Board Members

Richard Novek, B.Sc., Dipl.Ed.

Term: Second Term April 2nd, 2012 to April 1st, 2014

Richard Novek is the Director of Operations for Greystone College and International Language Schools of Canada. Richard has been involved in the education field for over 13 of his 38 years of business experience and has opened several schools overseas; most recently in India, the USA and Australia. Richard has served on boards for industry, recreational and service organizations and is active in the community in many volunteer roles. His Degree in Science and Diploma in Education were earned at McGill University.

Bev Reid, MBA

Term: October 1st, 2009 to September 30th, 2012 

Bev Reid is the President and Director of Education of MTI Community College. MTI has 6 campuses located in the lower mainland of BC.  She has over 23 years of experience in education and training including 12 years with the Delta School District before moving into the private sector.  During her tenure in Delta School District, Bev was a district trainer for teacher development and training.  Bev was one of the original founders of Sprott Shaw Community College, and developed it into a successful business before selling her interests in 2000.  Bev is a current member of the College of Teachers and holds a valid BC Teacher’s certificate.  In addition, she has an undergraduate degree in General Studies from Simon Fraser University and an MBA from Queen’s University.

Dee Dhaliwal, B.A.

Appointment: May 30th, 2011 - May 30th, 2013

Dee Dhaliwal is the Director of Sales and Marketing with North Shore News (CanWest Mediaworks) and Associate Publisher of "LOOK" Magazine. Earlier in her career, Ms. Dhaliwal was stationed in London, England working for a communications and publishing company. Active in the local community, she has served as Chair of the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, Chair of Business Excellence Awards, Director of Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, and Director of the BC Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Dhaliwal holds her Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from Stirling University in Scotland. Ms. Dhaliwal is currently pursuing Sommelier and Wine Studies at the Art Institute of Vancouver.

Gordon Lee, B.A., MBA

Gordon Lee is the Vice President, Finance and Administration, with Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Gordon's experience in post-secondary education includes faculty leadership as Dean of business, degree development, articulation and transfer and 10 years teaching in the areas of marketing and strategic planning. Gordon has also worked in the private sector, in both small business and corporate finance. Gordon earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario. He is currently a student in the Doctor in Education Programme at the Institute of Education, University of London.

Lois McNestry

Term: October 1st, 2009 to September 31st, 2012

Lois McNestry is the President of Discovery Community College, with eight locations on Vancouver Island and Maple Ridge, BC. Lois has many years of experience in the fields of mental health and business. Lois is actively involved in the private adult education industry. She is a past president of the British Columbia Career Colleges Association (BCCCA) and the representative for British Columbia with the National Association of Career Colleges (NACC).

Mike Hansen, B.Comm., C.A.

Term: October 1st, 2009 to September 31st, 2012

Mike Hansen is a Chartered Accountant and the General Manager of Interior Heavy Equipment Operator School Ltd., located in Winfield, BC. Mike is the past President of the Kelowna CA Association as well as outgoing treasurer of the Kelowna Jaycees. He also has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Northern British Columbia. Prior to his professional studies, Mike worked in both the oil & gas and forestry industries.

Patricia (Pat) Kennedy, B.A.,CMA, FCMA

Term April 2nd, 2012 to April 1st, 2014

Pat is the Chief Operating Officer at the Pacific Flying Club. She has served on seven different boards and committees including, most recently, the Certified Management Accountants of BC and the Member Strategic Planning Committee. Pat has been involved in the private career training industry since 1991. 

Pat is a Certified Management Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University.

David Wells, B.A., M.A., JD

Term: April 2nd, 2012 to April 1st, 2014

David is the Academic Dean with NEC Native Education College. David has nearly 20 years of experience in the post-secondary education sector. He has served on the boards for Open Door Group and Wildlife Rescue Association of BC.

David has a Bachelor of Arts from SFU, a Master of Arts from, SFU and a JD (Juris Doctor) from UBC.

Gwen Donaldson

Term: April 2nd, 2012 to April 1st, 2014

Gwen is the President and owner of Canadian Tourism College. She has worked at the college since 1984 and purchased it in 1991. Among other boards she has also served on the BCCCA Board and the Board of the International Society of Travel and Tourism Education.

Gwen has post-secondary education in Human Resources and Business.

Dr. Ian Rongve

Term: March 26th, 2012 ongoing

Dr. Ian Rongve is the Assistant Deputy Minister, Sector Strategy and Quality Assurance with the Ministry of Advanced Education. Previously, he was the Executive Director, Planning and Innovation Division with the Ministry of Health and the Executive Director, Knowledge Management and Technology Division with the Ministry of Health. He holds his Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from the University of Saskatchewan, and his Master of Arts in Economics and his Doctorate in Economics from the University of British Columbia.