Meet Our Board

Debbie brings extensive project manager experience from the UK health care and Vancouver higher education sectors.  Having spent many years working across strategic level projects and policy development she is bringing this expertise to support RILS and the board in achieving their goals. She is committed to mentoring and supporting people through their careers and has worked with graduate trainees to broaden their work-learning base.  Other volunteer work includes working within the community at local art festivals and with young people at music festivals in the adventure play areas.

Liam Friesen is the Treasurer for RILS after starting in October of 2019. Liam oversees the budget and financials.

In addition to his work with RILS, Liam is a current business student at Simon Fraser University, with a specialty in Finance. Liam is a member of the Finance Club, and the Accounting Student Association. Liam is very passionate and eager to help RILS as a board member, and by helping make sure that all events run smoothly.

Carey became a RILS board member in June of 2019. She has a BBA in management
information systems from Simon Fraser University and is currently a self-employed
business consultant who brings 10 years’ experience in process improvement in both
public and private sector organizations. Her love of people and puzzles are what make
her successful in navigating system complexities to create value for organizations.
Carey joined the RILS team in February 2019 as a dog therapy volunteer and was
inspired by the residents, staff and the community that surrounds the RILS organization.
She looks forward to expanding her contribution to the RILS team and increasing the
awareness of the organization.

Craig is the Senior Vice President of Development at Concert, a Canadian-owned real estate enterprise involved in developing rental apartments, condominium homes and retirement communities, acquiring and developing commercial, industrial and infrastructure properties and in property management across Canada.

Craig holds a CA designation and is a graduate of Queen’s University’s School of Business.  Craig is committed to community betterment.  In addition to serving on RILS Board, he has been an active volunteer in his local community, including helping with the development of a new elementary school.

Dick has a BA Degree in History from Carleton College in Minnesota, and Masters of Architecture from Montana State University. A former principal of DYS architecture in Vancouver where he was employed for 27 years, Dick is now retired. He is currently an active painter in an artist co-op he helped found and also acts as Board Secretary. He is a current Board Member of RILS exceeding 10 years, including serving as a Chairperson and currently Vice Chair. His son, Jamie, had four great years at RILS, which led us to a more active role in supporting the organization.

Nitin is a versatile business strategist with an entrepreneurial flair and substantial success in developing and executing effective business and marketing strategies, with 5+ years of experience in four different countries. He has worked across various industries from real estate and construction to transportation and tourism, having helped several organizations achieve their unique goals and objectives. Over the years, he has evolved from being a high performing entrepreneur to a business consultant who assists executives, startups, and investors in implementing strategic planning, recruiting & training top talents, appraising team performances and developing efficient business strategies. Outside the workplace, Nitin has been a part of several fundraising, outreach and advocacy initiatives with various charitable organizations for over ten years and also sits as a board member for two other non-profit organizations.

Bryan was born and raised in Squamish, BC but has called the Lower Mainland home for most of the last 22 years. A Red Seal carpenter by trade, he currently works as a Project Consultant for a building science engineering firm based in New Westminster. He is a former small business Owner, has past Board experience sitting and is dedicated to community involvement. He lives in South Surrey with his fiancée, young daughter, stepson, and the family dog Maggie. A new addition to the RILS Board, he brings enthusiasm for fundraising and a keen interest in ensuring the RILS properties are well maintained for years to come.

Allison started volunteering with RILS in the summer of 2018, helping with a games night once a week. After spending time at the residence, she wanted to get more involved and did so by joining the board in June 2019.  A PR and communications professional, Allison has experience working with organizations in the non-profit sector, including WE and Ronald McDonald House Charities, and Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. On the RILS board, she supports with communications initiatives and aims to share meaningful stories, raising awareness for the organization.

Doug graduated from SFU in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  In 1989 he added a degree from Dalhousie in Architecture. After 25 years of architectural practice, based in Vancouver, he joined Concert properties as a vice president of development.  His specific interests are in the design of buildings and public space which improves people’s experience and quality of life.

He has been on the board at RILS for 5 years assisting in various roles including the facility / operations committee.

Pat obtained a Bachelors of Education at University of Alberta, leading to many years of working as teacher in classrooms and Special Ed, as well as being a teacher-librarian. Pat worked as secretary of the Spina Bifida Association of Northern Alberta (two years), a learning assistance teacher; has been involved with RILS for around fourteen years and has worked on the Board for six years. Mother of two sons, both who wanted independence immediately upon graduating. Her eldest, born with Spina Bifida, was fortunate to find a caring, supportive residence known as RILS, and lived there for four years. Pat firmly believes in encouraging tenants to be actively involved to the best of their ability.