Our Board of Directors – Semiahmoo Family Place

Our board of directors is democratically elected at our annual AGM according to our society’s bylaws. All voting is anonymous and secure using industry standard voting software.

Karan Sood’s (Board President) career is defined by a relentless commitment to driving organizational success. As an accomplished Senior Manager, his skill set encompasses strategic leadership, comprehensive financial control, and contract administration. With an unwavering ability to motivate and align teams, he optimizes operations for maximum impact. Karan holds certifications in CPR-A Level 1 First Aid + AED and OHS Levels 1 & 2, reflecting a dedication to safety and wellbeing. Fluent in English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, his versatile leadership ensures effective communication across diverse audiences. His career is highlighted by roles such as Manager, Facilities, and Office Services at DIVERSECity Community Resource Society, where he meticulously managed complex facilities, and as Executive Director at Many Ways Home Housing Society, where he formulated sound business plans and engaged with community groups. With a Master’s in Business Administration (Non-Profit Management and a Master’s of Sciences in Information Systems under his belt, Karan’s track record speaks to his invaluable capacity to deliver results and foster growth.

Sandeep Dade CPA (Board Treasurer): As an accomplished CPA and Director of Finance, I bring a wealth of financial expertise, emphasizing proficiency in budgeting, forecasting, and implementing efficiency-driven systems. I currently work for a not for profit and work closely with our board of directors on numerous finance and strategy related activities.I currently serve as a committee member for an organization helping mentor at-risk youth. Beyond my role’s traditional responsibilities, I am passionate about contributing at a strategic level. Eager to work closely with the board, I aspire to leverage my financial insights to help shape the organization’s overarching goals. I am driven by a desire to bring financial acumen to the boardroom, playing a key role in advancing the organization’s mission and ensuring its long-term financial health.

Gary Gill (Board Cashier), a finance professional, brings a wealth of diverse experience in finance, banking, commercial/agricultural lending, complemented by hands-on involvement in running a family-owned construction company. His versatile expertise includes financial analysis, budgeting, banking, and cash management, bringing a robust skill set to ensure the financial health and long-term sustainability of SFP. In his current position as a Relationship Manager and previously in banking, Gary is consistently adapting to complex financial situations and managing a strong network of 100+ clients, with over $85M in exposure. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business, majoring in Finance. As a member of the SFP Board, Gary plans a proactive approach to financial oversight and budgeting to strengthen the financial groundwork. His primary focus is to secure long-term financial well-being, as well as using his diverse network to explore opportunities for growth and further financial support for SFP.

Shianta Tejani (Board Secretary) is an extremely organized Administration Manager at a well-established engineering consulting firm. Shianta is known for her creative approach and attention to detail. With a background in arts and over 15 years of experience, Shianta has worked on diverse projects ranging from inception to completion. Some skills she brings include leadership, mentorship, governance knowledge, board exposure and management experience. More recently in her professional career Shianta has worked closely on Corporate Governance and being a key component in a Board of Directors. Shianta has a broad experience, strong work ethic and continued desire to be better and do more for the community. Her ability to understand any need and translate them into reality sets her apart. At her current position she serves on two committees: Young Professionals, which is an organized group who target specific social and professional development and RISE, which is an initiative supporting females in the workplace. Shianta finds inspiration in her busy family life, music, and food!

Nicole Allen (Board Memeber): I bring almost two decades of experience in social services and I am an accomplished leader with over 15 years of proven expertise in various leadership and executive roles. As the National Director of Employment and Disability Services for one of British Columbia’s largest non-profits, Open Door Group, I have successfully managed a diverse portfolio of 14 contracts, focusing on specialized health, training, and employment programs. With extensive experience in overseeing and managing contracts with federal agencies, ministries, and health authorities, I have consistently ensured seamless operations and successful fulfillment of contractual obligations.

One of my notable achievements includes the successful deveopment and submission of multiple proposals for contract expansions and extensions, which have resulted in significant financial increases Over the past two years, I have secured over $10 million in various new contracts and additional funding, showcasing my ability to drive financial growth and secure vital resources for my organization. My unwavering commitment to excellence and a proven ability to drive results are the foundations of my career. I am dedicated to leveraging my skills and experience to make a significant impact in the realm of social services through effective and strategic board leadership.

Jessica Mahey-Birdi (Board Member) Born, raised and educated in the United Kingdom, Jessica holds a Bachelors of Law degree (LLB Hons.) and has over 10 years of experience working with Law Enforcement and Corporate Governance. Currently, Jessica’s key responsibilities include investigating multiple million dollar transactions and ensuring regulatory compliance. She brings a wealth of international experience and holds strong established skills in leadership, mentorship and conflict resolution.

Amongst Jessica’s successful career and her journey into motherhood, she is known for her enthusiasm and commitment to positive community impact. In honour of International Women’s Day, Jessica was a panel presenter where she discussed her research into female biases and the barriers to high achieving careers alongside motherhood. More recently, Jessica has joined her workplace social committee where she brings people together professionally, socially and fosters a joyful workplace spirit. In her spare time, Jessica enjoys scenic hiking trails, pilates and trying new authentic recipes.

Tina Pavlov (Board Memeber): Tina is an accomplished Business Leader with over 15 years of experience across retail, non-profit organizations, and publicly traded companies. She specializes in driving strategic growth, operational efficiency, and organizational transformation. Her journey has been defined by a commitment to building sustainable, results-driven teams and by spearheading initiatives that bring long-term impact and measurable success.

Throughout her career, she has focused on business development, leading high-performing teams, managing large-scale contact centers, and executing strategic initiatives that consistently exceed clients expectations and companies KPIs

Her leadership approach centers around data-driven decision-making, engaging stakeholders, and cultivating an environment that champions organizational development & client centric approach.

Driven by a passion for talent development, she firmly believes in the power of investing in people as the foundation of long-term success. As she states, “Both clients and teams are made of 100 people.“

Olusegun Ogundokun (Board Member) is the Managing Director and CEO of Irequa Consultancy Ltd, an indigenous company in Nigeria that is into setting up and managing Hospitals and Medical Laboratories. He set up a training academy on Laboratory Quality Management Systems for professionals in Medicine and has been running free career coaching for young Medical Professionals for over eight years. He was appointed Nigeria Faculty member for Global Health Trials, Oxford University, United Kingdom and Fellow of U.S CBR Bioethics. Olusegun has over 13 years of experience in Laboratory Medicine, Program Management, Consulting, Bioethics and Clinical Research. He has set up over 25 Molecular Laboratories across Nigeria and West Africa and empowered over 100 young Medical Professionals in Clinical Research and Laboratory Medicine. He is currently studying at the University Canada West, specializing in consulting and Finance. He contributes to the board his wealth of experience in program management, marketing and career coaching.