Who we are
Innovate BC is in business to serve and celebrate innovation in British Columbia.
About
Who we are
A Crown agency, we represent the government of British Columbia and the people who make up our innovation ecosystem in every corner of our province. We are proud of the role the BC government plays in funding, supporting and building connections for innovators.
Leadership Team
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Raghwa Gopal
President + CEO
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Jennie Choboter
CFO
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Tomica Divic
Vice President, Operations
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William Johnson
Director, Marketing + Communications
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Dawn Wood
Director, Government + Compliance
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Fernanda Whitaker
Director, Business Development Programs
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Anna Biesiada-Panas
Director, Finance
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Alyssa Brownsmith
Event Director, #BCTECHSummit
Ministry Responsible
The Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology manages government services that help support and maintain the strong and diverse economy that British Columbians need for long-term prosperity. It’s the ministry’s mandate to grow B.C.’s technology sector, champion innovation, nurture small businesses, support economic development throughout the province, and promote B.C. internationally as a preferred place to invest and do business. Innovate BC’s work supports the Ministry in achieving its mandate.
Governance & Board
The Lieutenant Governor, through Order-in-Council, appoints the members of Innovate BC’s Board and delegates the role of the Chair. The Board Chair reports to the British Columbia Legislative Assembly through the Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. The Board of Directors has thirteen members, including the Innovation Commissioner (an ex-officio member):
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Dr. Alan Shaver
Professor, Thompson Rivers University (Chair)
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Dr. Lesley Esford
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Michael Fergusson
CEO + Founder, Ayogo
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Suzanne Gill
Vice President, Government Relations & Public Affairs at Canada's Digital Technology Supercluster
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Dr. Joy Johnson
Vice President, Research + International, SFU
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Dave Krysko
Co-founder, Club Penguin + Entrepreneur in Residence, Okanagan College
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Dr. Gail Murphy
Professor + Vice President, Research & Innovation, UBC
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Dr. Peter Nunoda
President, Vancouver Community College
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Dr. Tom Roemer
Vice President, Academic, B.C. Institute of Technology
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Benjamin Sparrow
CEO + Co-founder, Saltworks Technologies inc.
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Don Stuckert
Principal, dstuckert + Associates
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Denise Williams
Executive Director, First Nations Technology Council
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Dr. Alan Winter
B.C. Innovation Commissioner (ex-officio member)
The Board:
- sets the strategic direction and approves appropriate plans from management;
- recruits, empowers and monitors Innovate BC’s management;
- shepherds and safeguards Innovate BC resources, approving major financial decisions, ensuring internal controls are in place and addressing areas of risk; and
- measures corporate performance, reporting regularly to stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable laws and ethical standards.
Innovate BC’s Board of Directors do not receive any remuneration for their services to the Board.
Board Committees:
Audit and Finance
- Helps the Board fulfill its obligations and oversight responsibilities relating to the audit process, financial reporting, corporate control systems and risk management. When required, it makes recommendations to the full Board for approval.
Governance and Board Nomination
- Reviews Board policies and practices, ensuring Innovate BC fulfills its legislated mandate and implements effective due diligence over Innovate BC’s governance.
Human Resources and Compensation
- Fulfils the Board’s responsibilities with respect to Innovate BC’s staff policies and practices.
Governance Principles:
Innovate BC’s Board has adopted the guiding principles outlined in the Province of British Columbia’s Governance Framework for Crown Corporations in establishing a framework from which to operate. These principles include:
- stewardship, leadership and effective functioning of the Board; and
- performance and value, innovation and continuous improvement.