Contact

Staff

Tel 604.688.6800  |  Toll free 1.866.912.6800
 

Jack Wong

Jack Wong
Chief Executive Officer
Tel. ext 104  |  Direct 604.343.2624  |  jack (at) refbc.com
Until January 2011, Jack was Assistant Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer for The Vancouver Board of Trade. With 10 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector and an additional 10 years in real estate development and construction, Jack brings strategic planning, collaborative focus, and a low panic threshold to the Real Estate Foundation. Jack received a Bachelor of Commerce & Business Administration from the Sauder School of Business, UBC and is a certified member and fellow of the Society of Management Accountants of BC (FCMA). Jack’s other roles include the city appointee and current chair of the Richmond Museum Society; current BC chapter executive chair and member of National Leaders Council for the Canadian Society of Association Executives; and mentor in the Sauder School of Business MBA mentorship program.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Celina OwenCelina Owen
Manager, Communications & Administration
Tel. ext 103  |  Direct 604.343.2623  |  celina (at) refbc.com
Celina wears several hats in her role including communications, strategy, HR, and generally keeping the office going; she enjoys working to make the Foundation more efficient and effective at what it does. Celina brings an historical perspective to the Foundation, having been with the organization since 1998. Prior to joining the Foundation Celina worked in environmental education programming and teaching. She has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Simon Fraser University. Outside work Celina enjoys yoga, going for walks, baking, and reading books that capture her imagination.
 
"I appreciate the opportunity to work with so many committed and talented people, both inside and outside the Foundation."
 
Megan Simm
Communications & Administration Assistant
Tel. ext 101  |  Direct 604.343.2620  |  megan (at) refbc.com
Megan is the newest member of the REFBC team, working with Celina on communications, as well as on general administration and support for both the staff and the Board of Governors. She is passionate about social media, and building online communities and conversation. Having spent the last two years working on a technology innovation for a Canadian charity, Megan brings experience working in both public and non-profit sectors. She is currently completing her degree in community development. Outside work, Megan loves watching her beloved Canucks and running the Stanley Park seawall.
 
"We always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next ten. Don't let yourself be lulled into inaction." - Bill Gates
 
 
David HendricksonDavid Hendrickson
Grants Manager
Tel. ext 108  |  Direct 604.343.2628  |  david (at) refbc.com
David works with the Foundation and its numerous stakeholders on land-use related projects. He is a professional planner (MCIP), a certified sustainability professional (CSP) and teaches sustainable community development locally and internationally. David is the author of The Sustainability Greenprint and founded a university-community partnership with Tufts University in Boston, MA. He was an Emerging Leader with the US Congress of Community Economic Development and has extensive international development experience in Asia and Latin America. David received his PhD in Geography from Simon Fraser University. He is an avid vegetable gardener, cyclist and enjoys puddle jumping with his family.
 
“When asked if I am pessimistic or optimistic about the future, my answer is always the same: If you look at the science about what is happening on earth and aren’t pessimistic, you don’t understand data. But if you meet the people who are working to restore this earth and the lives of the poor, and you aren’t optimistic, you haven’t got a pulse.” - Paul Hawken
 

Hedy RubinHedy Rubin
Grants Manager
Tel. ext 102  |  Direct 604.343.2630  |  hedy (at) refbc.com
Hedy helps organizations access funding from the Foundation by reviewing grant proposals, liaising with applicants about their projects, and making funding recommendations to the Board of Governors. With a passion for connecting with worthwhile organizations and assisting them to fulfill their missions, Hedy brings strong research and communication skills to the Foundation. She has 16+ years working in grant making and community programs, including 13 years at Vancity. Hedy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French from the University of British Columbia. Hedy’s favorite thing to do is to spend time with her three kids.
 
“I love having the opportunity to be involved in a variety of important initiatives taking place in BC and working with the people driving projects that are effecting real change in our communities and the environment.”  
 
Leanne SexsmithLeanne Sexsmith
Grants Manager
Tel. ext 111  |  Direct 604.343.2621  |  leanne (at) refbc.com
Leanne works closely with the Foundation’s partners, applicants and funded organizations to support innovative, progressive new solutions to land use issues.  She is inspired by the many dedicated, creative people working together to contribute to healthier ecosystems and more resilient communities across BC. In addition to her role as a Foundation Grants Manager, Leanne manages our Green Building Grants Program in partnership with Vancity.  She has over 15 years experience in community development, sustainable land use planning, and community grants.  She is a Registered Professional Planner and Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners, and has a Masters Degree in Planning from the University of BC (SCARP).  Leanne enjoys life’s adventures with her two young daughters, and loves travelling, skiing and exploring BC’s mountains and coast.

“I feel so fortunate to work with a great team of people in an organization that is able to share resources and knowledge in support of positive change for BC communities.”  

Christian HansenChristian Hansen
Compliance & Revenue Analyst
Tel. ext 107 |  Direct 604.343.2627  |  christian (at) refbc.com
Christian manages compliance to Section 29 of the Real Estate Services Act and liases with financial institutions and real estate brokers. He advises brokers in setting up trust accounts which comply with the Act and answers any questions. With a broad view and interest of the function of financial markets, Christian brings strong statistical and analytical skills. He is currently pursuing a CMA designation and has a Bachelor of Science from Simon Fraser University. When not working on Excel spreadsheets, Christian enjoys cycling, running, and snowboarding.

“It is great to be a part of an organization that works hard for the betterment of the people of BC. My role in compliance increases the Foundation's ability to provide grants and positively impact the lives of people in our province.”  
 
Nick DaviesNick Davies
Grants Administrator
Tel. ext 106  |  Direct 604.343.2626  |  nick (at) refbc.com
Nick is a primary point of contact for grantees and applicants, helping them better understand grant requirements and reporting. He supports the Grants Managers and ensures that grant records are kept up-to-date and applications and payments get processed in a timely manner. He enjoys learning about the work people are doing to try to ensure that our environment and communities develop in a sustainable way. Having spent more than three years working for a large, grant-giving charity in the UK, Nick is experienced in helping people navigate their way through proper process. Nick received a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University. Being fairly new to Vancouver he enjoys exploring this part of the world by getting outdoors to see new sights and meet new people.

“I appreciate being part of an organization which supports passionate people with innovative ideas and projects around BC, contributing to the shared goal of promoting responsible and sustainable land use.”