Supporting Our Harbours

Our leadership team is responsible for the strategy and business direction of the organization. The team supports and guides our staff.

Collectively, they are responsible for:

  • Providing excellence in services that add value to both locals and visitors alike 
  • Creating and maintaining a supportive organization
  • Ensuring that the organization is a great place to work
  • Ensuring the organization is fiscally sound
  • Ensuring the highest and best use of all owned and managed assets and properties 

Robert Lewis-Manning

Chief Executive Officer

Lewis-Manning has over 20 years of executive-level leadership experience in the global marine transportation sector and has established a reputation as an innovative thought leader committed to building diverse and high-performing teams. ...

During his time with the Chamber of Shipping, he was responsible for developing and implementing a new strategic direction, including expanding client base and revenue; prioritizing partnerships with First Nations communities; and facilitating substantial changes to vessel operations in Canadian waters. He also advocated and negotiated the first marine conservation agreement in Canada to protect endangered whales, securing the support of three federal departments.

Judith Ethier

Chief Administrative Officer

Ethier oversees enterprise risk management, legal, finance, human resources, information technology, leasing, administration, and governance for the Board of Directors....

Her role includes supporting and developing the strategic initiatives that will ensure the organization enjoys long term sustainability and growth.

Ethier’s prior roles included more than 25 years in the public and private sector in Calgary, AB, where she held senior finance roles in both the oil and gas and commercial real estate industries. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

In addition, Ethier holds a CPCC designation, as a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, where she enjoys working with individuals and organizations on strategic career and leadership development.

Mark Crisp

Vice-President, Infrastructure and Resiliency

Crisp is responsible for planning and implementing Asset Management and Capital works program and projects....

Crisp has worked in the planning and construction industry for nearly 30 years, in several countries, and brings significant engineering and architectural experience to bear on maintaining growth of GVHA’s portfolio. He looks forward to bringing various major projects to fruition for the GVHA.

Lindsay Gaunt

Director, Cruise Development

Gaunt works to ensure the long-term sustainability of cruise tourism in Victoria by working with all stakeholders and partners to develop and manage Victoria’s cruise business....

She works closely with cruise line partners, operators, and other stakeholders to manage both day-to-day operations and long-term planning.

Gaunt was introduced to the cruise industry in 2005 and spent eight years at sea working on every vessel class, from Empress of the Seas to Oasis class, within the Royal Caribbean International fleet as a Revenue Manager, responsible for all shipboard revenue generating operations. She has sailed around the world and guests and crew agree with her that Victoria is one of the most beautiful cruise ports in the world.

She is the fourth generation of her family to be born in Victoria and grew up on the Saanich Peninsula. She completed a Masters degree in Business Administration at McGill University, and a Bachelors degree in History and Literature at the University of Victoria.

Judy Kitts

Director, First Nations Engagement

Kitts is responsible for increasing the recognition of the Lekwungen People in and around the facilities and land GVHA manages and supporting economic development initiatives through the First Nations Economic Development Committee....

Kitts has worked in Indigenous relations for more than 10 years, first as a contractor working with Indian Residential Schools Resolution Canada, helping to review historical records from Indian Residential Schools to support the settlement and claims made by residential school survivors.

She has also worked with the provincial government in treaty negotiations, which included supporting the implementation of the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement and the Kitsumkalum First Nation and Kitselas First Nation Interim Treaty Agreements. Most recently, Kitts worked at the Port of Vancouver, leading consultation with Indigenous groups on port development projects.

She grew up in Cornwall, Ontario along the St Lawrence River and the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne. Kitts holds a Masters degree from the University of Victoria in Dispute Resolution, and a Bachelors degree in International Development and Politics from Queens University.

Kitts is honoured to live and work in Victoria in the traditional territories of the Esquimalt Nation and Songhees Nation.

Lori Ann Smith

Director, Finance

Smith manages the finance department, insurance, enterprise risk management, and investments with a focus on financial sustainability. She is also the Privacy Officer for the organization. ...

Smith has more than 10 years’ experience in the finance field in municipal and non-profit organizations. She has a BComm from Laurentian University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant.

Smith’s love of Vancouver Island started in her early years as she lived in Port Alberni. After moving away for many years, she was thrilled to return with her family and settle back on the island, this time in Victoria.