viaSport Staff
Executive
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Charlene Krepiakevich
Chief Executive Officer
Responsibilities include:
- Strategic initiatives
- viaSport spokesperson
- Partner relations
- Sport development
- Coaching and leadership
Biography:
As Chief Executive Officer for viaSport, Charlene collaborates with partners across sectors to create communities that are healthy, vibrant, connected and inspired through sport experiences that are safe, inclusive and meaningful.
Charlene brings 25+ years of proven success in developing and implementing pragmatic and functional, vision-driven strategies that build brands, revenues and reputations. Additionally, she offers inspired strategic analysis, transformative approaches, people-centered leadership and astute cultural and organizational acumen. She has worked in local, national and international markets, in private, public and non-for-profit sectors, in complex organizations, and cross-functionally, to successfully seize opportunities, influence change and deliver results.
Charlene has a Diploma in Public Relations/Communication and a Master’s Degree of Arts in Leadership.
T: 778-655-1753
Business Operations
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Liana Schou
Director, Finance and Administration
Responsibilities include:
- Financial Management and Business Planning
- Business Support, Technology and HR
- Risk Management and Governance Support
Biography
As Director of Finance and Administration, Liana leads finance and technology initiatives and provides effective administrative, HR and IT support to viaSport’s Sport Development, Coaching, Innovation, and Communications groups. Liana brings over 20 years of leadership and management experience, primarily in private and public sector environments, helping organizations plan, execute and analyze their business performance.
Liana is a designated CPA, CGA and enjoys playing squash, running and yoga.
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Margo Smith-Kavanagh
Executive Coordinator
As Executive Coordinator Margo supports viaSport Board, Executive and Committee planning and development. Prior to joining viaSport, Margo worked in club administration for eight years with the North Shore Girls Soccer Club. She holds a B. Comm and M. Sc. Administration from Concordia University in Montreal and worked in the fields of Marketing Research and Consumer Packaged Goods before transitioning to amateur sport.
Margo enjoys hiking and back country camping trips with her family and friends, reading, and is a volunteer tutor with ONE TO ONE children’s literacy program
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Joe Zhang
Business Analyst and Coordinator
Responsibilities include:
- Process Improvement Support
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Administration of Data Collection and Reporting Processes
Biography:
Joe is a data analysis professional with a focus on the improvement of current data collection and reporting processes. He is a recent graduate from the Master of Business Analytics program in University of British Columbia, and holds an undergraduate degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Edinburgh. Outside of work, he enjoys MMA, basketball, and esports.
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Vy Le - currently on parental leave
Business Process Coordinator
Responsibilities include:
- Administration of policies, procedures and reporting processes
- Process improvement support
- HR processes implementation
Biography:
Vy is a graduate from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information System and a minor in Health Science. As the Business Process Coordinator, Vy coordinates the administrative duties of the organization and support process improvement. Prior to viaSport, Vy was experienced in coordinating business operations in the manufacturing industry. When she isn't working, she enjoys walking outside or reading.
Communications
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Ninu Gill
Director, Marketing and Communications
Responsibilities include:
- Strategic Communications
- Stakeholder and Partner Engagement
- Grant Management and Revenue Development
Biography:
As Director, Marketing and Communications, Ninu communicates across a broad stakeholder group of partners across sport, health, education, community and business. He supports a united approach to make sport experiences that are safe, inclusive and meaningful for all British Columbians. Ninu brings close to 25 years of experience helping organizations, in both the public and private sectors, build engagement and succeed through communications and media relations. He also serves on the Oceanwise/Vancouver Aquarium Board Marketing and Communications Committee.
Ninu graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Adaptive Physiology, and is a member of the International Association of Business Communicators.
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Olivia Pannu
Communications Coordinator
Responsibilities include:
- Digital and social media strategy and execution
- Content creation and creative support
- Community outreach and engagement
Olivia is a creative communications professional with a special interest in digital and social media. She is a graduate from the University of British Columbia's Media Studies program and prior to viaSport she worked in social media for her university's student events department. Outside of work you can find her with a camera in hand, hiking, or tending to her flower and vegetable garden.
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Daniel Iriarte
Marketing Communications Manager
Responsibilities include:
- Marketing strategy development
- Branding planning and execution
- Market survey and analysis
Biography:
Daniel’s experience accounts for more than ten years in marketing and communications, both in advertising agencies and retail companies. He holds BA degrees in Communications and Marketing, with minors in PR and Creative Writing; he also has two Post Degree Diplomas in International Business and Marketing from Douglas College.
Conscious of its recreational and health benefits, Daniel has always been engaged in sports; soccer, volleyball, bodyboarding, martial arts, cross-fit, and horse riding are just some disciplines he has enjoyed as a participant. Along with a keen eye for sports organizations’ strategies, his own positive experiences drive him to spread the positive impact of sports on well-being, self-esteem, solidarity, and community building.
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Lydia Nutbrown
Communications Manager
Responsibilities include:
- Communications planning
- Copywriting and content creation
- Stakeholder relationship management
Biography:
Lydia is a non-profit and corporate communications professional who has worked in a variety of industries across five Canadian provinces. She holds an MA in Intercultural and International Communication from Royal Roads University and an undergraduate degree in Political Studies from Queen's University.
She is an enthusiastic volunteer and very recreational athlete in sports ranging from Gaelic football to softball, and also loves tennis, skiing and hiking both locally and while travelling. She believes in the power of positive sport experiences to contribute to the growth of healthy, vibrant individuals and communities.
Innovation and Impact
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Shawna Lawson - currently on parental leave
Director, Research & Social Innovation
Responsibilities include:
- Research design, data collection and analysis
- Strategic development, reporting and assessment
- Bridging connections across BC sport sector
Biography
Shawna holds a Master’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia, and focused her research on the sustainability policies and partnerships of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Her areas of expertise include critical sport studies, qualitative research methodology, sport mega-event policy analysis, and public relations. Shawna’s approach is research-centered, solutions-oriented, and laser focused on positive change.
Formerly a nationally competitive soccer player and dancer, Shawna now participates in more joint-friendly activities like yoga and cycling. Originally from Saskatchewan, she spends a lot of her time reveling at the beauty of BC in the trails and on the beach. Shawna also holds a Bachelor in Kinesiology from the University of British Columbia and has worked with athletes across the lifespan, from age 5 to 95.
Sport Development / Coaching
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Heather Beatty
Director, Provincial Sport Development
Responsibilities:
- Development of strategy to elevate sector capacity
- Oversight of initiatives related to safety, inclusion and quality sport
- Oversight of annual funding and accountability processes
Biography:
Heather has worked with viaSport since 2014. In her current role she works to build the capacity of the provincial sport system to deliver safe, inclusive and meaningful sport experiences. She is a graduate of Brock University with a bachelor's degree in Sport Management. Heather brings a variety of perspectives to the role based on her experiences as an athlete, coach, Coach Developer, Team BC Mission staff and former High Performance and Competitions Manager for Curl BC.
In her spare time she enjoys yoga, hiking, curling, and dragonboating.
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Kevin Bowie
Manager, Sport Development
Responsibilities:
- Coach Development
- Enhanced Excellence
- Learning Centre knowledge mobilization
- PSO Recognition
- Sport Development Projects – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Sector Capacity, Safe Sport
Biography:
Shortly after receiving a Bachelor of Physical Education and Recreation from the University of Manitoba, and on the heels of an impactful experience at the Paralympic Games, an opportunity came along to move west. Kevin’s experience as an administrator, official, multisport athlete and coach, combined with his expertise as an advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in the Paralympic movement, has given him a unique view of sport development.
Prior to viaSport, Kevin spent 16 years at BC Wheelchair Sports as the Program Manager guiding sport development initiatives, wheelchair rugby high performance programming and competitions. Along the way, Kevin has had the opportunity to server the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation as an Official and a Technical Delegate, most recently for the 2020 Paralympic Games. In his free time, he can be found running the sea wall, skiing, hiking and spending time with his family and friends.
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Jared Kope
Director, Partnerships and Engagement
Responsibilities include:
- Physical literacy and sport development
- Regional delivery strategy and implementation
- Provincial partnerships and system alignment
Biography:
Jared grew up in small-town Alberta playing every sport he could. Having this foundation, Jared attended the University of Alberta and received a Bachelor of Physical Education and Recreation while competing on the track and field team. He continued his education at the University of Ottawa and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Human Kinetics where his research focused on community development through sport and recreation.
Prior to viaSport, Jared worked at PacificSport Fraser Valley as the Executive Director. Jared has also worked for the Mozambique National Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Games Canada and Right To Play focusing on sport for development. In his free time, Jared takes advantage of the B.C. lifestyle by hiking and snowboarding. You can also find him playing loud music – and sweating profusely – while teaching spin classes.
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Emily Vickery
Sport Development Coordinator
- Multi-Sport NCCP delivery
- Coach Mentorship
- Sport Development projects
Emily has been in the sport administration field for just over 10 years and joined the viaSport team in 2021. Her experience, with Triathlon British Columbia, has helped to fuel her passion for community and coaching. She is a graduate of Camosun College with a bachelor’s degree in Sport and Fitness Leadership.
As a strong advocate for community, physical activity and wellness, Emily also volunteers her time as a board member for the Britannia Community Centre and chair of the maintenance committee at her housing cooperative. Outside of volunteering, Emily can be found cycling to work, trying out fun food recipes, puzzling or playing board games with friends.
LinkedIn bio - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-vickery-359532115/
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Andrea Wooles
Safe Sport Manager
Responsibilities:
- Safe Sport initiative implementation
- Dispute resolution management
- Foster positive culture and relationships
Biography:
Andrea has worked in sport for over 20 years both in Canada and Internationally, including three Olympic Games. She has a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology from UBC as well as a Certificate in Organizational Coaching. Her unique combination of experiences, as an athlete, a coach, a Performance Scientist, an organizational coach, a sport consultant and a Board member have led her to her current role as Safe Sport Manager for viaSport. She is excited to be working on creating safe and positive environments for everyone at all levels of sport by bridging the gap between policy and practice.
Her hobbies include street photography and adventures.