Karin Kirkpatrick, CEO

As the CEO, Karin's role is broad, from providing leadership and strategy to the Foundation to acting as liaison with outside organizations and the provincial government. She has managed businesses for over 15 years and her experiences include four years working with a real estate development company; six years running her own business; and six years as Assistant Dean in UBC’s Sauder School of Business. Karin studied Urban Land Economics at UBC, has an MBA with a specialization in Human Resources, and is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP). Karin is currently a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) candidate and a professional member of the Real Estate Institute of BC (RI designation). 

Karin's love of architecture and the built environment stems from following her architect/interior designer father around construction sites as a child.  After a failed attempt as a rock star, she now spends her time renovating homes and hanging out with her very cool seven-year-old daughter.

"I have the best job in the world.  Everyday I learn something new. The work here has broadened my appreciation and understanding of key issues facing development and land management in the province of British Columbia and abroad. I have the pleasure of dealing with people that make a difference.”

Tim Pringle, Director of Special Programs

Tim served as the long-time Executive Director of the Foundation, building it from an idea to a valuable contributor to work done in the province on sustainable land use. His personal contributions to communities in the province are substantial. Tim moved to his current role in 2008 to work more closely with community programs as advisor, researcher, and a contributor to planning and educational services.  He has been the key force in the Communities in Transition program which focuses on rural communities and their unique development challenges.

 Celina Owen, Manager, Communications & Administration

Celina wears several hats in her role including communications, grants, and general office operations; she enjoys working to make the Foundation more efficient and effective at what it does. Celina brings an historical perspective to Foundation since she has 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 of work Celina enjoys Zumba, going for walks, 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.”

Hedy Rubin, Grants Officer

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.

Jen McCaffrey, Grants Officer

Jen evaluates grant proposals and makes funding recommendations to the board of governors. She assists potential grant applicants in determining how their projects may fit the Foundation mandate and works closely with grantees through the grant application process. Having previously worked for six years in sustainable investing, Jen brings a global perspective to sustainable development and land use, providing helpful insight into how others around the globe are addressing similar issues. Jen has a Bachelor of Arts in history from Simon Fraser University and is currently working on the Sustainable Community Development certificate, also from SFU. Jen enjoys hiking in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. Jen’s also keeps busy exploring the world anew through the eyes of her one-year son.

“I am inspired and motivated by the passion, energy, and commitment of our grantees to make this province a better place to live.”

Christian Hansen, Compliance & Revenue Analyst

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 Real Estate Services 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.”

Erik ensures that grant files are complete and up-to-date to ensure grant questions, applications, and payments, get processed in a timely manner.   He is the primary point of contact with grantees and applicants, helping them better understand grant requirements and reporting. Having spent three years working in information management in the public sector, Erik is experienced in helping people navigate their way through proper process. Erik received a Bachelor of Arts in economics and a certificate in Liberal Arts, both from Simon Fraser University. On his free time Erik enjoys motorcycles and board games.

“I get a high level of satisfaction from making the granting process as smooth as possible so that organizations do not face obstacles in accessing much needed funds for important projects.”

With over 10 years experience in executive assistant positions and three years in the not-for-profit sector, Leta ensures that the administrative functions at the Foundation are running smoothly. In her role, Leta also supports the CEO and acts as board liaison, as well as coordinating Foundation events. Leta has a certificate in Business Administration from her hometown of Newcastle, Australia and has studied event planning at BCIT. When not in the office, Leta enjoys water sports and soaking up the sunshine.

Elysha’s role is to engage the public about the Foundation’s work through writing informative stories on completed projects, interacting with stakeholders through social media, and enhancing the overall quality of the website. Beyond a Bachelor of Arts in English from UBC, Elysha brings a professional background in the non-profit sector and three years experience in marketing and strategic communications. On her free time, Elysha enjoys downhill skiing and yoga. Elysha is currently pursuing an MBA in strategic management and marketing at the Sauder School of Business, UBC.