Team

Executive Team

Innovation Development

Programs

Marketing and Communications

Finance & Administration

	R. Dean Rockwell Dean Rockwell, BC Innovation Council's Chief Executive Officer, has a proven track record as a dynamic and innovative leader of technology intensive organizations. He possesses a unique blend of technical and strategic business acumen gained from over 20 years of international leadership experience in the areas of general management, product development, marketing, sales and operations. He also has extensive experience with mergers and acquisitions from his years at Scientific Atlanta and Cisco. Dean possesses an invaluable understanding of different business environments and has conducted business internationally in both developed and emerging markets worldwide. More
	Philip Reeves As Chief Financial Officer, Phil is responsible for BCIC’s strategic financial management, including budgeting, reporting and investing. He has held many roles in the not-for-profit and public sectors throughout his career, including work with international research organizations and various levels of government. Phil is a Chartered Accountant and obtained undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and business at the University of British Columbia and a Master's degree in management in the US.
	Soren Harbel Prior to joining BCIC as Vice President of Innovation Development, Soren spent more than 20 years focused on business development, project finance and strategic and business planning in the private sector (primarily in environmental technology). In 2001, he joined the Ontario Public Service, where he led the Province's investment attraction efforts in Asia and Europe. In 2004, Soren came to B.C. as Assistant Deputy Minister of Marketing Investment and Trade with the Ministry of Economic Development. He was born in Denmark, educated across Europe and worked in Africa and Asia before coming to Canada in 1986. Soren holds a business degree from the EAC Business School in Copenhagen, as well as a BA (Art History) from York University in Toronto.
	Ross Waddell Ross directs BCIC’s Programs Group, which is responsible for the planning, design and delivery of programs focused on talent development and technology innovation and commercialization. These programs are directed towards students, educators, educational and research institutions and new ventures in the technology industries. Ross also manages a number of strategic partnerships for the organization. He holds a Master’s degree in design research and has over 15 years of experience in organizational and program development, and delivery for four levels of government as well as public institutions.
	Lin Kishore As Director of Marketing and Communications, Lin provides leadership for the development and implementation of integrated marketing, communications and public relations strategies to create visibility and understanding of the services and programs offered by BCIC. Her background includes strategic communications, traditional and digital marketing as well as product development. She has worked in the industries of technology, entertainment and finance and holds a commerce degree from the University of British Columbia.
	Richard Hallman As Director of Life Sciences, Richard leads initiatives focused on the commercialization of advanced technologies and innovations to grow the “Knowledge Bioeconomy” in British Columbia. Life Sciences includes biotechnology, health sciences, environmental sciences, agriculture, food and biorefining. Prior to joining BCIC, he spent 30 years working in various science and technology areas of agriculture, food, bioproducts and agroforestry and held positions in government, industry and not-for-profit organizations.
	Andrew Walls As Director of Ocean Sciences and Energy, Andrew’s role is to nurture innovation in B.C.’s maritime economy. His portfolio includes the key areas of: defence and security, alternative ocean energy, ocean observing, and offshore oil and gas location and extraction technologies. Andrew has held many positions in the public and private sectors including various roles in the Canadian Navy and commercial shipping and trading. Prior to joining BCIC, he helped to establish the ocean technology division at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
	Maureen O'Reilly As Director of Creative Industries, Maureen combines her strong strategic development skills, and extensive international connections with a deep understanding of the business development challenges facing creative industries. She contributes a unique and global perspective gained from over 20 years producing film, television, and digital content in Canada, the US, UK and EU.
	Nevin Thompson Nevin is the Regional Collaboration Manager and works closely with the members of the BC Regional Science & Technology Network. In his role, he helps to connect and develop partnerships in the technology and economic development community across the province. Prior to joining BCIC, Nevin managed research projects focusing on compensation and revenues, employment, and export markets of Greater Victoria’s technology sector. He also lived in Japan for many years, where he worked as a translator specializing in copywriting.
	Sarah Albrecht Sarah provides leadership for delivery of BCIC projects whose goals are complementary and/or supportive of BCIC’s mandate to accelerate and expand science and technology-based economic development in the province. With many roles in both the private and public sectors, Sarah brings with her years of experience in project management, marketing, sponsorship, client relations and operations.
	Arlene Fernandez As Life Sciences Sector Specialist, Arlene is responsible for the management of Life Sciences projects and initiatives in the areas of agriculture, food, biotechnology, biorefining, environment, and health. She manages and oversees Life Sciences related conferences and events that BCIC is involved in. Arlene is a graduate from Simon Fraser University in molecular biology and biochemistry.
	Jennifer Whelan As Life Sciences Sector Coordinator, Jenn organizes and manages various functions integral to BCIC’s Life Sciences focus. Responsibilities include updating internal and external event calendars, research support for client requests, and coordinating the BCIC Biorefining and Bioproducts Forum. Jenn completed her undergraduate studies in science from the University of Western Ontario and holds a Master's degree in neuroscience from the University of British Columbia.
	Dawn Wood As the Senior Programs Specialist, Dawn is responsible for management of BCIC’s post-secondary talent development and research innovation programs. She also coordinates institution and sector-based research funding programs managed by BCIC for its strategic partners. Dawn joined BCIC in 2001 and previously managed secondary school and graduate scholarship programs as well as a number of sector-based programs. She is an honours graduate in geography from the University of British Columbia.
	Amy Wakeford As Programs Specialist (Education), Amy coordinates and facilitates science and technology outreach initiatives and education programs that reach out to the province’s youth. These initiatives build innovation and entrepreneurship in elementary and secondary schools, encouraging students to pursue education and future careers in these areas. Amy is a graduate from the University of British Columbia and holds a Master’s degree in environmental science from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Amy has experience in educational programming and curriculum development, and was a teacher in Hong Kong prior to joining BCIC.
	Tera Moon Tera is a Programs Specialist coordinating BCIC programs for undergraduate students in science, technology and business entrepreneurship. She also promotes and facilitates science and technology outreach initiatives and educational programs that build innovation and entrepreneurship at the secondary and post-secondary level. Tera is a graduate in psychology from McMaster University and has spent four years teaching and managing language schools in Japan.
	Val Dipasupil In her role as Programs Specialist, Val oversees and coordinates the management and organizational systems for BCIC’s Programs Group. She has held a variety of administrative positions essential to organizational operations since joining BCIC in 2003. Val completed her undergraduate studies in communications in the Philippines and holds a computer applications program certificate from Vancouver Community College.
	Michka Asli As Programs Coordinator, Michka provides organizational support for science and technology outreach initiatives, school education programs, and business entrepreneurship programs. She has a strong interest in economic theory and development and statistical data analysis. Michka holds an undergraduate degree in economics from Simon Fraser University.
	Irene Phan Irene provides support and coordination to BCIC’s Marketing and Communications department. Areas of responsibility include executing marketing strategies, event coordination, sponsorships, and adding a creative perspective to projects. As a graduate from Simon Fraser University in communication, Irene has extensive experience in project and event management.
	Sarah Chee As Marketing and Design Coordinator, Sarah provides technical expertise, development, maintenance, and support to BCIC’s online sites. She is also responsible for creating internal and external marketing and communication materials, coordinating and executing events, and developing and implementing effective marketing and branding strategies. Sarah’s professional experiences stem from previous positions in the public and private sectors involving graphic design, website maintenance, client services, marketing, and communications. She is a graduate from Simon Fraser University in communications and publishing.
	Stephanie Leung In her role as Communications Coordinator, Stephanie focuses on media relations, manages events, develops communication tools such as publications, videos, advertisements, and BCIC News, and explores new opportunities to expand BCIC's profile. Stephanie's background as a professional communicator is derived from a variety of roles encompassing communications, marketing, client services, student mentorship, and multimedia development. She completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University in the fields of communications and publishing.
	Fred Lam As a Financial Accountant, Fred provides support to the provision of accounting and financial services. His responsibilities also include financial control, accounting, and the financial and statutory reporting needs of the organization. Prior to joining BCIC, Fred worked in the information technology and the public practice sectors.
	TJ France In his role as Manager, Information Technology, TJ ensures the streamlined operation of the IT department is aligned with BCIC’s organizational needs. He develops and coordinates IT-related activities in addition to providing administrative direction and technical support for daily operations. Working closely with decision-makers, TJ implements cost-effective technology solutions and the design of IT policies, procedures, and best practices. Prior to joining BCIC in 2001, TJ was an IT Administrator and Network Infrastructure professional with a software development company.