GVHA Board Elects New Chair, Vice Chair

GVHA also welcomes two new Board members 

Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Territory/VICTORIA, BC, January 16, 2025 —The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority’s Board of Directors has elected Mark Mawhinney as its new Chair. 

Mark Mawhinney replaces Christine Willow, who spent the past four years as Chair. Christine remains on the Board as Past Chair. The Board also elected Susan Brice as Vice Chair. 

Previously Vice Chair, Mark is a lifelong boater and was nominated to the Board by the Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society. He works for Odlum Brown Limited as a portfolio manager and investment advisor.  

Susan is a councillor with the District of Saanich and a Capital Regional District (CRD) director. 

The Board also approved the nominations of two new members. Bruce Hale was nominated by the Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society. Ann Squires Ferguson was nominated by the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. Bruce is CEO of FAS Seafood Producers Ltd / Finest at Sea Ocean Products. Ann is CEO of Western Design+Build. 

Dave Cowen, who was Past Chair from 2021 to 2024, leaves the Board after joining in 2010, as does Ryan Burles. 

“We look forward to moving ahead with Mark’s guidance. He brings more than 20 years of financial and business experience to the table, and understands our community well,” said GVHA CEO Robert Lewis-Manning. “The next couple of years will be pivotal as we move forward with our new vision and mission, build partnerships and seek investment in the harbour. 

“We are grateful to Christine, Dave and Ryan for their leadership and support over the years.” 

GVHA’s Board features leaders with business, community, environmental, and marine expertise.

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About GVHA: 

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is a not-for-profit organization committed to the stewardship and sustainable growth of Victoria’s working harbour. GVHA owns and operates several high-profile amenities, including the Breakwater District at Ogden Point, the Inner Harbour lower causeway and marina, Fisherman’s Wharf and Ship Point Pier. GVHA is certified as a Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Gold Member for its commitment to working in partnership with the Lək̓ʷəŋən People.  GVHA vision: Canada’s most ḰʷamḰʷəm (vibrant) and Xʷčičtəs (harmonious) harbour.

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