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Governance, Executive Team and BC Ferries Board of Directors

Governance

Corporate:

 

For more on our Governance, Corporate Policies, the Coastal Ferry Act, the Coastal Ferry Services Contract, and other policies, reports and plans, visit our resources page.

Regulatory:

British Columbia Ferry Commission

Executive team

Nicolas Jimenez
President & Chief Executive Officer

Hi, I’m Nicolas (he/him) and I am proud to provide leadership and strategic direction to ensure this company fulfils its vital role connecting British Columbians to the people and places important in their lives. I’m focused on making sure we offer great customer experiences, in a way that honours our commitment to safety, reliability and affordability.

Prior to joining BC Ferries, I spent almost 20 years at ICBC in a number of senior roles, including five years as President and CEO. Earlier in my career, I worked in strategy and public sector management, including roles in the Parliament of Canada, the Privy Council Office (Government of Canada), BC Hydro and IBM Global Business Services. I have a Master's Degree in Public Administration from both Harvard University and the University of Victoria as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University.
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Outside of work, I sit on many boards, councils and advisory bodies, both industry groups and non-profits. I currently sit on the boards of the United Way of BC, Collingwood School Society, and Interferry and the Canadian Ferry Association. Despite working in the marine sector, I have to admit that I enjoy spending as much time as possible in the mountains—skiing, biking or climbing.
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Did you know? Our four recently approved new hybrid electric vehicles will contribute to an annual GHG reduction of approximately 10,000 tonnes.
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James Tan
Vice President & Chief Information Officer

Hello, I’m James (he/him) and my team is responsible for delivering technology to keep BC Ferries running smoothly and finding innovative ways to improve technology to better serve our customers.

I joined BC Ferries in July 2023 and bring over 20 years of business and technology leadership experience, delivering large and complex organizational transformations. Prior to joining BC Ferries, I was Vice President, Claims Customer & Material Damage Services at ICBC, where I used technology to re-design key aspects of a $1.5 billion vehicle repair claims function. Before that, I guided some of the largest and most consequential technology and business change initiatives in ICBC’s history. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and have also worked for Accenture and Ernst & Young, helping those consultancies deliver technology and business programs. I am energetic and thrive on innovation, focusing on fusing people, technology and processes to deliver enduring change programs.
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When I’m not focused on advancing how BC Ferries uses technology to better serve our customers and support our employees, I enjoy long walks with my wife and dog and have a passion for food and travel.
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Did you know? Internet connectivity from ships traveling through waters with tall mountains close by in the northern hemisphere poses one of the most difficult challenges to solve from a technology perspective. We have a team working with new technology to overcome these natural obstacles to improve conditions for our employees and our customers.
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Cameron Brine
Chief People Officer

Hi, I’m Cameron (he/him), and my role is to provide overall leadership to the People and Safety team for BC Ferries. Our team is responsible for ensuring we have the people in place to keep our ships running smoothly. We do this through attracting, retaining and nurturing top talent by supporting the overall health of our people, providing them with a great place to work and ensuring they have opportunities for growth.

I have worked across both the private and public sectors in BC with my most recent job being the Vice President of HR with the Fraser Health Authority. I have a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). I haven’t always worked in HR and becoming a VP of HR was not part of my life’s plan. However, the more experience I gain, the more I appreciate HR’s importance to the business and the more I love my job.
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Outside of the office, when I’m not busy taking my kids to their activities, I enjoy chasing them down the ski slope in the winter and exploring our coastline with them in the summer. When the house is quiet at night I turn into a bit of a Netflix documentary junkie.
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Did you know? We have employed families for generations; there are many examples of multiple generations of the same family working with BC Ferries.
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Brian Anderson
Vice President, Strategy & Planning

I’m Brian (he/him) and I work closely with the executive team to develop our overall corporate strategy. This includes leading and facilitating the development of a long-term strategic plan, defining our mission and vision, setting goals and objectives, and identifying the strategies needed to achieve them. My team monitors the company's overall progress and works with the executive team to refine our plans to ensure we remain on track to success.

I started with BC Ferries in 1998 as a Research Analyst and hold a Certified Accountant designation. Over my first 12 years, I was fortunate to work in a variety of departments and positions. After the Olympics in 2010, I joined BC Transit, where I enjoyed diverse roles in Planning and Finance before ultimately becoming Chief Operating Officer. In 2019, I returned to BC Ferries to lead the Strategic Planning, Community Relations and Government Relations portfolios.
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I enjoy fishing and golf and balance my weekends between those activities and getting away to our cottage in the Southern Gulf Islands. When not working, I enjoy island life including fishing, golfing, and spending time outside with my daughter.
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Did you know? BC Ferries delivers almost 200,000 sailings a year – which works out to an average of 540 per day. That figure varies significantly over the seasons – from 403 in the winter to 616 on a peak Friday in the summer.
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Melanie Lucia
Vice President, Customer Experience

Hi, I'm Melanie (she/her). As Vice President of Customer Experience at BC Ferries, my mission is to deliver a safe, seamless and consistent travel experience for our customers. With over 30 years of experience, from working on the front lines at BC Ferries to leading big-picture strategies, I bring a distinctive perspective to how things work.

Back in 1990, I started out as a casual ticket agent at BC Ferries while juggling university life. I quickly realized the endless opportunities for growth and learning at BC Ferries. Since then, I've assumed various roles across different departments, progressively shouldering greater responsibilities along the way.
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I hold an MBA in Executive Management from Royal Roads University, as well as credentials in Advanced Organizational Leadership from the University of Victoria and Innovation Management from the Grenoble Graduate School of Business in France. Beyond my professional commitments, I take pride in serving as the Board Chair for a non-profit organization.
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Did you know? In the year 2022/2023, BC Ferries customers indulged in over 1.4 million cups of coffee? I must admit, a few of those were mine! Embracing my Italian roots, I hold a deep affection for this beloved beverage.
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Stephen Jones
Vice President, Engineering

I’m Stephen (he/him), and I work with a dedicated team of professionals to ensure that our ships and terminals are safe, reliable and sustainable.

Before joining BC Ferries in 1996, I travelled widely as an Engineer Officer with Princess Cruises. I also did a stint as an Energy Consultant in Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin wall. I am certified in Marine Engineering (Class 1) and Project Management, and have a Master’s Degree in Business from the University of Victoria.
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Besides leading our outstanding engineering team, I love discovering new restaurants with friends, riding my motorbike, and watching Liverpool FC.
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Did you know? The Queen of Cowichan recently received a new sleek hull coating which will result in a fuel savings of 250,000 litres of fuel per year. A Ford F-150 XL truck consumes 12.2 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres. The earth has a circumference of 40,075 kilometres, so the fuel savings from the Queen of Cowichan would allow that Ford F-150 to drive around the world over 51 TIMES!
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Darren Johnston
Vice President, Marine Operations

Hi, I’m Darren (he/him) and I am responsible for the leadership and management of the fleet and personnel who keep passengers moving safely throughout coastal British Columbia. I also oversee the Operations & Security Centre which monitors and supports fleet operations on a daily basis and the Bridge Simulator Training Facility which provides specialized training in pilotage skills necessary for safe navigation in the beautiful waters of B.C.

Prior to joining BC Ferries in 2007, I held both seagoing and shore based positions in the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Canadian Navy. Early career highlights included serving as Navigation Officer on NATO deployment in the Atlantic and UN peacekeeping duties in Mozambique. As a senior officer, I served as a Principal Warfare Officer and Commanding Officer in the Indo-Pacific and South China Sea area of operations. Outside of my professional role, I enjoy playing rugby and coaching a U18 boys program in Victoria. I also love surfing because you don’t have to be great at it to enjoy it!
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Did you know? BC Ferries responds to an average of 12 marine rescue situations annually, providing a vital life-saving service to coastal British Columbians.
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Lindsay Matthews
Vice President, Public Affairs & Marketing

Hi, I'm Lindsay (she/her) and my role is to lead public affairs, marketing and Indigenous relations. I am excited to work alongside this team to communicate important information to our customers and to enhance our relationships with our partners.

Prior to joining BC Ferries, I was Vice President, Customer Experience and Public Affairs at ICBC. I have a Bachelor's in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of Victoria.
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In my personal time, I make it a point to enjoy the west coast life to its fullest, doing things like yoga, hiking on cold beaches or watching my kids play sports in the rain. I am also proud to serve on the Board of the United Way of BC.
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Did you know? BC Ferries has one of the highest follower counts in the world on social media within the ferry industry. Last year, our content was viewed 42 million times, we gained 22K new fans just last year across all channels, we garnered 105,236 reactions/likes on our content and our video content garnered 566,870 views.
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Joanne Carpendale
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

Hi, I’m Joanne (she/her) and I lead the finance team here at BC Ferries as the Chief Financial Officer. My team provides key support to business teams, with the single goal of helping the company and ferry system operate successfully for the long run. I oversee budgeting and planning, our multi-billion dollar capital plan, treasury functions, insurance, risk, audit and many other activities needed to support a business as complex as this one.

I bring to my role more than 25 years of leadership across many corporate finance disciplines. I joined BC Ferries in 2005, and since then, have worked in many different parts of the finance function, from planning to treasury to audit/risk and just about everything in between. I am a lifelong learner and hold an undergraduate degree from the University of Victoria, a Masters in Leadership from Royal Roads University, and a CPA designation.
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When I’m not at work, I turn my energies to family, friends, and ever-growing garden. I also visit with family and friends up and down the coast, which helps me experience firsthand the incredible role BC Ferries plays in connecting British Columbians to the people and places they love.
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Did you know? Any profits we generate are reinvested back into the ferry system.
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Board of Directors

 

Joy MacPhail, Chair
Joy MacPhail most recently completed a five-year term as chair of the Insurance Corporation of BC. Ms. MacPhail has also been a director of the boards of Delta Hotels and SilverBirch Hotels. Ms. MacPhail served as chair of the Expert Panel on the Future of Housing for the governments of Canada and B.C. and was also vice-chair of the Mobility Pricing Independent Commission. Ms. MacPhail is a trustee of Adler University in Chicago and Vancouver, and a director on the boards of Covenant House Vancouver and Arthritis Research Canada. Ms. MacPhail is the vice chair of Nch’Kay Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw ̱ (Squamish Nation). Ms. MacPhail was elected as the Member of the Legislative assembly (“MLA”) for Vancouver-Hastings from 1991-2005. The Governor General of Canada appointed Ms. MacPhail to the Order of Canada in December 2021.

J. Dennis Blatchford
J. Dennis Blatchford is the recently retired Pensions and Benefits Advocate for the Health Sciences Association of BC. Mr. Blatchford was a director for the B.C. Federation of Labour, a founding member of the Municipal Pension Plan Board of Trustees and served as member of the BC Investment Management Corporation Board of Directors. Mr. Blatchford has also served as a trustee for the Canadian Blood Services Pension Plan, and continue to serves on the Nurses’ Bargaining Association Retiree Benefit Fund, Joint Health Sciences Benefit Trust, and the Healthcare Investment Unit Trust.

Harold Calla
Harold Calla is Executive Chair of the First Nations Financial Management Board, a fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants Association of Canada and a member of the Squamish Nation. Mr. Calla brings significant board leadership as a member of the Board of Directors of Trans Mountain Corporation, the Joint Assembly of First Nations-Indigenous Services Canada Committee on Fiscal Relations, and former member of the Board of Fortis BC, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Partnerships BC, the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. He was instrumental in the development of the First Nations Land Management Act.

Eric A. Denhoff
Eric Denhoff has served in both the public and private sectors in Canada and internationally. He has served as a Deputy Minister in both the BC and Alberta Governments, as Chief Negotiator for Government of Canada and as an executive for private corporations. He has extensive experience in business in Asia, North America and Europe and has served on a wide variety of Boards, including the Energy Council of Canada, National Capital Commission, Fair Trade Canada, BC Women’s Hospital Foundation, Hospice Victoria, Greater Victoria Hospital Board, GNS School Board, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters BC Board and others. 

Charlene Hiller
Charlene Hiller is a lawyer and partner in the Capital Projects Group at Bennett Jones in Vancouver. Ms. Hiller brings significant experience in infrastructure and construction as the lead or co-lead counsel on high-profile infrastructure projects in B.C., including the George Massey Tunnel Replacement Project, New Surrey Hospital and Cancer Centre, Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion Project, Royal Columbian Hospital Redevelopment Project, and Dawson Creek Hospital Redevelopment Project.

Cathy McLay
Cathy McLay is the former Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Finance and Corporate Services with TransLink and served as Interim CEO. Ms. McLay is a member of the boards of Insurance Corporation of BC, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Coast Mountain Bus Company, and Green Power Motor Company. She has previously served on the boards of Providence Health Care, Transportation Property & Casualty Company Inc., British Columbia Rapid Transit Company Inc., Vancouver Coastal Health, and Canfor Asia Corporation.

Shona A. Moore, Q.C.
Shona A. Moore Q.C., practices as a labour arbitrator. Prior to August 1, 2020, she was a founding partner of Moore Edgar Lyster LLP. Throughout her legal career, Ms. Moore restricted her law practice to labour relations and administrative law, including human rights and accommodation. Between 1983 and 1986, she served as a Vice-Chair of the B.C. Labour Relations Board. In addition to her law practice, Ms. Moore has been active in a number of professional and community organizations, including Westcoast Legal Education and Action Fund, the BC Civil Liberties Association, the Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers and served as an elected bencher of the Law Society of BC. Ms. Moore was educated at the University of British Columbia where she graduated from Law School in 1979.

Tamim Raad
Tamim Raad is a seasoned strategist, planner, and executive, leading work with public mobility entities across Canada (for road, transit, air and marine). He is a Registered Professional Planner with the Canadian Institute of Planners and served as the Director of Strategic Planning and Policy with TransLink. Mr. Raad is the cofounder and principal of Access Planning, a national strategic planning consultancy firm. Mr. Raad has overseen the creation of major regional strategies, developed megaprojects and large transport service programs, created new institutional and project governance models, and developed complex funding and delivery strategies for organizations including TransLink, Greater Toronto Airports Authority (Pearson), Metropolitan Transportation Commission, ARTM (Montréal's Autorité Régionale de Transport Métropolitain), San Francisco Transportation Authority and the Cities of Toronto and Montréal.

Lecia Stewart
Lecia Stewart is a recognized industry leader with more than 25 years of experience advising on start-up, procurement, governance, and delivery strategies for large and complex infrastructure projects. She served as President and Project Director for two major Canadian transit projects – the $1.2 billion SkyTrain Millennium Line and Metro Vancouver’s West Coast Express commuter rail – both of which were delivered on time and under budget. She was also Vice President at Bombardier Transportation. In 2005, she founded the Stewart Group, a consulting firm offering strategic advisory services for major infrastructure projects.

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