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.
Darren Morson
Director, Operations
Morson’s role includes overseeing all aspects of operations across all GVHA facilities including the EHS program, landscaping, maintenance, marinas, and management of community amenities....
He has more than 15 years’ experience in strategic operational oversight and has a bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Morson has previously worked with the Oak Bay Marine Group, BC Transit, District of Saanich, and James Island Properties.
In his spare time when not helping coach his three kids in baseball or soccer, Morson is a paid-on-call firefighter with the Central Saanich Fire Department.
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.
Mark Crisp
Director, Infrastructure
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.
Judy Kitts
First Nations Engagement Manager
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.
Stella Fernandez Garcia
Manager, Communications & Marketing
Garcia oversees communications, media relations, public engagement, marketing and events. Garcia's role supports the organizational pillars to build community relationships and create pathways for dialogue....
Garcia has over 20 years of leadership experience in the public, not-for-profit and private sectors. She has worked in education, law enforcement, public service, the arts, and health and wellness sectors.
She underpins her communications approach with intercultural communications theories. Of particular interest to her is Stella Ting-Toomey's Face Negotiation Theory.
Garcia holds a BA in Professional Communications from Royal Roads University, where she also received the Founders' Award, which "…is based on demonstrating exemplary qualities relevant to the learning community...including leadership, commitment to sustainability, positive and proactive work in equity, diversity and inclusion, and personal growth," -Royal Roads University. Alberta Venture Magazine has recognized Garcia's work as a marketing professional.
When not working, Garcia enjoys spending time with her 170-pound dog, digging into a good book, crafting a novel inspired by her family history, and early morning outdoor swims. Her weakness is pistachio ice cream and rich, dark espresso.