James is the commander of the BC Food & Beverage mothership. As the head of our lean, mean (we aren’t really mean) team James brings nearly 30 years of industry knowledge and experience to our membership. The genuine care James has for each of our members, his team, and the industry is one of the many reasons he is so well respected and admired. His humility, fairness, and down to earth nature make him an exceptional leader in our industry. He is also pretty darn funny. (only if you like dad jokes)

As the COO, Alisa plays a crucial part in making sure our members are receiving access to the best resources and programs. Alisa’s open mindedness and contagious smile makes the office a fun and comfortable place to be. We love Alisa’s ability to see situations from every perspective. She is awesome!

Kelly is the Queen of all things BC Food & Beverage brand. She is the creative eye behind BC Food & Beverage, making sure our visual brand and story is on point down to the finest of details. She keeps our brand strategy on track (and most of us as well!). Kelly not only keeps us on track, but she keeps us laughing non-stop. She rocks!

Sumner is our events and programs uber commander! Large, amazing events, small, spectacular events, fantabulous programs, Sumner is THE leader, planner and executor of all things, fun, fancy, and educational at BCFB. If that wasn’t enough to wow and amaze you, she also happens to bring some super jazzy energy to our team with her laughter, witty sense of humour and sharp style that puts the rest of us to shame. She is the bomb.com.

Christina is our most fabulous Communications Manager!  Her passion for social media and bringing people together helps us shine brighter and keeps our members feeling connected. She’s the brains behind our fun and engaging content, social plans, ambassador program and all things communication. If being super organized, smart and on top of things at lightening speed wasn’t enough, she also happens to be one of the most incredibly kind and friendly humans around town. We feel pretty lucky to have her as part of our team and give her 5 stars for pure awesomeness!

Fernanda – the ultimate multitasker and problem-solver, is the friendly face behind the scenes, ensuring everything runs smoothly while keeping our members happy and engaged. When she isn’t blowing our mind with her mad skills, she is infecting us with her laugh and smile. You just can’t help but smile when Fernanda does. We feel lucky to have her as part of the team She is a rock  star, who also happens to be a really good singer (it just isn’t her day job)!

Cristina is our controller and the mastermind behind all things money at BCFB! A finance wizard with over 20 years of juggling numbers, crafting financial reports, and master planning, she’s got the experience and the flair to keep our association thriving. She’s the perfect blend of fun and super organized, making financial stuff look easy!  In short, she’s got the skills and the experience to keep us financially fabulous!

Azeem has been in the industry for just over 3 years. Being part of the BCFB Board combines two of Azeem’s passions: Food and Innovation. Azeem hopes to bring his out-of-industry experiences in strategy consulting and entrepreneurship to the Board to help support the growth and representation of small processors in the industry.

What is Azeem’s favourite thing about this industry?

Passion, energy and innovation! Whether walking trade show floors or at informal gatherings, it’s incredible to see how passionate people are about the industry and innovation. I love seeing how supportive and collaborative everyone is, especially to new entrants into the industry.

Ariel has been advising food and beverage companies for over ten years on all legal aspects of their business from start-up to exit, including product development and commercialization, raising capital and M&A transactions.

Ariel joined the BCFB Board as he is passionate about the BC food and beverage sector and would like to give back to the community.

What does Ariel love about the industry?

“The entrepreneurial and innovative spirit. BC’s food and beverage industry punches above its weight when it comes to the development of innovative, leading products. It’s invigorating to work with food and beverage entrepreneurs and play an active role in their businesses’ growth and success. “

Matt has 10 years of experience in management and finance working with various food and CPG companies and spent the last 5 years operating one! He was inspired to join the board to make the British Columbia ecosystem of great food companies stronger and to support up and coming BC companies through the many challenges of growing in the food business.

What’s Matt’s favorite thing about the industry?

That anyone can build the next great brand or company in this industry! The rate of innovation and change makes everyday exciting in the food business.

Leo has been working with food and beverage companies in BC for over 20 years. He decided to join the BCFB Board though his experience working with the many amazing entrepreneurs in the industry and being a part of their journey in bringing their products to market.

What is Leo’s favorite thing about this industry?

“The passion and energy of the members and associates. From virtual to in-person events, to the innovative food and beverage products and brands, there is never a lack of energy and excitement. As someone who is personally invested in health and wellness there is no better place, or group of people, to be surrounded with.”

Sherrin and her company have been serving the food and beverage industry for over 20 years. She joined the BCFB Board after being a member for 10 years with the intention of giving back and helping to affect change in this rapidly changing industry.

What’s Sherrin’s favourite thing about the industry?

“I am inspired by the innovation and collaboration amongst the companies in the industry.”

Kirk has been in the industry for over 20 years. He joined the BCFB Board to help support the food and beverage industry grow and become more resilient.

What’s Kirk’s favorite thing about the industry?

“Like anyone who is passionate about our industry, I love that no two days are the same. Our work is incredibly varied with many roles and responsibilities. The food and beverage industry is fast paced and quick moving.”

Danielle has been in the food industry in some fashion for almost 30 years. She joined the board because she is excited by the prospect of supporting new entrants into the space, connecting with innovative and knowledgeable professionals and being able to help to advance the efforts of the industry at a local level.  She loves having the privilege of working in such a dynamic industry. BC has an amazing foundation of talent, agriculture, expertise and creativity that truly can be showcased in the food and beverage space. She is honoured to play a part in that everyday!

What is Danielle’s favourite thing about the industry?

“The people and the innovation – with that combination you are always surrounded by a supportive network that fuels excitement and passion! Every day brings a new opportunity and a new challenge.”

Stephanie has been a part of the BC Food and Beverage industry for 10 years. Stephanie wanted to join the BCFB Board to make a difference in one of the fastest-growing industries in BC and in Canada. I’m a ‘foodie’ myself and to be able to create an impact with local food companies and help them thrive with my knowledge and background in government grants is important. They are making a difference: one delicious bite at a time!

What’s Stephanie’s favourite thing about this industry?

“The creative products that are being produced locally and how resourceful and dedicated the entrepreneur are to bringing quality food to Canadians and to the world.”

Ivy has been in the food and beverage industry for over 12 years.

Ivy has been part of the BCFB – HR group since she joined Fresh Direct 12 years ago and has seen an amazing transformation in BC Food & Beverage over those years. The advocacy for the food and beverage industry, the engagement within the industry, local promotions… the list is endless. She love the strength and passion of the team, and with her, and Fresh Direct’s, long relationship with BC Food & Beverage , joining the board was a great opportunity to collaborate on a different level.

What’s Ivy’s favorite thing about the industry?

“It is simply a really fun and dynamic industry, and it showcases the creativity and innovation that people have with food. I love the ever-changing landscape of it, it can be so unpredictable and surprising.”

Courtney has been working in the industry for 23 years and wanted to join the board to be able to help others. This industry is ever-changing and can be tricky to navigate. If she can help contribute to someone’s success in any way by offering support, she wants to do that.

What’s Courtenay’s favorite thing about the industry?

“My favourite thing about the F&B industry is the togetherness it brings. We gather around the table to celebrate, to connect, and to create memories. The fact that food can evoke that nostalgia is amazing to me. The pace, constant change, and the people are what drive me, professionally.”

Jayson has been working in the food and beverage industry since 2010. He decided to join the BCFB Board to give back to the industry that he has grown to love over the last 15 years.  This industry has faced many ups and downs over the last several years and he looks forward to supporting such a well loved segment in our communities.

What is Jayson’s favorite thing about this industry?

“Food and beverage represents a vital aspect of fulfillment for all of us as individuals. We enjoy a deeper sense of closeness while sharing a meal and beverage with others and that is what our industry is all about!”

Erik has been working in the food and beverage industry for 23 years. He chose to join the board to contribute to BC’s journey of becoming a world leader in this fast-changing industry.

What is Erik’s favorite thing about this industry?

“It’s the People, and the Opportunity.  It’s incredible to work alongside many creative problem solvers and visionaries to build value through challenges, innovation, and collaboration!”

Joel has 25 years of experience in the food and beverage industry. He joined the board because he’s seen firsthand how BCFB has proven itself to act as a committed voice and advocate for the industry, while demonstrating the ability to curate meaningful events, networking and value-added programs that are making a difference to the overall industry. He’s impressed with BCFB, and their ability to punch above their weight and truly be impactful, while still a lean and agile organization. Joel wanted to give back to the industry that has offered him so many wonderful opportunities, and do this through an organization that is focused, respected, and has a vision for the future.

What is Joel’s favourite thing about the industry?

“We create food that not only nourishes people but can give value to all the stakeholders in the ecosystem as well, from the farmers to the table. That is an incredible opportunity, responsibility, and privilege I do not take lightly. If we all do our jobs correctly, we are creating meaningful connections between people and the land, that will have positive impacts for future generations. I think that is pretty cool and I feel lucky everyday to be a part of it.”