Board

Christine McAuley is the owner of Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut, in Nanaimo. Originally from Burlington, Ontario, she has lived in Nanaimo with her husband Brad since 1997. Christine studied sciences at the University of Victoria, and also worked as a Veterinary Hospital Manager for seven years. She is past president, and still a member of, Rotary Daybreak, in Nanaimo. She served as United Way Campaign Chair in 2005 and also sat on the Board of Literacy Nanaimo.

Jim Crist’s career has seen him teaching nuclear physics for the U.S. Navy and serving on two USN nuclear submarines, rising to Vice President of Human Resources for Ontario Hydro Nuclear, then moving to B.C. to serve as Vice President of Human Resources & Organizational Development for the Children’s & Women’s Health Centre. Now, in busy “retirement,” he is an active Central Island volunteer who, in addition to his Foundation work, serves on the Board of the Arrowsmith Community Justice Society and is Chair of the Board of Management for Elder College. Jim and his wife, Mary, live in Nanoose Bay.

Kevin Wilson is Manager, Commercial Banking at Canadian Western Bank, providing collaborative and innovative financing solutions for commercial owners while incorporating the Bank’s ‘Think Western’ approach to all his business relationships. He lives in Nanaimo with his wife, Claire, and their four children. Kevin earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree in International Business & Finance at the University of Victoria. He concurrently sits on the two Executive Boards at the Nanaimo Golf Club and he has served on the Penang Children’s Hospital Charity Board in Malaysia. When not traveling or spending time with his family, Kevin can usually be found enjoying a round of golf with friends.

Marjorie LaFoy Came from Regina in 1993 with her husband Manley where she was the President of the Saskatchewan Real Estate Association. She taught music to elementary students as well as being a realtor for 36 years. She is currently employed with Coast Realty Group in Parksville. She was past chair of the Saskatchewan Real Estate Council and volunteered for several organizations including the M.S. Society of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society and Grandmother to Grandmothers (Granny A Go-Go). In her spare time, you will find Marjorie gardening and gourmet cooking.

Laurie Crossan is a Partner with Mont & Walker in Nanaimo. She received her law degree from the University of Victoria and was called to the Bar in 1982; she has practiced law in Nanaimo ever since. Laurie has also taught business law at Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina University-College). She has previously sat on the Boards of the Nanaimo Family Life Association, Theatre One and the Nanaimo Riptides Swim Association. Laurie lives in Nanaimo with her partner Paul Sedola.

Don Irvine is a Financial Advisor and owner/operator of Irvine Financial.Don is an established businessman, dedicated community volunteer, and devoted family man. His past experience with not-for-profit organizations is extensive and includes Past-President of Rotary Club, volunteer with Vancouver Island Raiders Football, and Past-Board Director and current Member of Advocis (Financial Advisors Association of Canada). Don and his wife Karla Irvine have raised their four children in Nanaimo since 2001. He was inspired to join the Foundation’s Board of Directors due to its level of ethical standards and the significance of its impact on Central Vancouver Island communities.

Jamie is an entrepreneur who has built several successful Nanaimo companies over the past 25 years. Jamie, together with her business partner and husband Ron Jackson, owned A-1 Septic for more than two decades, also Safeguard Mini-Storage, Roto Rooter, and most recently Jackal Pipe Bursting. Jamie brings years of volunteer experience with the Girl Guides of Canada, Tourism Nanaimo, and Oceanside Rotary to the Board. She is a dedicated gardener, skier, and traveler; Jamie has even run a half-marathon in Iceland for Team Diabetes. She lives in Lantzville with her husband and is enjoying time with their two children and two grandchildren.

Colin Haime has a steadfast commitment to public service. Having served as Mayor of Lantzville for eight years and Chair of the Lantzville Improvement District for nine years, the business owner and university instructor has a vast knowledgebase that adds to the depth of the Foundation Board. Colin is a partner at Barber & Haime Chartered Accountants and teaches business at Vancouver Island University (VIU). Colin joined the Foundation Board in order to initiate positive changes in local healthcare. His financial expertise and progressive nature will serve the Foundation into the future.

When Mike and his wife Michelle made a family visit to Nanaimo in 2004 they immediately fell in love with the area, bought a house, and put down roots. After years of business ownership in the hospitality industry in Alberta, Mike changed career directions and began selling real estate for RE/MAX Nanaimo. In 2012 he became a Director on the Foundation’s Board, bringing with him a wealth of experience in volunteerism and fundraising for the Cross Redden Charity in Lloydminster, AB. He has also committed time and energy fundraising for the Cancer Society, MS Society, and continues to volunteer his time visiting, crafting, and walking with seniors.

Greg is a Branch Manager for the Coastal Community Credit Union. He grew up in Nanaimo and is committed to supporting NRGH as it builds healthier communities. Greg serves on the Board of Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation, Runners of Compassion and is on a committee for the Downtown Nanaimo Improvement Association. He joined the Run for Life Committee in 2009 and continued as Chair and Co-Chair in 2011 and 2012. Greg has an unwavering connection to the Community and joined the Foundation Board because it "positively impacts all individuals who utilize the healthcare system on Central Vancouver Island". Besides bringing energy, focus and passion to his role on the Foundation Board, his proactive approach is a valuable asset to the Foundation!

Life for Susie started in Washington, DC and crisscrossed the globe from Abu-Dhabi to West Vancouver; California to Doha, Qatar. Her professional experience includes a BA in Criminology from SFU, working in Silicon Valley during the dot com boom, Conference Management at San Francisco’s Westin St. Francis, 6 years in Qatar at Aljazeera TV Station and worked in property investments for the Qatar government. In 2010 she joined the family business in Nanaimo as Director of Operations at The Grand Hotel. She serves on the Nanaimo Art Gallery Board of Directors and is the Bailli Regional of Nanaimo for the Chaine des Rotisseurs. The Foundation foresees a creative partnership thanks to Susie’s extent of knowledge, her positive energy, and community focus.

Maeve is the Foundation’s President. She has been working in the fundraising sector for 30 years. Educated in Wales, Switzerland and Ireland, she holds a Fundraising diploma from Indiana School of Fundraising and more recently a Graduate Certificate in Personal Leaders from Royal Roads University. Over the years she has worked in a number of non-profit sectors including Health, Education, the Arts and Mental Health. Maeve emigrated to Canada in 1986 and moved to Nanaimo in 1991 to oversee the Foundation’s first Capital Campaign. As President of the Foundation she has seen it grow from small beginnings to raising over $3.5 million annually. Maeve was one of the founding Board members of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, Vancouver Island Round table, is a member of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy, the Association of Fundraising Professional and the Central Island Fundraisers Association.