I was born and raised in Nanaimo and am now raising two young children with my partner Christina. I have a background in urban planning, policy development, and intergovernmental relations. I was elected to Nanaimo council in 2018, and elected Chair of the RDN in 2020 and 2021.
I am proud to have brought ideas forward and led dialogue that resulted in the expansion of our regional parks systems, the creation of the City’s Advisory Committee on Accessibility and Inclusiveness, increased transit service, parcel assembly in Nanaimo’s downtown, and local commitment to funding a new patient tower and cardiac services for Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
A passion of mine has been to push the province to modernize the local government act to allow for local governments to be more nimble, adaptable and inclusive. I have led this discussion among the Regional District Chairs throughout the province. Further, I believe that to be effective, local governments must adopt cohesive frameworks to orient their actions and build budgets based on outcomes for their citizenry. I have presented on this topic throughout Canada.
I am honored to have served the citizens of Nanaimo for the last four years and have the energy to tackle the challenges before us. I have thoroughly enjoyed being RDN Chair and developing a positive and accountable organizational culture to provide value to citizens.
When I am not busy with Council business, you can find me at Wheatcroft park with my family, playing sports, or enjoying life with my two beautiful children.