Meet our Board
As CEO of Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon, Richard Pass has dedicated his career to serving families throughout BC and Yukon who are facing the serious illness of a child.
Raised in Manitoba, he is a graduate of Brandon University. In 1990, Richard moved west to Vancouver and joined the YMCA where he held various roles, including General Manager, overseeing facilities, programs and fundraising. He spent more than 15 years refining his portfolios and supporting the strategic imperatives of the growing organization. A highlight of his tenure was his key role in the rezoning and redeveloping the Downtown YMCA, a community hub that helps Vancouver residents thrive and reach their full potential.
Since joining Ronald McDonald House BC in 2006 as CEO, Richard has redefined the organization and led it through significant growth and expansion. In 2012, he led the capital campaign to build a new Ronald McDonald House, the second largest in Canada and fifth largest in the world. The campaign raised more than $32 Million dollars and the new House, which offers accommodation and support to more than 2000 families annually opened in July of 2014. In addition, he opened the organization’s first Family Room in Surrey Memorial Hospital, a 2000 square foot facility serving families of children from the lower mainland who are being treated in hospital.
As a leader, Richard is driven by excellence and compassion and plans to continue to grow the organization to better serve families in BC and Yukon. Recognized for his deep expertise in the non – profit sector, Richard has provided leadership and counsel to several organizations in Asia and the USA.
Linda Lemke is currently the Vice President Engagement & Quality Improvement at Doctors of BC. Linda has worked in various operations and professional practice roles throughout her career and is a known leader in health delivery and quality improvement in the health sector. Linda holds a BSN and M Ed from UBC.
Amin is a dedicated, results-driven Senior Program/Project Management Consultant with 17+ years of experience in project and program management, product life cycle management, contract negotiation and vendor management, project governance development and management, Business Management Consulting, change management, financial analysis, business and process development.
He has extensive experience working within large, complex organizations in Telecom, IT, Power Generations, Oil and Gas, Aviation, Retail, Machinery, Real Estate, Auction and Health Care industries managing large scale complex projects such as Business Transformation, M&A, Business Integration, Application & Infrastructure Projects, Software Development and Telecom.
He is known for his strong communication skills, adaptability, leadership, customer focus and decision making skills with a proven ability to manage commitments, innovation and change. His expertise is in developing and motivating others and facilitating consensus based on decisions through economical thinking.
Amin holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering. Board member since 2017.
Anita is an associate at Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP. Prior to joining the board of directors of RMHBC, Anita volunteered at the House in Vancouver for several years. What draws Anita to RMHBC is its mission – to keep families close during difficult times – because she understands that when a child is sick, the whole family is deeply impacted. Her goal is to see RMH BC’s programs continue to grow, not just in terms of capacity, but also the breadth of services provided to the families that stay at the House. Anita currently also serves on RMHBC’s Governance Committee.
Catherine is an executive leader who has spent her career using technology strategically to scale and sustain global business growth. She was most recently the Chief Technology Officer at Canada Goose and prior to that, held executive technology positions at the City of Vancouver, Mitacs and Seaspan. Her strategic vision is centered on using technology to differentiate a business and foster transformative change, while being mindful that success relies as much on organizational change management as it does on delivery and operations. Catherine is an active member of the CIO community, as a member of the IDC Global CIO Research Advisory Board and an active member of the CIO Association of Canada. Her early career started in management consulting and this role created opportunities for her to work in Seattle and Toronto in addition to Vancouver. She also worked extensively in program management to deliver complex projects before she transitioned into technology management and CIO roles. She is now embarking on the next phase of her career as an independent advisor, specializing in strategy, digital transformation, and team development. She is committed to building communities and supporting women in technology, STEM in early education and diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Catherine has a B.Sc. in Microbiology from UBC and an MBA from McMaster University. She and her family are avid skiers and enjoy using the parks and trails in our beautiful province.
Christy is a Registered Nurse with over 25 years of health care experience in child health. Her current role is Executive Director, Clinical Operations at BC Children’s Hospital and she is responsible for providing senior leadership to the following programs: Children’s Development and Rehabilitation (Sunny Hill Health Center); Orthopedics, Neurosciences, Emergency & Trauma; Access, Utilization & Nursing Resource Team; Nursing Support Services, Complex Care, and Oncology, Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplant. Christy began her career in nursing at BC Children’s Hospital working as a General Duty Nurse on the surgical inpatient unit, caring for children/youth and their families from across the province and Yukon Territory in the areas of general surgery, including orthopedics, trauma and burns. Over the past 26 years, Christy has had the opportunity to work and lead many areas of BC Children’s and BC Women’s Hospital and Health Science Center. She has always been a strong advocate for family centered care and interprofessional collaborations, which include the family as the key partner in the care team. Since 2008, she has successfully participated and led programs to receive Exemplary Standing in Accreditation Canada each survey. Christy has been an active member on provincial ministry of health committees, including past co-chair for the provincial Emergency Services Advisory Committee. She has led and actively participated in many programs within BC Children’s hospital, provincially and nationally through Children’s Healthcare Canada. Some of these accomplishments are implementation of Child Health BC Tiers of Service model and successful opening of the Teck Acute Care Center in 2017 and in 2020, the move of Sunny Hill Health Center for Children programs to the Oak street campus.
Christy holds a Bachelors of Science in Nursing, a Master’s of Science in Nursing and certifications in lean leader methodologies, leadership and change management, leadership coaching, Indigenous cultural competency and is a Resilience in the Workplace facilitator. Christy is also an adjunct professor with the UBC School of Nursing and acts as a mentor to students in graduate programs.
Christy has devoted her nursing career to improving the health care system to enhance supports for children, youth and their families. She feels extremely blessed to serve this population across our health care system.
Daphne Johnson lives in Abbotsford with her husband, Sid who together own and operate six McDonald’s Restaurant‘s. They have been Owner/Operators for 12 years first starting in Alberta. Prior to that, Daphne spent 15 years working in the Insurance Industry after attending Grant MacEwan University. During her insurance career she was awarded the Top Agent in all lines of Insurance in Alberta before making a career move to the Government of BC. Daphne has been actively involved in Ronald McDonald House in both Alberta and BC for 12 years helping to raise funds for various events as well as the opening of the RMH in Central Alberta. Daphne has been on various committees with RMH BC for five years as well as the Chair of the RMH BC Ski Challenge for three years. Daphne was recently nominated for the Giving Hearts Award as an Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, and together with her husband are two time recipients of the Outstanding Contributor Award with McDonald’s. In her off time, Daphne enjoys golfing, fishing, traveling and spending time with her husband and two daughters. Board Member since 2017.
Don Davies is the Member of Parliament for Vancouver Kingsway. He was first elected in 2008, and re-elected four times since.
Don holds a B.A. in Political Science and an L.L.B.. After being admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1989, Don served as Executive Assistant, Policy and Communications, in the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition of Alberta.
Don and his family moved to British Columbia in 1991. From 1992 to 2008, Don worked as the Director of Legal Services for Teamsters Canada, Local 31, where he represented workers and the union in arbitrations, mediations, collective bargaining and before both provincial and federal labour tribunals. In addition to gaining extensive knowledge in human resources and labour law, Don also developed policies on a wide variety of employment and economic issues, including occupational health, transportation and privacy.
Don is currently the federal NDP Critic for Health, a post he has occupied since 2015, and Deputy Critic for Foreign Affairs and International Development. Prior to that, he served as Official Opposition Critic for International Trade, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, and Public Safety and National Security. He serves on many Parliamentary bodies, including on the Executives of the Canada-Europe and Canada-China Parliamentary Associations and as a delegate to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. He sits on the House of Commons Standing Committee on Health and is a Privy Council appointee to the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians.
Don has introduced more legislation in the House of Commons than any MP in the country. These include detailed plans for a national school nutrition program, a pan-Canadian perinatal mental health strategy, and free post-secondary tuition for students with special needs. As Health Critic, Don drove the concept of universal Pharmacare onto the Parliamentary agenda in 2016 and is the architect of the current plan to provide access to dental care for all low-income Canadians without insurance coverage.
A strong proponent of public healthcare and comprehensive services, Don passionately believes in head-to-toe healthcare, the value of prevention and in the team-based approach to healthcare delivery.
Don has extensive experience in governance as a director on multiple non-profit and for-profit boards. These include serving as a trustee on a multi-employer pension plan, secretary-treasurer of a society providing childcare and community space, and as a member of many electoral district associations.
Don is married to Sheryl Palm, a Speech-Language Pathologist at BC Children’s Hospital, and they have three lovely children and a much doted-upon granddaughter.
Jesse is a Senior Manager in KPMG’s Management Consulting group. In his practice, Jesse assists clients with business needs related to capital allocation and decision-making; procurement improvement; technology implementation; and major project management. Jesse specializes in assisting asset-intensive organizations particularly in the healthcare, education, natural resources, and power and utilities industries. He is passionate about serving and growing RMHBC’s mission to help keep families close when children are undergoing treatment.
Linda Lucas, CPA, CMA, is a Principal at Lead Vantage LLP, where she specializes in helping C-level executives and business owners identify and execute their strategic objectives. Her focus is building strong teams to create a culture of innovation and initiative, resulting in operational excellence and increased profitability. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in strategic, operational, and financial management, she knows that the heart of success in any organization starts with its people.
Linda develops and facilitates leadership programs that emphasize empowerment, collaboration, and trust. She has helped her clients – from small-and mid-sized companies to national corporations – cultivate a sustainable, adaptable, and future-forward organization.
Previously, Linda served as the CEO of Roper Greyell LLP, a leading labour and employment law firm, and as the COO of KNV Chartered Accountants before merging with MNP.
Linda spends her free time playing with her nephews and step-grandchildren, traveling, and she endeavours to be outside enjoying this beautiful province as much as possible.
Lori Podnevar is a results-driven leader with extensive progressive experience in the construction industry. Lori currently holds the position of Chief Financial Officer at Houle Electric Limited and oversees all the financial aspects of Houle and acts as a business advisor to collaborate on strategic and tactical decisions that will drive the business forward. Prior to that, Lori held a number of positions at Ledcor Construction Limited, including Vice President, Finance. Lori is a graduate of University of Toronto and a Chartered Professional Accountant (CA). Lori and her husband Sean relocated from Toronto and live in Burnaby with their son Max. The family loves beautiful BC and enjoys biking, skiing, and golfing together. Board member since 2021.
Michelle Duke brings 35 years of experience to her role as Regional Vice President of Private Banking for the British Columbia Region. Based in Vancouver, she coaches Private Banking teams in her Region who provide multifaceted wealth strategies for high-net-worth clients, their families and their businesses. The business serves some of Canada’s most prominent individuals, families, corporations and business owners, and has earned numerous industry awards including Best Private Bank Canada for six consecutive years (Global Private Banking Awards 2012-2017) and Top Private Bank in Canada for eleven consecutive years (Euromoney Private Banking Survey 2008-2018).
As Regional Vice President, Ms. Duke is responsible for strategic direction, market leadership and working with her partners and businesses throughout RBC. Originally from Vancouver, B.C., Michelle has held roles in Western, Central and Eastern Canada, giving her a unique perspective into the needs of clients from coast to coast. In her 35 year tenure with RBC, Michelle has served in a variety of trust, sales, financial planning, customer service and strategic leadership roles, which have helped her to understand the needs of clients with multifaceted wealth planning needs, from sophisticated banking, credit and leverage packages to investments, trusts and estate planning.
Ms. Duke holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University, as well as a Masters of Business Administration from Dalhousie University. She has earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and has completed the Professional Banking Program with Honours through the Institute of Canadian Bankers.
Outside of the office, Ms. Duke is an avid fitness enthusiast and enjoys all manner of outdoor activities. In 2002 she achieved her personal goal of qualifying for and completing the Boston Marathon. She was also honoured to carry the torch in Newfoundland for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Relay.
Mike Rampf was born and raised in South Africa. He was fortunate to move to Vancouver with his family in 1995 and attend Point Grey High school and then the University of British Columbia, where he studied Marketing combined with Real Estate and graduated in 2003. Before starting his career as a Realtor, he travelled the world for a year.
Mike is happily married to Natashia with three beautiful children: Finnley, Lainey and Ziggy. They reside in Whistler, enjoying mountain life. Volunteering is a cornerstone of his family values, and they try to give back to their community as much as possible. Mike and Natashia want their children to understand the importance of volunteering.
Mike owns a Real Estate company, The Next Door Real Estate Group, under the Engel & Volkers umbrella specializing in luxury real estate in Vancouver. He has an office in Yaletown and West Vancouver with six licensed realtors.
In Mike’s off time, you can find him with his family, likely at a playground with the kids, snowboarding, downhill biking, golfing, traveling, learning to skateboard, in the gym, on his Peloton, or watching a movie.
Nancy is a transformation executive with 30 years of experience across corporate roles, professional services, and entrepreneurial ventures. Throughout her career she has worked with, and as a member of senior leadership teams, to develop strategy, lead organization transformation and lead people. Nancy is currently Chief Transformation Officer at E-Comm 9-1-1, BC’s consolidated Emergency Communication Centre providing 9-1-1 call answering, police dispatch, fire dispatch and technology services for many public safety agencies in the province. Prior to this role, she was Chief Transformation Officer at MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) where she was responsible for the Information Technology, Ecommerce and Customer Care teams and led an organizational change program to improve financial, customer experience and cultural health of MEC. Earlier in her career, Nancy was a consultant at McKinsey & Company and her own strategy consulting firm. She also was the Calgary office leader of Egon Zehnder International, one of the world’s leading global executive search firms, where she consulted with Boards and executive teams on governance, talent, succession, and team effectiveness. Nancy holds an HBA from the Ivey School of Business at Western University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Nancy is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys skiing, biking, kayaking, and hiking with her family. Board member since 2017.
As the National Account Director on the McDonald’s Canada business, one of Niels’ duties is to oversee Coca-Cola’s RMHC national investment. Niels has had an award-winning career with Coca-Cola Ltd for 14 years in variety of key account management positions, with experience overseeing many customers including Save on Foods, Federated Co-op, Buy Low foods, Quality Foods, London Drugs, A&W, Wendy’s, Northlands Properties, Landmark Cinemas, WestJet, Calgary Flames, Winnipeg Jets, and BC Ferries. Prior to his time at Coca-Cola, Niels spent six years with Labatt Breweries in retail and on-premise sales, culminating in a senior management role. Over his career, Niels has a proven history of success with high stake, complex sales negotiations and is known for his transparent and collaborative style.
Niels is a passionate leader with a history of developing high performing, successful teams. Known for his open mindset and disarming style, Niels leads by example with equal parts tenacity and fun. One of his favorite duties at work is mentoring individuals, helping them to elevate their skills and reach their goals
A long-time resident of North Vancouver, Niels can often be found in the mountains defying gravity on a mountain bike or snowboard. He was very fortunate to have met his wife Faye at the University of Victoria 25 years ago and is a proud father to their two children Malia and Charlotte. Like so many others during the pandemic, the Bednarczyk household grew with the addition of Poppy, an Australian Labradoodle who is never more than 2 steps behind Niels.
Patrick McGuinty is General Manager, Licensing and Contracts, Vendor Management Office and Marketing at Long View, a 50 Best Managed Company in Canada. He joined Long View’s BC Branch in 2007 as Director of Sales before assuming other roles including Branch Manager and Director of Business Development, Canada. Long View, a privately held company, is a hybrid IT solutions and services company in North America with 10 locations and over 1,000 employees. Prior to his entry into the IT industry, he held senior leadership roles in Business Development and Sales Management with Kodak Canada, Western Pro Film Labs and Verscacold Canada. He started his career in Vancouver in the consumer packaged goods industry with Scott Paper. Born and raised in Ottawa and fluent in French, he completed his undergraduate Arts degree at the University of Ottawa as well as UBC’s Diploma in Sales and Marketing Management program sponsored by the Sauder School of Business and the Sales and Marketing Executives of Vancouver. His past board experience includes Ingram Micro’s North American Advisory Council and Hewlett Packard’s National Channel Advisory Council. His volunteer experience includes the Vancouver Board of Trade’s LoT Mentorship Program and the Delbrook Basketball Association. Patrick and his wife Cathy live in North Vancouver and are parents to three grown children and one granddaughter living in Rotterdam, London, England and Winnipeg. Board member since 2017.
Paul is Head of Communications and Reputation with LNG Canada (on secondment from Shell Canada) since November 2019.
A Canadian and Irish citizen, Paul is a seasoned international corporate communications and government relations professional with 20 years of experience working in energy and major projects in Canada, Netherlands, United Kingdom and the United States.
A member of the Corporate Relations and LNG Canada extended leadership team, Paul has held roles spanning reputation, advocacy, media relations and stakeholder engagement. In his career, Paul has tackled some of the energy sector’s most challenging issues and challenges from climate change to litigation, activism and emergency and crisis response.
Paul is a 2019 graduate of Loyola University’s Institute of Politics in New Orleans (a non-accredited lecture series). He graduated from Mount Royal University with a Bachelor of Applied Communications in 2003, also attending the University of Calgary. In 2010, Paul earned his Accredited Business Communicator Designation (ABC) with the International Association of Business Communicators.
Mr. Hagel resides in Victoria with his wife, Paula King, and their children Cooper and Catherine.
As VP, General Manager of Cossette’s Vancouver office, Robyn has been involved in overseeing work for both Ronald McDonald House and McDonald’s. During her more than 15 years working in both small and large agencies Robyn has touched all facets of communication and helped clients ranging from local small businesses to global brands. Early on, Robyn developed a keen interest in branding and has worked branding assignments across a wide range of industries to help clients reveal and articulate their brands.
Robyn is also a member of the BCIT Marketing Management Program Advisory Committee. Originally from rural BC, in her spare time she enjoys snowboarding, spending time on the lake and exploring with her young daughter.
Vincent is a Partner and Co-Founder of LoganHR, a Vancouver based HR firm specializing in compensation management, performance development and career transition. With over 20 years of experience in reviewing and designing compensation and performance programs, he works with stakeholders including Boards, Executives and Management in the private, public and not-for-private sectors to deliver practical and sustainable solutions. Vincent also conducts the LoganHR Not-For-Profit Salary Survey and provides professional competitive pay information for BC’s not-for-profit community. Vincent holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. He is a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), a past Chair of the BC region of the WorldatWork Total Rewards Association, and past Chair of the CPHR BC & Yukon Annual Conference. Vincent is also a frequent speaker at BCIT, HR Tech Group, CEO Forums, and many HR conferences. Board member since 2020