Board of Directors
The Board of Directors governs the Chamber, as set out in our bylaws. The Board consists of the Chair, Vice-Chair and 10 Directors. In addition, the immediate Past Chair, Chief Executive Officer and the Treasurer of the Chamber are ex-officio members of the Board.
Each member of the Board has one equal vote in any proceeding of the Board, other than the Chief Executive Officer who is a non-voting member of the Board. Chamber members in good standing who are interested in volunteering for election to the Board, please contact the Chamber office for information.
Meet the 2026 Board of Directors
Mohammad Darwish
Board Chair
President & CEO
Aplicata Technologies Inc.
Mohammad Darwish
President & CEO, Aplicata Technologies Inc.
Mohammad Darwish is Aplicata’s Chief Executive Officer and serves on the Board of Directors. He is recognized for his experience, innovative contributions and leadership spanning over 25 years in the computing industry. Prior to founding Aplicata, Mohammad founded AdvancedIO, where he pioneered adaptive wideband network solutions that have become an industry benchmark. Earlier in his career, he worked at Spectrum Signal Processing, developing real-time communication systems for defense and commercial markets. Mohammad taught computer engineering courses at UBC for many years. He is deeply passionate about education and the development of young people. While teaching at UBC, he brought invaluable industry insights into the classroom, enriching the learning experience of his students. Alongside his business achievements, he is an avid community volunteer and serves as an economic advisor to the City of Coquitlam. Mohammad holds a master’s degree in computer engineering from UBC, where he also pursued a Ph.D. degree.
Justin Levine
Vice Chair
Lawyer
Golbey Levine, Lawyers + Advisors
Justin Levine
Lawyer
Golbey Levine, Lawyers + Advisors
Justin Levine practises business and real estate law with Golbey Levine, Lawyers and Advisors . Phrased pretentiously, he helps clients identify and manage their risks to help accomplish their goals. Justin is passionate about local business and thinks Main Street trumps Wall Street. One of his greatest work accomplishments is PROTECTED BY SOLICITOR-CLIENT (that's a joke). He is an advisor to boards and a past director of a non-profits and a charity. Justin used to be actively involved with the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce as a member of the Government Relations Committee and the initial TCYP steering committee. He used to volunteer with Douglas College's self-employment program. He provides some pro bono legal work for people and organizations in need. He was raised in Port Coquitlam, with a stint in Maple Ridge, and currently lives in Coquitlam with his spouse, two children, and a dog that eats everything.
Vivien Symington
Past Chair
Owner
Club Aviva
Vivien Symington
2025 Board Chair
Owner, Club Aviva
LinkedInVivien Symington has 50 years of gymnastics experience and earned BA/BPHE degrees from Queen’s University.
Established in 1986, Club Aviva is a large family-owned and operated gymnastics facility, offering a wide variety of unique programs to promote healthy physical and emotional lifestyles.
In 2002, Vivien invited the Empowering Steps Movement Therapy Program (ESMT), a unique child centre intervention for children and youth with neurodevelopmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.
Vivien is an active volunteer with Coquitlam Festival Society (since 1992), Kids Brain Health Network, Gymnastics BC, and Simon Fraser Society. In 2017, she was inducted into the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame as a Community Builder and Club Aviva won the best BC Gymnastics Club of the Year.
Eric Salvador, CPA
Treasurer
Partner
Rise CPA Inc.
Eric Salvador, CPA
Treasurer, Tri-Cities Chamber Board of Directors
Partner, Rise CPA Inc.
Eric graduated from Capilano University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance. He began his accounting career in 2014 where he worked at a national accounting firm in Calgary providing accounting and assurance services in the private enterprise group. Eric then joined Rise in 2016 due to his passion of building strong relationships with his clients and their businesses to become their trusted advisor. Eric advises on accounting, assurance, tax and other business matters in various industries such as restaurants, breweries, manufacturing, franchises, retail, construction, film, etc.
In addition to assisting his clients, Eric also has a passion for mentoring soon to be CPA’s and business professionals. He often attends campus recruiting events and has mentored individuals under the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Launch2Success Mentorship program.
Outside of work, Eric is a big foodie. He enjoys spending time with his wife trying new restaurants and learning new recipes to cook for his friends and family.
Chris Chong
Director
Owner
Butter Studios
Chris Chong
Owner, Butter Studios
LinkedInOwner of a successful photo/video studio for the past 15 years servicing local, national and international clients.
Previously, I was a director for a national telecommunications company leading up to 500 employees and gained extensive experience in project and people management and consistently exceeded targets in relation to revenue, productivity and quality.
Adel Gamar
Director
CEO & Co-Founder
GLG Ltd.
Adel Gamar
CEO & Co-Founder, GLG Ltd.
LinkedInAdel Gamar is Cofounder and CEO of GLG Ltd., a boutique management consultancy launched at the Harvard Innovation Lab and headquartered in Vancouver. He manages the delivery and implementation of the firm’s leadership development and change management services.
Over the course of his career, Gamar has advised senior leaders of Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, and governments worldwide. He served as Education Specialist at UNESCO and Policy Fellow at Harvard Law School. While at Harvard, he taught adaptive leadership and negotiation. In 2015, he advised the Co-Chair of President Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.
Gamar is an Adjunct Professor at UBC Sauder School of Business where he teaches leadership and management. He cofounded The Gamar Foundation—a nonprofit that aims to inspire, empower, and connect young people to enhance the public good in their communities.
He serves on various boards, including Douglas College and the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce where he is the Chair of the Economic Development and Government Relations Committee.
A father, husband, and relentless optimist, Gamar holds an MPA from Harvard and a B.Ed. from the University of Calgary.
Cassandra Curtis
Director
Owner
Cassandra Cake Co.
Cassandra Curtis
Owner, Cassandra Cake Co.
Owner and Founder of Cassandra Cake Co., a leading bakery and high-tea venue in downtown Port Coquitlam. With over 18 years of experience in the culinary industry and recognition as a two-time Food Network Champion, she has built a brand defined by excellence, innovation, and community impact. Cassandra’s diverse professional background in banking, event management, and fitness coaching provides a strong foundation in leadership and business strategy. As Vice Chair of the Downtown Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association, she contributes to local economic growth and strategic development. A finalist for Young Professional of the Year and recipient of Business of the Year at both the Tri-Cities Business Excellence Awards and the PoCo Biz Awards, Cassandra is deeply committed to fostering collaboration, supporting small businesses, and strengthening the local economy.
Katherine Kim
Director
Senior Account Manager
Business Development Bank of Canada
Katherine Kim
Senior Account Manager
Business Development Bank of Canada
Katherine is a Senior Account Manager with the Business Development Bank of Canada, BDC, with more than 8 years of experience in the financial industry. Specializing in advising business owners and commercial relationships, Katherine uses that experience to deliver a value-add component to every interaction she has with her clients, network and stakeholders.
Katherine possesses a unique blend of professional expertise and a passion for community development. Her track record of successfully leading initiatives within the region, combined with her strategic thinking and collaborative approach, makes her an ideal candidate for a leadership role.
Katherine's ability to inspire and mobilize teams toward a common goal is truly remarkable. Her strong communication skills, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication make her an asset to any organization.
Furthermore, Katherine's deep knowledge of the Tri-Cities area and her extensive network of connections within the local business community would undoubtedly benefit the Chamber's mission and objectives.
Katie Fitzmaurice
Director
Executive Vice President
Invest Vancouver
h4>Katie Fitzmaurice
Katie Fitzmaurice is a strategic and collaborative leader driving economic transformation across the Metro Vancouver region. As Executive Vice President at Invest Vancouver, she champions initiatives that foster inclusive prosperity, regional wellbeing, and long-term competitiveness. With experience spanning the private sector and all levels of government, Katie brings a unique systems-level perspective to her work. She is known for her ability to convene diverse stakeholders, shape bold strategies, and unlock opportunities that strengthen the region’s economic resilience. Katie holds a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC’s Sauder School of Business and remains deeply committed to community impact—whether through policy innovation or a 4,500-kilometer fundraising bike ride from Amsterdam to Istanbul.
Executice Vice President, Invest Vancouver
Katie Fitzmaurice is a strategic and collaborative leader driving economic transformation across the Metro Vancouver region. As Executive Vice President at Invest Vancouver, she champions initiatives that foster inclusive prosperity, regional wellbeing, and long-term competitiveness. With experience spanning the private sector and all levels of government, Katie brings a unique systems-level perspective to her work. She is known for her ability to convene diverse stakeholders, shape bold strategies, and unlock opportunities that strengthen the region’s economic resilience. Katie holds a Bachelor of Commerce from UBC’s Sauder School of Business and remains deeply committed to community impact—whether through policy innovation or a 4,500-kilometer fundraising bike ride from Amsterdam to Istanbul.
Gwendolyn Maddock
Co-Founder & CEO, A5 Fleaning Services
I am an entrepreneur with over 2 decades of leadership experience. An active community leader dedicated to strengthening local business and civic engagement. As Executive Secretary and Administrator for the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce, I have supported board governance, advanced municipal advocacy, and led key initiatives in economic development and organizational growth. I have actively served on the City of New Westminster’s Arts, Culture, and Economic Development Advisory Committee, contributed to strategic community planning. I have been actively involved with the Rotary club as a Rotarian with over 20 years of volunteer leadership where I love to help others, give back to the community with service, collaboration, and sustainable community impact. My background in executive management, operations, and stakeholder relations reflects the passion for transparent leadership and innovation. I am ambitious and driven to help other local businesses to succeed. I am committed to civic excellence and always advocating for the Tri-Cities business community.
Mike Forrest
Director
Vice President
Forrest Marine Ltd.
Mike Forrest
Vice President, Forrest Marine Ltd.
LinkedInMike Forrest is the co-owner (with his brother Ray) of Forrest Marine Ltd, a third generation river oriented family business in Port Coquitlam, with Tugboats, Fishboats, Log Salvage, Water Taxi, Rescue and more.
Forrest Marine has been a member of the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce since 1993.
Mike’s past experience includes serving as a member of the Fraser Panel of the Canada/US Pacific Salmon Commission for 19 yrs.
He also served on the Fraser River Port Authority from 1993-1999.
His community spirit and involvement is shown in having served 18 years on Port Coquitlam city council (2000-2018)
Mike and his wife Karen both have third generation POCO roots, and raised their family here.
Mike believes that Chambers of Commerce are not only an integral part of a vibrant community, but also the best venue for business to share their collective voice with Governments in respect of fair regulation and minimizing bureaucracy!
Reihaneh Mirjani
CEO, Sole Bite Food and Vice President, Immigrant Link Centre Society
LinkedInReihaneh is a resourceful and reliable professional who has excellent interpersonal skills across all levels including stakeholders and government. She has received her Women Influencers Award from Women's Collaborative hub in 2019 and her society received a Business Excellence Award from the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce. She has a Bachelor's degree in English literature and is working as Vice President in Immigrant link Centre Society and also as CEO of Soul Bite Food Inc.
Matthew Sebastiani
Chair/Senior Analyst, Coquitlam Foundation/Bank of Canada
Matthew Sebastiani is an experienced policy analyst and community leader with a diverse background spanning government, financial services, and life sciences. He currently serves as a Senior Analyst at the Bank of Canada, and previously worked in biotech and as a policy advisor to the Deputy Leader in the Senate of Canada. A dedicated volunteer, Matthew is Chair of the Coquitlam Foundation, President of the Board of Place des Arts, Treasurer of the Coquitlam North Road Business Improvement Association, and Director of the Association of Professional Economists of BC. He previously served as President of the Vancouver Chapter of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada and was a member of the Business Council of BC’s NEXT Leaders Council. Since 2022, he has been appointed to the City of Coquitlam’s Economic Development Advisory Committee. In 2025, Matthew was honoured as the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year. He holds an MBA in Finance from UBC’s Sauder School of Business and a BA (Honours) in Economics from SFU.
Pulkit Sharma
Project Manager, Peter Kiewit Sons ULC
LinkedInPulkit is a Professional Engineer and currently working as a Project Manager with Kiewit, a local contractor with a history of building projects in the Tri-Cities area and an employer to residents of Tri-City region. Pulkit graduated with a master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia and joined Kiewit soon-thereafter as a Field Engineer.
Pulkit and his family established roots in the Tri-Cities area of Coquitlam to enjoy the beautiful landscape and bountiful parks, Pulkit is an active member of this vibrant, multicultural community. He is also an angel investor and partner of multiple local businesses and encourages business owners to take root and grow within the community.
Pulkit and his wife are pro-actively involved within their community and promotes fellowship by connecting residents to community resources, mentorship and aids international students with career advice and assist assimilating into the community.
Jennifer McKinnon
Ex-Officio, Non-Voting
Chief Executive Officer
Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce