Latest updates from Special Olympics BC's Board of Directors
During the fall, Special Olympics BC’s Board of Directors met at the organization’s 2024 Annual General Meeting. Throughout the year, SOBC’s Board of Directors provides vital guidance for the organization and movement, empowering SOBC to enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport.
At the meeting, the Board of Directors re-elected its Executive Committee:
- Chair: Colin Yakashiro, Grant Thornton LLP Partner (retired)
- Vice Chair: Nicola Lambrechts, NLK Strategies Founder and President
- Past Chair: Randy Smallwood, Wheaton Precious Metals President and Chief Executive Officer
- Secretary: Michael Campbell, MoneyTalks Host and Publisher
Treasurer Ryan Hoag departed from the Board of Directors and executive committee after serving from 2021 to 2024. His work has furthered Special Olympics BC’s vision to open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities across British Columbia.
Grenville Finch-Noyes, a longtime champion of Special Olympics, also stepped down from the board after over 30 years of dedicated service. He was a member of the Board of Directors from 1993 to 2024 and served as Board Chair from 1998 to 2001. He has been a valuable resource to Special Olympics BC on many risk and insurance issues, as well as a passionate advocate for Special Olympics athletes.
Both Hoag and Finch-Noyes contributed so much time and heart to support Special Olympics BC’s athletes, volunteers, and mission. We are so grateful for their incredible contributions!
The Board also elected two new Directors, Randip Janda and Jamie Switzer, who bring valuable experience and insights to help guide the movement.
Since starting his career with OMNI Television, Janda has become one of Canada’s leading bilingual broadcasters. Today, he hosts Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition and is the colour commentator of the Vancouver Canucks broadcasts on Sportsnet 650. With 10-plus years in sports broadcasting, Randip has covered a wide range of live sporting events and interviewed some of the biggest names and newsmakers in sports.
Switzer brings more than 25 years of experience managing investment portfolios and takes great pride and pleasure in working with a first-class group of clients. He brings with him a wealth of industry experience and a passion for working with non-profit committees to positively impact their growth and success.
Working alongside our experienced Board members, Janda and Switzer will provide vital guidance and support for Special Olympics and help enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport across B.C.
Janda and Switzer join the valued Directors who were re-elected to the Board:
- Brent Bergeron, Pan American Silver Corp. Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability
- Donna Bilous, SOBC Leadership Council Chair
- Jen Hansen, Cassels Partner
- Ted Hirst, Canaccord Genuity Corp. Managing Director, Investment Banking - Global Head of Resources
- Pamela Keith, Dueck Auto Group Co-owner
- Kirsten McElgunn, Prospera Credit Union Chief Product & Strategy Officer
- Katie Stevens, Talk Shop Media Managing Partner
- Leslie Ogston (Stevens), BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Provincial Director, Port Moody Police Department Deputy Chief Constable
- Matthew Williams, SOBC Athlete Input Council Chair
Heartfelt thanks to these dedicated volunteers who help lead our movement with wisdom, caring, and passion for empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities!