Board of Directors 2018 – 2019
Linda Flegel
President
Linda Flegel brings more than 20 years’ experience in business development and operational improvements. She joined Houle Electric in 2015 as Strategic Change Project Manager and, previously, led the City of Vancouver’s $26M permits software implementation as Business Transformation Project Manager. She was a project manager on the team that completed Science World’s $35M building expansion and renewal, as well as development of their new outdoor science park from 2010 – 2013. Linda handled media relations for Tourism Whistler during the win-the-bid phase of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, as well as managed the worldwide satellite feed launching Whistler Blackcomb’s Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Along with her PMP, PRINCE2, Prosci, Lean Green Belt, and Business Analysis certifications, Linda is currently enrolled in BCIT’s Construction Management degree program.
Guyle Clark
Vice President
Guyle brings a wealth of board experience to New Vista, having sat on many non-profit, municipal and corporate boards past and present. He is a partner at Clark Woods LLP, a law firm dedicated to civil litigation matters, and entrepreneur with several other business interests in sectors ranging from hospitality to finance. Guyle has been committed to the ongoing growth and wellbeing of Burnaby for many years and currently sits on Burnaby’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission. In his position as a Director, Guyle is dedicated to expanding the reach and success of New Vista for years to come.
Sonny Dhillon
Treasurer
Sonny Dhillon, CPA, CA is the founding partner and business advisor at Intel CPA. Sonny received his Bachelor’s in Accounting from BCIT in 2007 and became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia in 2010. He was employed as a manager at one of Canada’s leading national accounting firms before joining Intel. Sonny has over 11 years of experience working in the accounting and auditing field. He is highly proficient, well versed with current knowledge of applicable accounting standards and shows a high level of productivity and attention to detail. Sonny’s primary focus is providing assurance – audit and review engagement services to not-for-profit organizations and private enterprises. Sonny also provides value added tax planning solutions including estate planning services – family trusts, Holdings Company set up and estate freeze. He has a genuine ability to connect with business owners and key decision makers to help them navigate complex tax and regulatory compliance issues that impact their organization. Sonny has a passion for community involvement and engagement. He has served on the boards of not-for-profit organizations for over five years.
Michael Chang
Director
Michael Immigrated to Canada from Korea in 2006 and became a Canadian Citizen in 2011. He is very involved in community projects and is the Outreach Director of the Korean Veteran Association and Korean War Veterans Association. Michael was a driving force in securing space at New Vista for the Korean War Veterans to meet and is the Managing Director of the Korean Sports Association and Korean Tennis Association Canada Branch.
Antara Deb
Director
Antara Deb was born and raised in India, one of the most multi-dimensional countries in the world, and immigrated to Canada in 2008. Currently an Information System Analyst with BC Hydro, Antara has also worked in GIS and CAD roles, and has technical diplomas in GIS and Architecture. Since 2008, she has volunteered with the Lower Mainland Bengali Cultural Society of British Columbia promoting Bengali culture and heritage. Serving as Vice President, she focused on fundraising, sponsorship and events planning, as well working with seniors in the community. Antara has also volunteered with Dress for Success’ clothing drive to support women re-entering the work force, as well as those fleeing Violence.
Benjamin Nelson
Director
Benjamin attended business school at the Richard Ivey School of Business and the majority of his career has been focused on real estate and land development. He builds and develops his own investment projects, focused on residential and mixed use. He is the Director of Development and asset Management for the Solterra group of companies, which includes residential, multi-family, mixed-use and industrial in both Canada and the US. He was involved in Intrawest Resort Development and mixed-use villages in both countries, as well as Polygon homes for multi-families.
Eunice Oh
Director
Eunice has provided partial funding for the Society’s new Care Home to include a floor geared towards the cultural sensitivities of Korea. This has been a dream of hers for decades and she works tirelessly towards preserving her native culture. A pharmacist by trade, Eunice is the recipient of numerous awards for her service including: Canada 150 Award; Awards for Social Service from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea; Gwanak Award for the Excellence from the Seoul National Alumni Association; and the Diamond Jubilee Medal from the Government of Canada in 2013.
Perry Saran
Director
Perry is a serial Entrepreneur with a foundation in the lumber industry. He has successfully developed a global network of manufacturing and distribution of wood products since 1992. This has established his organization, North Mitchell Lumber Company, as one of the key players in the lower mainland. His operations extend into Asia with previous manufacturing facilities in China as well as in Canada. In addition, Perry also owned and operated a recycling business, Abby Bin Service, for the disposal and recycling of construction and industrial waste; established in 1999 and grew it by 7%/year and was sold in 2014. Using a successful foundation in business, Perry has developed a portfolio of real estate holdings across the lower mainland, located in Whistler, Agassiz, Burnaby and Fraser Valley and the Prairies. He continues to be a sophisticated investor, offering both equity and expertise in construction and property management to the partnership. Perry is active in the communities he operates in, fostering good relationships with community leaders. When not focused on business, Perry enjoys skiing, golfing and spending time with both his young daughters.
David Stroud
Director
David is a seasoned strategy and operations executive who feels strongly about helping people to stay and live in the communities where they have roots. Affordable housing and care are the foundation of this objective, and have become even more challenging for local residents in recent years. David has become a member so that he can help New Vista continue to grow, expand its reach, and Help More People in the community. He has over ten (10) years of experience leading Strategy and Business Improvement projects and almost twenty-five (25) years of experience in finance. He has led improvement projects in Financial Services, Utilities, and Public Sector growth in six (6) countries. His experience includes initiatives to improve customer experience, growth, cost control, risk management, and manor software implementations. David lives with his wife, Fiona, in Kitsilano and together they enjoy traveling to exotic countries. He is a runner, enjoys craft beer, and he is an enthusiastic supporter of independent coffee shops. David grew up in the lower mainland, has a finance degree form Sauder, an MBA form SFU, and is proud to call BC his home.
Anne Watson
Director
Anne has extensive experience in the Community Living sector, managing services for adults with developmental disabilities. Anne has worked as a consultant for Quality Assurance/Accreditation and is currently a Quality Assurance Manager for a non-profit society. Anne has sat on various committees through her work, including Quality Assurance, Supported Employment Network and Simon Fraser Crisis Response committee. Anne is attending the Justice Institute of British Columbia in the Advance Certification in Community Care Licensing program.
Board of Trustees 2017 – 2018
Katy Atkins-Jang
Trustee
Paul McDonell
Trustee
Baljinder Narang
Trustee
New Vista Society Membership
The Society maintains a Nomination and Membership Committee and all membership applications are reviewed prior to being recommended for acceptance.
Currently, membership dues are $10 (ten dollars) annually and are due before the Annual General Meeting held in June of each year.
Board of Trustees
Established by an Act of the Legislature in 1953, the Board of Trustees of the New Vista Society administers all of the real property of the New Vista Society and oversees the activities of the Society, including all by-laws and resolutions.
Members are appointed according to the New Vista Society Board of Trustees Act and include a member appointed by the Burnaby City Council; a member appointed by the Burnaby Host Lions Club; a member appointed by the New Vista Society and two appointed members from the community who are active members of a public body or charitable organization whose purpose is the well-being of elderly dependent persons.
The Board of Trustees meets regularly with the Board of the New Vista Society.
The New Vista Auxiliary
The Vista V’s
The Vista V’s Auxiliary is a charitable non-profit organization of volunteers who assist the residents living at the New Vista Care Home and tenants in housing with equipment and necessities that will enhance their quality. The Vista V’s raise funds through a variety of activities and events, including the gift shop (The Boutique), grants and donations.
The New Vista Auxiliary members are always looking for community volunteers to step forward and join them in this most rewarding volunteer opportunity.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with or member of the New Vista Auxiliary, please contact Margaret Hansen, Volunteer Coordinator, at 604-521-7764, ext. 1285.