Join Fernwood Neighbourhood House’s Board of Directors!
 
At Fernwood Neighbourhood House, we operate a community center in the neighbourhood of Fernwood and we also own and operate affordable housing units and social enterprise. Our vision is to nurture a neighbourhood where everyone experiences belonging, connection, joy and acceptance. In doing so, we are also dedicated to community-led change, collaboration, and inclusivity. The Board is responsible for ensuring that our mission to foster vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods is upheld in all aspects of our work. Their volunteer leadership plays a vital role in supporting our food security programs, housing initiatives, childcare services, and community development efforts.
 
We are proud to be guided by a volunteer board of directors who are rooted or have a deep connection in the Fernwood community and bring a wide range of lived experiences, skills and perspectives to their roles. It is also important to ensure that the board of directors reflects the diversity of the people in the community that we serve providing important role-modeling, rounding out perspectives and improving decision making. At the moment, our board would benefit from student, post-grad, retired, non-homeowner, IBPOC and specifically indigenous representation. 
 
Our Board members work closely with staff to steward the strategic direction of the organization, oversee financial stewardship, and ensure that we remain accountable to the community we serve. We welcome candidates who bring a variety of skills, backgrounds and perspectives and are especially interested in individuals with non-profit fundraising and grant writing, affordable housing, real estate, legal, government relations or political experience and have demonstrated commitment to our mission.
 
Candidate Profile
 
Interested in joining Fernwood Neighbourhood House, and contributing your time and talents to a meaningful mission and organization who is dedicated to building much needed connection, belonging and vibrancy? We are committed to making our process inclusive and accessible and invite you to submit your interest in one of the following ways:

In your application, please share the following:

  • Experience in non-profit fundraising, grant application writing affordable housing, real estate, legal, government relations or political experience
  • Commitment to Fernwood Neighbourhood House’s vision and mission 

Please note that not all qualifications are required to apply. If you have questions or would like to learn more about this opportunity, please contact chair@fernwoodnrg.ca. Candidates must be living in Fernwood. 

 
Key Responsibilities
  • Attend 6 board meetings annually, in-person meeting and occasionally online as well as the Annual General Meeting.   
  • Participate in a rotating chair and secretary schedule as determined by the board. 
  • Help steward the organization’s vision, mission and overarching objectives.
  • Oversee the organization’s financial viability and risk management.
  • Uphold appropriate governance processes, including executive director oversight, board succession, and other fiduciary responsibilities.

 

 

Meet Our Volunteer Board of Directors

At Fernwood Neighbourhood House, our work is grounded in community-led change, collaboration, and inclusivity. We are proud to be guided by a diverse and dedicated volunteer Board of Directors, all of whom live or have a deep connection in the Fernwood community and bring a wide range of lived experiences, skills, and perspectives to their roles. The Board is responsible for ensuring that our mission to foster vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods is upheld in all aspects of our work.

Our Board members work closely with staff to shape the strategic direction of the organization, oversee financial stewardship, and ensure that we remain accountable to the community we serve. Their volunteer leadership plays a vital role in supporting our food security programs, housing initiatives, child care services, and community development efforts.

If you are passionate about supporting community initiatives and have skills or lived experience to contribute, we invite you to consider joining our volunteer Board of Directors. Together, we can continue building a thriving and inclusive Fernwood. For inquiries, contact our Co-Chairs at chair@fernwoodnrg.ca.

 

2024-25 Board of Directors

 

Christy Pham, Director

With 20 years of experience in capital markets and investments, Christy (she/her) has a recent focus on infrastructure and sustainable business strategies. Originally from Calgary, Christy now manages pension funds for BC’s public sector. Her passion for solving climate change and social inequity guides her work, and she enjoys spending time with her family, playing the fiddle, exploring nature, and cooking international recipes.

 

Eric Swanson, Co-Chair

With 15 years of experience in public interest non-profits, Eric (he/him) brings expertise in policy, operations, and public engagement. He founded Third Space Planning, a consultancy focused on community wealth-building, and has held leadership roles at Dogwood and Generation Squeeze, advocating for environmental and democratic reforms. Eric is passionate about fostering connections and supporting local initiatives in Fernwood.

 

Jade Ashbourne, Director

Jade (she/they) brings a diverse background in academics, housing, and labour, having worked across B.C., Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Now settled in Fernwood with her partner and child, Jade is passionate about fostering community belonging and inclusivity. A lover of reading and cooking, Jade enjoys hosting conversations on social policy and queer & trans activism over home-cooked meals.

 

Jesse Margolus, Secretary

Jesse (he/him) is a project management professional with over a decade of experience in housing, land negotiations with First Nations, and food security initiatives. Currently working with the BC Public Service, Jesse supports the development of Transit Oriented Communities. Having lived in Fernwood for over a decade, Jesse enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and growing food at home.

 

Justin Best, Co-Chair

Justin’s (he/him) connection to Fernwood began in 2001, and over the years, he has lived in various parts of the neighbourhood. Now residing in the Cornerstone building with his twin teenagers, Justin works with Island Health as part of a healthcare team. He has been a strong supporter of Fernwood Neighbourhood House’s Good Food Box program, having volunteered and now contributing annually to support food security. In his spare time, Justin enjoys biking around the neighbourhood and connecting with the community at local cafes and patios.

 

Lisa Matthaus, Director

Lisa (she/her) uses her government relations, campaign strategy, and community organizing skills to advocate for sound environmental policies that keep our neighbourhoods and our world livable.

 

Rob Gillezeau, Treasurer

Rob (he/him) is an Assistant Professor of Economic Analysis and Policy at the University of Toronto, specializing in the economic history of Indigenous peoples in North America. He has served as Chief Economist for the Leader of the Official Opposition in Ottawa and as a senior aide to the Minister of Finance in BC. Rob’s work intersects discrimination, protest, and state institutions. He is also a fellow at the Broadbent Institute, co-director of the Indigenous Economics Study Group, and a founding member of the Canadian Economics Diversity Committee. Rob’s financial oversight ensures transparency and integrity at Fernwood Neighbourhood House.