with a great opportunity show its inclusive and generous spirit. |
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Director of Administration
John Thomson
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John is originally from London, Ontario and moved to the lower mainland of BC in 1995. He has lived and worked in Maple Ridge since 2007. A CPA since 2012, he became a partner in the accounting firm EPR Maple Ridge Langley, Chartered Professional Accountants in 2016. A firm believer in giving back to the community, John has been involved with the Maple Ridge Chamber of Commerce and Ridge Meadows Ministries Community Council. The father of three young children, he is also very involved in their various sport and arts activities. In his leisure time, John enjoys spending time with his young family, snowboarding, and golfing. |
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Director of Ceremonies & Special Events
Korleen Carreras
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Korleen Carreras, her husband, and two children moved to Pitt Meadows over eleven years ago and quickly became involved in the warm and welcoming community. She was first elected to the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School Board in 2014 and currently sits on the Ridge Meadows Education Fund, Maple Ridge Cultural Implementation Committee, BC School Trustees Association’s Professional Learning Committee, BC School Trustees Association’s Provincial Council, and is the board representative for the BC Public School Employers’ Association. Korleen was elected chairperson for the board in November 2018. Korleem has always embraced leadership and forging community connections. In her early 20s she started a successful dance school business in Port Moody where she oversaw 25 staff members and contributed to the arts education of 450 children each year. After retiring from teaching she had been active in the labour movement holding elected position within her Union. Korleen has continued to stay active in the arts community as a member of the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Arts Council for six years. During her term as President she worked closely with the City of Maple Ridge and various arts stakeholders to expand arts on Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows. Korleen was also on the board of directors for the Coastal Sound International Choral Festival, a biennial event that brought together over 400 youth from around the world to SFU for workshops with world renowned choral conductors and daily concerts at various locations around the Lower Mainland. Korleen believes in the power of community and sporting events like the BC Summer Games have a special way of bringing people together, instilling a sense of pride, and honouring and celebrating our diverse community. Korleen is incredibly proud to take on this role and work with such a talented group on the board of directors. |
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Director of Food Services
Lorraine Hugill
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Lorraine Hugill is a mother of three children that she is raising in Maple Ridge. Raised in Coquitlam, Lorraine moved to Maple Ridge 13 years ago. As a lifelong British Columbian, she has enjoyed seeing many friends participate in the BC Games and was so proud when her son Carter became a gold medalist in the Cowichan 2018 BC Summer Games. After a decade in hotel/food and beverage management, Lorraine took a break to stay home and raise her children. In 2018, she joined Alouette Addictions Services as a Fundraiser. Lorraine loves this community and is thrilled to play a role in the 2020 BC Summer Games. |
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Director of Friends of the Games
Rick Howard
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Rick Howard was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, attending school there through grade 12. He attended the University of Alberta graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm). In 1974 Rick started his lifetime Commercial Banking/Branch Management career working for the TD Bank in Edmonton, subsequently transferring to Red Deer (1976), Calgary (1979), Kelowna (1988) and Maple Ridge (1995). In 2001 Rick left The TD Bank and went to work for Canadian Western Bank opening new branches in Surrey and Abbotsford, retiring in 2010. During his career Rick also obtained several other designations including the Canadian Securities Course, Institute of Canadian Bankers Investment Funds in Canada, Personal Financial Planner (PFP), and the Financial Planners Standards Council of Canada Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. Rick has been happily married to Jennifer (retired School Teacher) for 42 years and has two grown daughters, Lyndsey (Jason) and Lisa (Brad) and two grandchildren, Kayden (10) and Joshua (7).....all of whom he is immensely proud of! Rick has been involved in many charitable and business organizations during and subsequent to his career, including the Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Kelowna Canada Day Society, Central Okanagan United Way, Ridge Meadows Health Council, Fraser-Burrard Health Society (now Fraser Health), Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows 2009 BC Disability Games. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Fraser Valley, Maple Ridge Community Foundation, and the Probus Club of Maple Ridge. |
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Director of Logistics
Russ Carmichael
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Russ Carmichael and his family have lived in Maple Ridge since 1988. He is a Civil Technologist and in 2016 he retired from the City of Maple Ridge as the Director of Public Works. In his role Russ and his team were responsible for maintaining roads, fleet, procurement, water, sewers, as well as street and signal systems. There were many other opportunities such as being part of the green team that implemented fleet changeover to hybrid and electric vehicles as well as an member of the Bicycle Advisory Committee for Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows and the Community Builders City volunteer team. Now he continues to volunteer on humanitarian projects around the world and is a volunteer project officer with Developing World Connections for Asia and Africa. He serves on the board of the amazing Ridge Meadows Recycling Society and participates in several initiatives including the Repair Cafe. In his leisure time he is active in hockey, curling, skiing, hiking, and biking. Most recently he hiked the West Coast Trail and with his wife Chris and team worked to rebuild a school in Kenya. |
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Director of Marketing
Lisa Craik
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Lisa Craik has been a resident of Maple Ridge for over 20 years and in the media business since 1999. She has raised her family in this area and has actively volunteered and participated in her children’s sport and academic careers. She is a board member with the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation, past volunteer with the Ridge Meadows Minor Ball Hockey Association, and local secondary high school committees, to name just a few. She actively participates in and sponsors numerous local events, non-profit groups, and businesses and also manages the day to day operations of The News both in print and online. Lisa has been with Black Press Media for 17 years and oversees all departments at The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News. She has recently begun traveling to other Black Press publications to assist in certain training aspects in the marketing departments. She is the recipient of the President's Award from Black Press Media and has earned multiple B.C. and Yukon Community Newspaper and Canadian Community Newspaper Advertising awards, local Chamber awards, and is proud to represent the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News and Black Press Media. She is also the publisher and managing editor of Bijou Lifestyle Magazine serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows, which just recently launched in these markets. |
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Directors of Medical Services
Dr. Brett Wee
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Dr. Brett Wee's personal mission is to provide unique, personally tailored, unparalleled care to his community while educating his patients on self-care. He lives by his mission statement, "Give patients the guidance, let them drive their own car to the path of optimal health". He graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology, he then moved on to graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic West Campus (San Jose-Bay Area). He is an active member of the College of Chiropractors of BC (CCBC), Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA), and British Columbia Chiropractic Association (BCCA). During his career he has worked with SFU Mens Soccer, SFU Mens Lacrosse teams, NFL players, MLB players and MMA fighters. Apart from practicing in Maple Ridge, Dr. Wee enjoys exploring the wilderness of British Columbia with his girlfriend, as well as yoga and reading. He is beyond excited and honored to contribute to the team leading up to the 2020 BC Summer Games.
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Dr. Bryson Chow  |
Dr. Bryson Chow has been a Chiropractor for the past 9 years. He is the owner of Kinectiv Sport + Health, a team-oriented clinic focused on helping guide community members to a pain-free and productive quality of life offering Chiropractic, Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy, Counselling, and Pedorthic services. Being a proud supporter and sponsor of the Ridge Meadows Minor Lacrosse Association and an advocated for baseline concussion testing for kids, he was honoured to be approached to serve as as one of the Directors of Medical Services for the 2020 BC Summer Games. Bryson attended Simon Fraser University, playing for the lacrosse team while obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2007. He graduated cum laude honors Doctor of Chiropractic in 2010 from Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCUHS) in Whittier, California. During his tenure at SCUHS he was awarded the university’s President’s Award and a Student American Chiropractic Association Leadership Award for serving as the Associated Student Body President for three years and for politically advocating change in health policy for Chiropractic care for active military and veterans in Washington, DC. He was a student fellow in Germany for his clinical interest in sports at the Deutsche Akademie fur Angewandte Sportmedizin (German Academy of Applied Sports Medicine) in Regensburg, Germany. Bryson's experiences include work with USA Field Hockey, USA Waterpolo, professional mixed martial arts fighters, SFU Men's Lacrosse, and various BC Junior A/B lacrosse teams. Bryson recognizes the importance of sport for youth on their health and personal growth. For these reasons he looks forward to providing his experience to help host a successful Games. |
Director of Participant & Volunteer Services
Kim Dumore
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Kim Dumore has spent most of the past 25 years effectively balancing her jobs as mother and small business owner, while also carving out time for her many community commitments. Any endeavor involving children, or helping others in need, is where Kim directs her energy. Kim is currently a School District Trustee here in Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows and the project coordinator for the Ridge Meadows Community Action Table. Kim has been able to engage in even more volunteer opportunities as she was Chair of the District Parent Advisory Council, and is a Kiwanis member and has created and continues to support multiple food programs in our school community. As a volunteer at Cythera Thrift Store, Kim mentors at-risk youth and she is also an active board member with the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Arts Council. Kim is looking forward to the opportunity to help support the 2020 BC Summer Games. |
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Director of Protocol
Gay Conn
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Gay Conn and her husband moved to Pitt Meadows in 1984 where they raised their three sons and were active in their schools and sports. For 36 years Gay worked as a payroll specialist. After sixteen years of service with Interfor-Hammond Cedar she took an early retirement which turned out to be very short-lived. As a long time volunteer for the North Fraser Therapeutic Riding Association, when an employment opportunity presented itself, Gay immediately jumped onboard. Over the next few years she enjoyed what she describes as the most personally gratifying role of her working career. The final four years of her work life was as a Constituency Assistant to the previous MLA for Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows – Dr. Doug Bing. This was a wonderful learning opportunity which created in her a deep respect and appreciation for the work of elected officials. Gay is now happily retired and she and her husband are now frequently out exploring the world. When not travelling Gay is able to pursue her love of horses, sharing countless hours with my lovely mare, Grace. Gay has volunteered for as long as she can remember, and has been richly blessed by the experiences and the friendships made. Gay is honoured and excited to be a part of the team organizing the 2020 BC Summer Games. |
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Director of Technology
Richard Eskandar
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Richard Eskandar has 20 years of experience as an IT leader and has worked for the Maple Ridge School District, Langara College, and the University of the Fraser Valley. He has recently become the Director of Information Technology for the Langley School District. He has a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from Royal Roads University and is a Project Management Professional (PMP) with the Project Management Institute. Richard has lived in Maple Ridge for the last 30 years and was the IT Manager for the Maple Ridge School District for nine years. He has strong relationships with a broad range of community stakeholders and has a keen understanding of the community, its facilities and IT capabilities.
He is an avid squash and tennis player and enjoys many outdoor activities. |
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Directors of Sport
Eric Muller
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Eric grew up in Maple Ridge and was grateful for the opportunity to participate in the BC Summer Games as an athlete on three occasions. He and his wife Lorie have raised their two children in Pitt Meadows for the past 22 years. Eric’s love of sport started with a positive influence of being coached by his father and then by his high school coach at Maple Ridge Secondary School. Like many parents Eric too became a coach for his two children. Their daughter Elise is now a rock climbing coach and their son is a senior middle distance runner on an athletic scholarship at WSU. Eric regularly competes today but spends most of his time coaching other runners through his business Sole Experience Running Company since 2012. Helping people enjoy running is an essential part of day to day life for Eric and his family. It is also how the entire family helps other families in need through sport. Lorie founded Athletes In Kind Charitable Society in 2005 to support families who have a child in cancer treatment. Over the past 15 years they have organized kids run programs, the Mundy Park Charity Trail Race, the Canada Day Charity 8k, OktoberFAST, and the Generation Run among many other events. Eric knows first hand the positive and lasting impact the BC Summer Games have not only on a young athlete and the host community but also those who hear the stories of those athletes, years or even decades later. Healthy competition changes your view of yourself, your home, and ultimately your country. He’s looking forward to creating some great stories in 2020! |
Bill Johnstone
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Bill Johnstone has been a resident of Maple Ridge for close to 30 years. He and his wife Elaina are currently raising three daughters and one son, all of whom have been active in a number of sports. Bill has been very involved in the local soccer community since settling in Maple Ridge. During this time he has served as a coach with the Golden Ears Soccer Club and currently he is the Technical Director of the Albion Football Club. Bill also founded Precision Soccer, which has ran a number of successful spring and summer soccer camps in the Maple Ridge area for a number of years. Bill was involved in BC Special Olympics for 15 years as a soccer coach, both in Maple Ridge and Surrey. He attended many Provincial and Canadian Championships and in 2007 was named the Head Coach of the gold-winning Canadian Soccer Team at the World Games in Shanghai, China. Bill was recognized by BC Soccer for his years of volunteering, winning the BC Soccer Award of Merit in 2008. He has served as a director of a large soccer club and participated on various soccer technical advisory committees. Bill believes sport brings communities together and develops not only athletes but great individuals which makes us all stronger. He is very honored and humbled to be offered this position and looks forward to being apart of a great BC Summer Games in our beautiful city of Maple Ridge. |
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Director of Transportation
Paul Harrison
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Paul and his wife Kris moved to Pitt Meadows in 1989 where we raised their two daughters Kari and Holly. Paul retired from School District No. 42 (Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows) in June 2018 after 27 years in the purchasing department, the last 20 as the Purchasing & Transportation Manager. Over the years Paul has designed numerous school bus routes and worked with a number of school bus company contractors. He continues to have a good working relationship with many of the people currently working in the industry. Paul looks forward to helping with the 2020 BC Summer Games in any capacity that he can. |
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Board Liaison
City of Maple Ridge
Christa Balatti
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Growing up on the outskirts of Prince George, Christa participated in numerous outdoor activities and club and high school sports. After completing her bachelor’s degree at Simon Fraser University, she and her husband Nolan chose Maple Ridge to plant roots and raise their three sons. When her first born was old enough to participate in organized sport, she readily lent a hand to manage, scorekeep games, fundraise or offer support to the minor hockey and minor lacrosse organizations. In watching her sons thrive as they navigated through their various sporting experiences and being a part herself of the local sport community she has witnessed the power and influence of sport, competition, and inclusion and the tremendous benefits for those involved. Christa feels privileged to work for the City of Maple Ridge for nine years as the Recreation Manager in Parks, Recreation & Culture. Every since the bid to host the BC Summer Games was submitted she and the PRC staff team have been eagerly awaiting the planning process and are extremely honoured to have a role in staging a spectacular multi-sport event in Maple Ridge and sharing this beautiful City with all of British Columbia. She extends a sincere appreciation and admiration to the Maple Ridge 2020 BC Summer Games Board of Directors, who are amazingly generous individuals, primed to share their gifts in facilitating the 2020 BC Summer Games. |
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Board Liaison
School District 42
John Hayer
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Working at the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows school district for 5 years, John Hayer came from the healthcare industry where he held Management positions at Jim Pattison Outpatient Care & Surgery Center, Langley Memorial Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital. At SD42 he oversees over 80 custodians and looks after community rentals as well as security. In his free time John enjoys watching hockey and soccer and spending time with his wife of 30 years and three daughters. |
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