Board of Directors

Luana Carcano

Academic Director, Undergraduate Program (Minor) Lecturer, Undergraduate Programs

Simon Fraser University, Beedie School of Business

Dr. Luana Carcano is a Lecturer at SFU, Beedie School of Business, and Academic Director, Undergraduate minor, and Faculty Advisor of the Merrill Family Global Campus Experience. She moved to Canada with her family in 2018. For almost twenty years, she was a senior lecturer in strategy, entrepreneurship, and governance at SDA Bocconi School of Management, one of the world’s top business schools. She teaches, researches, and advises organizations on marketing, creativity, business, and international strategy. She has a deep knowledge of symbolic-intensive industries (such as fashion, design, hospitality, food and beverage, and wine).

She has published several highly acclaimed books, contributed to refereed journal articles, and contributed to edited volumes. She has also received
books and teaching excellence awards. Dr. Carcano obtained her Ph.D. in Economics, Marketing, and Communication (with an emphasis in strategy and entrepreneurship) from the IULM University in Milan, her BA and MA (with honours) from Bocconi University in Milan (majoring in International Strategy), and her specialized Master’s Degree in International Business from ESADE in Barcelona (Spain).

Keith Driver

Plant Manager

Rise Baking Company

Plant Manager for Rise Baking Company, Keith Driver was previously Bakery Director of the Burnaby Aryzta facility.

Keith has lived and worked in Canada for 15 years. Prior to his move, he was in the US Marine Corps. Keith has participated in manufacturing safety at all levels ranging from front-line supervision to management to entire facility leadership. He has over 10 years of manufacturing leadership experience including leadership roles at three separate OSSE certified organizations.

Keith is a BC Safety Charter Signatory. He understands the business case for safety and what safety looks like and feels like to all members of an organization. This has allowed him to lead an effective shift in safety mindset by displaying accountability, “selling” the importance of safety initiatives to all parties up and down the organization, and making those initiatives something that is sustainable.

Keith holds a Business Diploma and is a Lean Six Sigma ASQ Green Belt.

David Fagen

Executive Director, Safety, Health and Environment

BC Ferries

David is Executive Director, Safety, Health and Environment at British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. BC Ferries has 47 terminals, 36 vessels, a ship repair facility, six maintenance yards, food and retail outlets, and transports more than 20 million passengers annually with the support of more than 5,000 hardworking employees. BC Ferries’ unique safety programs resulted in the globally recognized DuPont Safety award during David’s tenure and he continues to work to find creative was of engaging all levels of the organization in Safety and Environmental sustainability conversations.

David holds a Bachelor’s of Science from the United States Naval Academy and a MBA in Accounting and Finance from American Intercontinental University. He has a varied background of qualifications and experience including 21 years as a US Naval Officer, qualification as a gas turbine engineer, navigator of a nuclear warship, human resources designation, information technology, combat systems, ship building and certification as an International Safety Management designated person. Through all of David’s experiences, Safety has always been the one common thread and he recognizes everyone has a voice that must be heard to continuously improve safety.

Monica Feregrino

Vice President, Operations

MineSense Technologies

Monica Feregrino is an operations professional with 25 years’ experience. An Electrical Engineer with a Masters in Manufacturing Engineering, her career has involved managing complex business initiatives, including daily operations, operational excellence, manufacturing, capacity, capital planning, team management, quality, supply-chain selection, contractor hour management, vendor partnership, and resource rationalization. Having lived and worked in Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with frequent travel to Europe, Asia, and throughout North America for business, Monica brings a strong understanding of global business practices to her role as VP Operations at MineSense Technologies.

Monica has been recognized as one of the Top 100 Influential Women in Canadian Supply Chain by the Supply Chain Canada Association, and as a 2020 Top Immigrant in Supply Chain. Monica is a Registered Professional Engineer, Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP), and Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification candidate. She also is a Board Director for the National board of Supply Chain Canada, advisory board
for Autometrics/GEOGEN and mentoring startup founders through the business development process and serves as a mentor for Engineers & Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC) and the University of British Columbia’s Entrepreneurship Program.

Darren Gibson

Managing Partner

NKPG

Darren Gibson is the Managing Partner for the Burnaby office of Norgaard Kratofil Professional Group, a BC-based accounting firm providing accounting, taxation and advisory services for private companies, high net worth individuals and not-for-profit clients in Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island. Previous to taking on his current position in 2018, Darren was a partner with one of the larger independent accounting firms in Vancouver.

Darren holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (Chartered Accountant) designation and has over 20 years of experience in public practice. He serves a diversified clientele but with a focus on some key industries including manufacturing and processing businesses, real estate developers and managers, and auto dealerships.

Amit Golan

VP, Operations-West

CKF Inc.

Amit has 22 years of senior manufacturing management experience in Plastics, Recycling, and Pulp Molding. He currently serves as the Plant Manager for CKF overseeing 350 employees in three Plants producing egg cartons and meat trays in Langley and Delta, BC

Under Amit’s leadership CKF has completed WorkSafeBC’s PACE program and achieved OSSE (COR) certification. He describes CKF as the most safety committed place he ever worked in. In 2020 the plants received several safety awards among them “Best Safety Record” and the “Most Improved Safety Record”.

Amit holds a B.A. in Economics and Accountancy and is CPA, ISR.

Neil Hain

Lawyer and Founder

Neil Hain Dispute Resolution

A lawyer, with over 25 years of experience and now acting exclusively as a Third Party Neutral serving as a certified commercial arbitrator, senior investigator and chartered mediator, Neil is responsible for thousands of workplace and professional conduct investigations, mediations and administrative law decisions; many focusing on occupational health and safety matters.

Neil supports all sectors of the economy while maintaining long-standing professional associations with regulatory bodies, statutory agencies (including WorkSafe BC), health authorities, crown corporations, municipalities, First Nations governments, private and publicly traded companies, societies and trade unions. Through his extensive board and committee work, as well as cross-department project stewardship, Neil assists organizations achieve consensus building in meeting mandated goals through legally sound strategies, policies and processes.

Neil continues to expand his public service through board appointments in the health care and land development sectors and is delighted to now serve on the Alliance board.

Terri Holizki

Lawyer, Retired

A lawyer by profession, Terri was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1989. Terri has practiced law and has been the Chief Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. She has also been the chair of the Board and the General Manager for the Saskatchewan Pension Plan.

Terri was the Industry Services Manager for manufacturing, young workers and the hospitality sector during her tenure at WorkSafeBC. In this position, Terri was a strong advocate for health and safety associations and helped support them successfully to deliver their visions. During her tenure at WorkSafeBC, she also identified and introduced partnerships between Prevention and non-WorkSafeBC entities.

Terri also assisted in the initial creation and funding of Make It Safe, a collaborative event providing occupational health education for the manufacturing sector between WorkSafeBC and the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC, which has evolved into an annual event series organized by the Alliance.

Ovidiu Mot

Chief Information Officer

Fraser Valley Real Estate Board

Ovidiu Mot is the Chief Information Officer of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, a member-based association of over 5,000 real estate professionals living and working in the BC communities of North Delta, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Abbotsford, and Mission. Founded more than a century ago, the organization is the fifth largest real estate board in Canada and is currently undergoing an ambitious digital transformation under Ovidiu’s leadership.

Born in Romania and growing up surrounded by computers, in a magical world of zeros and ones, thanks in part to his father’s irresistible passion for technology, Ovidiu naturally followed in his steps, earning a degree in Computer Engineering and a master’s degree in Advanced Computing Systems. After beginning his career at the local university, Ovidiu lived and worked for several years in Germany and Quebec before settling on  Canada’s Pacific Coast in 2007.

A dreamer at heart and emboldened by early accomplishments, and in part thanks to an international career across a diversity of sectors, each with its own unique challenges, Ovidiu has evolved into a transformational business and technology executive that has innovation baked into his own personal brand. When he’s not busy inventing the future, Ovidiu is likely out riding his motorcycle, travelling to some far away corner of the world, or daydreaming of his next adventure. Unconventional in his approach to travel and a consummate explorer, he will often be found off the
beaten track, in the most unexpected of places.

Ken Smith

Director of Operations

Gambrinus

Ken Smith worked as a consultant in the IT sector for nearly two decades before joining Gambrinus Malting in 2013. The only industrial malting house in British Columbia, Gambrinus is known globally for its quality malt and customer service. Ken’s role allows him to combine his background in technology with food manufacturing. He has spent most of his career modernizing operations, working closely with management to adapt processes to the needs of a rapidly changing workforce. He believes safety should be every company’s highest priority and is committed to the physical and mental health of every employee, contractor, or visitor to the job site.

Ken started JSOK Trucking Ltd. in 2015 and still serves as its Director of Operations. He is a passionate and enthusiastic business leader with a decade of board experience and is currently serving as the treasurer for Organics BC, secretary for Pacific Agriculture Certification Society (PACS), board member on the Regional Advisory Council for Okanagan College, and trustee for Eagle Rock Water District.

While his educational background is in Computer Information Systems and Business Operations, Ken has a strong financial background and experience in IT, governance, branding, strategic planning, ED development, and compensation and performance reviews. He is skilled in a range of technologies and has earned various professional certifications, including Preventative Controls Qualified Individual, Confined Space and Vertical Rescue, Mental Health and Occupational First Aid, Contractor Safety, and Food Safety (ISO and Organic).

Ian Yang

Chief Financial Officer

CanaGen Bio Inc

Ian Yang is a seasoned business facilitator with a rich background spanning over a decade in corporate development, strategy, and financial solutions. With a remarkable track record of providing strategic insights and fostering corporate growth, Ian has become a pivotal figure in the finance and corporate strategy sectors across North America and the Asia Pacific.

As Chief Financial Officer at CanaGen Bio Inc. and Chief Corporate Development Officer at Gene Bio Medical, Ian played a crucial role in positioning companies among the top Life Sciences entities in British Columbia. His leadership skills have been instrumental in managing and guiding cross-functional teams to achieve unparalleled success. Ian’s educational journey is as impressive as his professional one, holding a Master of Finance from Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and an MBA from New York Institute of Technology, both with distinction and scholarships for academic excellence. His commitment to lifelong learning and professional development is underscored by his designations as a Fellow of Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI) and a Chartered Investment Manager (CIM).

Beyond his corporate achievements, Ian’s influence extends to venture capital, where he has made significant investments in technology and innovation, contributing to the disruption of traditional industries and supporting startup ecosystems. His dedication is evident through his numerous board and advisory roles, where he contributes to the strategic direction and governance of various organizations and initiatives. Ian’s blend of strategic vision, financial acumen, and commitment to making a positive impact makes him an influential leader in both the business world and the broader community.

Garnet Zimmerman

Principal

GZ Mediation Inc.

Garnet Zimmerman has spent 35 years working in labour relations. He began as a Business Agent working his way up to 16 years as President of Teamsters Union local 31 and International Representative and Vice President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for eight years.

Garnet has run his own company GZ Mediation since 2009. He has negotiated collective bargaining agreements in many different industries including manufacturing. He is an advocate for labour and understands the importance of health and safety for both the employer and employee.

Garnet sat as a director on a large national health benefits plan. In addition, he has served for 20 years as a trustee on a provincial as well as a national pension plan. He has completed courses in trustee management: plan governance and due diligence, collective bargaining, federal and provincial labor codes, and women’s issues. He is a certified Employee Benefits specialist and has achieved his Advanced Trust Management Standards certification.