Back row l-r: Mohammad Darwish, Matthew Sebastiani, Gwendolyn Maddock, Justin Levine, Adel Gamar, Pulkit Sharma, Eric Salvador, Mike Forrest and Chris Chong Front row l-r: Katie Fitzmaurice, Reihaneh Mirjani, Vivien Symington, Jennifer McKinnon, Cassandra Curtis and Katherine Kim
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Coquitlam, B.C. (November 27, 2025) — The Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce hosted its 54th Annual General Meeting today, welcoming more than 95 members to the Executive Plaza Hotel in Coquitlam. During the meeting, attendees elected new and returning directors to the 2026 Board of Directors and confirmed the incoming executive leadership team.
Mohammad Darwish, CEO of Aplicata Technologies, was elected Chair of the Board for 2026. He will be joined by Vice-Chair Justin Levine, Partner at Golbey Levine Lawyers, and returning Treasurer Eric Salvador, CPA and Partner at Rise CPA Inc. Vivien Symington, Owner of Club Aviva, will serve as Immediate Past Chair.
As required under Canada’s Boards of Trade Act, Darwish, Levine, and Salvador were formally sworn in by Acting Coquitlam Mayor Craig Hodge.
Newly elected directors who will serve two-year terms include:
- Gwendolyn Maddock, Co-Founder & CEO, A5 Cleaning Services
- Cassandra Curtis, Owner, Cassandra Cake Co.
- Katie Fitzmaurice, Executive Vice President, Invest Vancouver
- Matthew Sebastiani, Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Young Professional
Returning directors re-elected for two-year terms are:
- Katherine Kim, Senior Account Manager, Business Development Bank of Canada
- Adel Gamar, CEO & Co-Founder, GLG Ltd.
These directors join current board members entering the second year of their terms:
- Chris Chong, Owner, Butter Studios
- Mike Forrest, Vice President, Forrest Marine Ltd.
- Reihaneh Mirjani, Vice President, Immigrant Link Centre Society, and CEO, Soul Bite Food
- Pulkit Sharma, Project Manager, Peter Kiewit Sons ULC
Daniel Richardson, Partner at BTM Lawyers and outgoing Past Chair, has stepped down from the Board and will now serve on the Chamber’s Board of Governors. The Chamber also extends its sincere appreciation to Ryan Jamieson for his years of service as he concludes his term on the Board of Directors.
Treasurer Eric Salvador presented the draft 2024 audited financial statements, which were approved by the membership. Members also confirmed the re-appointment of Clearline CPA as the Chamber’s auditors for the 2025 fiscal year.
The Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the Chamber’s strategic priorities, governance, and annual budget in partnership with CEO Jennifer McKinnon. Board members also serve as advocates for the Chamber across the Tri-Cities and at provincial and national levels.
This year’s AGM was proudly sponsored by Great Canadian Oil Change. Owner Norm Lobb has long been recognized as an active and dedicated supporter of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.
The Tri-Cities Chamber works to strengthen business and community across Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra through advocacy, benefits, and meaningful connections for its members.
View the Facebook gallery of AGM photos here
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Since 1971, the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce has been the largest business association serving Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Anmore, and Belcarra, now representing 1,000+ organizations from every sector. The Chamber works to foster economic development, provide connections and benefits, and influence public policy at all levels of government to ensure strong business and strong communities. The Tri-Cities Chamber is an active member of the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce.
For more information, contact:
Jenifer McKinnon, Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce
ceo@tricitieschamber.com
604.468.6870