David DeLong (Chair, National Representative)
David is the Director, Human Resources, Base Metals at Teck Resources. Experienced in board governance, policy and strategic planning, he served on the Selkirk College Board of Governors for 6 years as Chair of the Advocacy Committee and Chair of the HR Committee. David has a Master of Science – Safety Management, BA, BPE, and diploma in Strategic Human Resources Management and a certificate in Workplace Mental Health Law. With over 30 years of experience in managing employee assistance and health and wellness programs, David has a strong understanding of aboriginal affairs, addictions, corporate relationships, and mental health in the workplace. David has been on the BC Division Board since September 1, 2015 and has been Chair of the Board since December 1, 2018.
Jacki McPherson (Vice-Chair)
Jacki is from the Okanagan Nation. She has worked in Aboriginal health for approximately 30 years. Jacki currently manages all health programs for the Penticton Indian Band, and is part of the Okanagan National Wellness Committee. In her previous role as President of the First National health Directors Association of BC, Jacki was involved with the transfer of health services from Health Canada to the First Nations Health Authority. She has also worked closely with Interior Health Authority in all areas of health.
Errol Olsen (Secretary/Treasurer)
Errol currently serves as Chief Operating Officer at Uncommon Purpose Ventures. Errol brings more than 25 years of experience leading the finance and operations functions of companies ranging from start-ups to multinational corporations including Traction on Demand, Absolute Software, Inetco Systems, Pivotal Corporation and Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers. Prior to leaving public practice, Errol was a manager in the audit and advisory services group at KPMG LLP, where he worked with a portfolio of private and public companies. Errol holds a CPA, CA designation and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University. He brings to CMHA BC a broad experience in finance, strategy development, operations, technology and governance.
Jane Atherton
After a 30-year career as an executive in the newspaper industry, Jane followed her passion and studied interior design, recently opening her own firm. Interior design isn’t about making things “pretty” but about solving real problems which in turn can improve mental wellness, especially by introducing natural materials, textures and colours, known as Biophilic Design. Jane has a personal connection to improving mental health as her youngest son suffers from depression. When she saw that there was a gap in the system for 18-19 year-olds as they aged out of children’s services yet didn’t qualify for adult services, Jane joined the Board of Directors of the Vancouver Fraser Branch of the CMHA to see how she could make a difference in the lives of young people and now sits on the provincial board. Jane brings to the board her business acumen and skills in leadership and communication. She now resides in Courtenay on Vancouver Island, where she also serves as Vice-Chair for the North Island College Board of Governors.
Kelli Bodnar
Kelli is a lawyer and resident of Vancouver. As a former Legal Counsel with Justice Canada for over a decade, she practiced in the areas of Indian Residential Schools (“IRS”) and Indigenous rights and title claims. Prior to that, she was a Social Worker, including employment at Alberta Hospital Edmonton, and After-Hours Emergency Mental Health Services. Kelli has skills in law, government relations, human resources/hiring, treating people with mental health/addiction issues, and working as a team member and manager. As a previous Director of the Vancouver Writers Fest for five years, and as a current Director of Mago Foundation, she has experience with board governance and fundraising. Kelli lost a brother to suicide.
Judy Darcy
Judy served as BC’s first Minister of Mental Health and Addictions for three and a half years. Under Judy’s leadership, the BC government introduced new mental health programs particularly for youth, expanded public funding for existing community mental health services, developed Pathway to Hope – a plan for comprehensive mental health and addiction care, built strong partnerships with Indigenous organizations and diverse communities for culturally appropriate care, and spearheaded campaigns to combat stigma. Judy is also an experienced and persistent fundraiser.
John Douglas
John spent 23 years working for BC Ambulance Service and the Justice Institute of BC as a Paramedic and Paramedic Facilitator. His political career spanned 6 years as a City Councillor and Mayor. John has sat on numerous boards, including the local CMHA from which he stepped down in 2019. John also spent some time as a consultant for two First Nations in the field of education and economic opportunities. Since 2015 John has been engaged with non-profit organizations in housing, mental health and substance use, particularly focusing on research into the Opioid Crisis and establishing long term Therapeutic Recovery Communities. He is also a community advocate for active transportation and healthy lifestyles.
Canon Fung
Canon is a business owner and a former finance executive with a CPA, CA and a Bachelor of Commerce from University of British Columbia. He has over 25 years of business, financial, and operational experience in consulting firms, public and private companies, and non-profits. He is the President of Bella Turf and Shift Supplies. Canon has been on the Board of Directors of Canadian Liver Foundation, BC Division including two years as Treasurer. Canon was also on the Board of Canadian Diabetes Association, BC Yukon Division as the VP Finance, a Finance Committee Member at Vancouver Lawn Tennis Club, and a mentor with the Sauder School of Business.
Martin Mroz
Martin has been a BC resident for 28 years. He is also a dad and therapy dog handler. He has lived personal experience of severe anxiety, supporting a child through suicide attempts, depression, borderline personality disorder, and mental health systems. Martin is a principles-driven leader with over 20 years of experience within complex health, research, and education organizations. He has been a student well-being director at SFU for the past 11 years with four teams and approximately 50 staff. Martin loves building relationships, innovation, and fostering settings of caring. He is passionate about servant-leadership, fostering caring and kindness, and human-centered design. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CMA), MSc. and BSc. with board experience on the SFU Board of Governors, Fairtrade Canada, and the Burnaby Hospice Society.
Jenna Schonke
Jenna is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse in Prince George, BC. Prior to nursing, Jenna held numerous management positions in the hospitality industry. She has lived, personal experience with depression, anxiety, and supporting family through substance use and trauma. Jenna is focused on enhancing evidence-informed practice which includes client opinion and perspective in care and treatment. She has always been passionate about mental health and advocating for those who cannot advocate themselves.