Ruth Simons, D.Litt. - President & Executive Director since 2017
Ruth has been a dedicated volunteer in Howe Sound following a term as a Village of Lions Bay Council member (2008-2011). Prior to 2008, she was in the travel insurance industry as a business owner and CEO. For her work on leadership towards achieving the UNESCO designation, Ruth received one of the highest honours from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)—an Esémkwu (blanketing ceremony) in recognition for her achievement and an Honorary Degree of Letters from Capilano University in 2023. A lifelong resident of the region, she is happiest in nature often seen either on the trails or the water. RuthSimons@howesoundbri.org
Joyce Williams – Squamish Nation Co-Chair since 2020
Joyce is from the traditional village of Waiwakum, BC. She was elected to the Squamish Nation Council (2017-2025) as an advocate for the protection of the sacred land and waters within the territory and for the Culture of the Skwxwu7meshulh. Joyce is Chair of the Indigenous Education Council School District #48, the Squamish Nation Climate Task Force and Chair of the Rights and Titles Advisory Committee. She is passionate about the need for building relationships to create solutions, and will never forget her three-week Tribal Journey by canoe from Atl’ka7tsem to Bella Bella adventure.
Cathy Jenkins - Vice President Director since September 2023
Cathy has 15+ years senior leadership experience in the tourism and education sectors and is currently the Project Manager at Cheakamus Centre. She is a founding director of the Cheakamus Foundation for Environmental Learning and is passionate about lifelong learning. Cathy is also a volunteer board member with the Whistler Institute of Learning Society. An outdoor enthusiast, Cathy loves exploring the trails and special places in her Sea to Sky backyard paradise.
Jenn Schofield - Treasurer - Director since September 2023
Jenn is a Partner at MNP LLP and serves as their Financial Services Director for Indigenous Services. Prior to joining MNP, Jenn was a CFO for a First Nation on Vancouver Island and had also worked with researchers and Indigenous communities from Ghana, Tanzania, and Canada, exploring the impact of national parks on Indigenous communities. Jenn has explored Átl'ka7tsem through skiing, hiking, paddleboarding and completing all of her scuba diving certifications in the waters here. This has given Jenn a deep appreciation for the unique biodiversity of Átl'ka7tsem and a strong desire to engage in its conservation a meaningful way.
Dr. Hasan Hutchinson - Secretary - Director since 2020
Hasan has spent 10 years dedicating his career to nutrition as the Director General of the Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion Health Canada, the focal point for public health nutrition within the federal government. He is an Associate with the Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue and is passionate about healthy, sustainable food and living systems. Hasan spent his early years on the mountains around Howe Sound and has now returned home to settle on Bowen Island. He is an outdoorsman and enjoys volunteering in the community.
Diane Mitchell - Staff Administrator - Part-time
A former HSBRIS volunteer, Diane provides support in HSBRIS administration and communications. She is the owner of Red Rock Creative and self-published In Love With Earth in Squamish & Whistler book in 2015. Her expertise is content development for exhibits and other public engagement projects. Clients include Sea to Sky Gondola and Malahat Skywalk. After 14 years as the Curator of education and collections at the Britannia Mine Museum, Diane now pursues her love for nature and a healthy environment. Diane lives in Squamish and can be reached at admin@howesoundbri.org
Samantha Wing - Staff OECM Project Manager
Sam is an active member of the Chá7elkwnech/Gambier Island community, including as Project Coordinator for the Gambier Island Community Association (GICA)’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP) project. Sam is also a leading member of the “Searching for Wex̱és (frogs) on Cha7élkwnech / Gambier Island”. She has a BA & BSc in Honours Cognitive Science with a minor in Environment from McGill. She has extensive experience in project management, largely in leadership and organizational development settings. Sam finds joy swimming in the ocean, walking in the forest and connecting with community members. A love for the Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound region and a passion for community-driven conservation have led Sam to the HSBRIS.
Mae Merilees - Staff Outreach Communications Coordinator
Mae has lived in coastal communities for her entire life, growing up in Kitimat, attending University in Nanaimo, and then moving to Squamish after obtaining her degree in business. She used her newly obtained skills in Marketing, Communications and Operations working in tourism, fitness, retail and recreation. Now living in Burnaby, Mae still travels the Sea to Sky every week to teach dance classes and visit her family in Squamish.
Past Honorary Board Members
Bob Turner - Honorary Director & Advisor
Bob was a founding director and a significant contributor to the UNESCO nomination. He is a long-time steward and advocate for a healthy Howe Sound, a federal scientist and two-term Mayor of Bowen Island. Often in his kayak capturing the marine life for another of his wonderful films, he is a passionate about connecting people with nature through storytelling. A more recent project that Bob has championed is the Bowen Island Marine Atlas.
Patricia Plackett PhD - Honorary Director
Pat served on the board since early days of 2017 to 2023. With her background as a Socio-economics specialist with PhDs in anthropology and economics, her many years of experience in university teaching and managing sustainability-related initiatives her contribution has been greatly appreciated. Pat continues her work teaching at Simon Fraser University and is the chair of the Suzuki Elders Council.
Suzanne Senger - Honorary Director
Suzanne is a founding member of the Society and was part of the team that set out to pursue the UNESCO designation. Suzanne has lived on the Sunshine Coast for a long time and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association. Suzanne served many roles while on the board to 2024.
Ian Winn - Honorary Director
Ian joined the board in 2019 following his term as Area F Director for West Howe Sound. As an operator of a small tourism business, Ian also contributed many volunteer hours to the Ocean Watch Action Committee and brought his perspectives from industrial operators in West Howe Sound. Ian served as VP for a number of years until 2024.