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Bijan is an energy and sustainability executive with over 35 years of business and management experience in small, medium, and large businesses in a wide range of areas including strategic planning, business development and planning, regulatory, financial analysis, technology, sales and marketing, operations, and customer service. Bijan is the founder and president of Energitix Management & Consulting Corporation, an energy management and sustainability consulting company. He also co-founded an international energy consulting company and grew the business from a start-up to an international consulting company focused on emerging markets by partnering with a large international company to expand the company’s international reach and financial strength. He has worked on international projects in 8 countries. Prior to founding Energitix, Bijan held a number of management positions with one of Canada’s leading utilities and in the technology sector. He is a professional engineer with a bachelor of applied science in mechanical engineering from the University of British Columbia. Bijan has a keen interest in supporting future generations. He has been a mentor to young CEOs and founders of start-up companies through Futurpreneur Canada since 2016 and is a board member of the Earth.IT Organization, an international, non-profit EdTech organization that offers a project-based after school learning platform for the world’s future leaders and changemakers.
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Christine Paramonczyk was elected to the GVCSS Board in 2022.
Originally from Ontario, Ms. Paramonczyk is a public servant who currently works as a Policy Manager with the BC Financial Services Authority and previously was the Director of Policy & Legislation for the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia. Prior to moving to B.C. in 2013, Christine held senior policy analyst and program consultant positions with the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario.
Ms. Paramonczyk is a committed volunteer with organizations that enhance the quality of life of women. She recently served as a volunteer Board Director and Chair of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver.
Ms. Paramonczyk holds a B.A. (Honours) in History and Political Studies from Queen’s University, as well as an M.S.W. from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is also the mother of two rambunctious and hilarious children.
Victor Holysh is an experienced finance and operations executive who has helped lead high‐growth technology companies at every stage of growth, from start‐up through IPO, in Canada, the U.S., and overseas. Victor's volunteer activities include having served on the Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, chairing the District of West Vancouver’s Community Grants Committee, and mentoring start‐ups with New Ventures B.C.
Victor is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA). He holds a B.Sc. degree in Computer Science from the University of Toronto and an M.B.A. from the Rotman School of Management.
Elected to the board in May 2024, Francis is a financial executive with over 20 years of experience in public and private company financial management, accounting, audit and administration across diverse sectors including energy, technology, e-commerce and public sector. Francis is currently working as Senior Finance Officer at UBC Institutional Programs Office.
Outside of his professional life, he has also served in various non-profit organization leadership roles which include Board Director for the CPA Association Vancouver Chapter, Board Treasurer and Chair for the UIBE Alumni Association of Canada and Board Treasurer for Developmental Disabilities Association. Francis is a Chartered Professional Accountant.
Elected to the board in May 2024, Arsalan works in international development aid building monitoring, evaluation and learning systems to improve programmatic/organizational performance and productivity. She has experience in monitoring, evaluation, participatory research, strategic planning and program management for non-profit organizations, and has worked on projects/programs focused on livelihoods, rural development, agriculture, education, community and social mobilization, human rights and healthcare. Arsalan holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Royal Roads University.
Claire Gram joined the GVCSS Board of Directors in Spring 2022. Claire has a masters degree in community planning and over 25 years working in public health at Vancouver Coastal Health. As a senior lead on the population health team, Claire was responsible for building partnerships, policy development and community engagement. Her main focuses were healthy communities, healthy build and social environments, food security, and the arts. Claire's passions relate to building healthy and equitable environments. Claire is currently working as an instructor at SFU and as the principal consultant for Clarity Consults.
Atesh was elected to the board in May 2024. With over 20 years of progressive management experience at the senior level, Atesh specializes in operations management with a strong focus on operational efficiency and HR. Recognized as a turnaround specialist, Atesh has a proven track record of revitalizing business operations to drive sustainable growth. His leadership journey spans diverse cultural landscapes, having worked in Fiji, Canada, Japan, and the United States. Currently, as Operations Manager at Patterson Dental Canada, Atesh ensures seamless alignment with operational KPIs, external stakeholder relations, and regulatory compliance, including collaboration with provincial health and work safety authorities. He has significant experience in change management, including successful ERP implementations with SAP and NetSuite.
His recent contributions at Williams Sonoma Inc. include being recognized for revitalizing a struggling business entity and championing fundraising efforts for BC Children’s & Women’s Hospital. Atesh is deeply passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, consistently advocating for these values in all his roles. Additionally, he has actively participated in advancing DEI-related policies through committees and proposals. Atesh holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Northern British Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Political Science from Simon Fraser University.
Alla Sedov was elected to the GVCSS Board of Directors in May 2021. Alla trained as a Mechanical Engineer. Since becoming a parent of children with special needs she trained as a special needs educator. She works with behavioural management techniques focusing on cultural sensitivity. Alla has developed programs for families, teachers, and social service agencies supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities. She has worked organizing resource support, coordinating medical care and advocating for those with special needs for 25 years.
Megan Tardif was elected to the Board of Directors in May 2023. With a strong commitment to social justice, Megan has been working in the sector for more than 30 years. She is a solutions oriented leader with more than 10 years of senior leadership experience in organizations that fund contracted services providers. Megan has a record of accomplishment in developing strong collaborative relationships and leading high performing multi‐disciplinary teams. Combining her previous experience supporting governance and her passion for the field, Megan is excited by the opportunity to both contribute to, and learn from, supported individuals, families and staff while serving on the Board of GVCSS.
Megan is currently the Director of Quality Assurance at the Ministry of Children and Family Development. She holds a Masters of Education, Early Childhood Education from the University of British Columbia.
Elected to the board in May 2024, Mandana currently acts as the coordinator for "The Better at Home" program at Jewish Family Services. Mandana is dedicated to improving the lives of elderly clients. As a college instructor, Mandana has the privilege of educating students in early childhood education and personal support worker programs. This opportunity to shape future caregivers and educators is immensely rewarding and compliments her work with the elderly. Mandana is also an active volunteer at her children's independent school, contributing to the parent's council and supporting various school initiatives. Additionally, she is involved in charitable events for organizations such as PALS Autism Society and Innovators.
Freya received her Masters of Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia and currently works as Manager, Brand & Digital Marketing with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. Freya's achievements also include: PCM®, Marketing Management accreditation from the American Marketing Association, Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification. She is also a member of Golden Key International Honour Society.
Reiko was elected to the board in May 2024 and holds a B.A. in Psychology and a J.D. in law from the University of Victoria. Admitted to practice as a civil litigator and crown counsel in Vancouver, she later relocated to Southeast Asia to work on a commercial mixed-use development. Her 16-year tenure managing leasing and related departments developed her skills with strategic management, budgeting, and organizational efficiency towards sustainable growth. Now, Reiko has turned her focus to community-based initiatives in and around Vancouver, bringing her skills and experience to make a difference at the local level.
Resources: COVID-19 Community Resources Tips For Helping Seniors During The Pandemic Watch CEO James Challman's vlog PPE For Our Front-line Health Care Workers: How You Can Help _____________________________________
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