David Morton, President

David Morton is the current President of the WVCAC Board of Directors. David brings considerable business experience. He also has a keen interest in the Arts – especially art, architecture and music. He was appointed Chair and CEO of BC Utilities Commission effective December 2015. Prior to his appointment as Chair, he served as Commissioner from 2010-2015. David also has over 25 years of experience in the Information Technology sector. He has his Bachelor of Applied Science, University of Toronto; Professional Engineer (British Columbia); Licentiate in Accounting, Society of Management Accountants Canada; certified with the ICD.D designation in 2013 by the Institute of Corporate Directors. David joined the Board of the WVCAC in 2010.

Michael Martino, Treasurer & Interim Vice-President

Michael Martino is the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Stratford Underwriting Agency.  Prior to joining Stratford, Michael spent two years with Intact Insurance as the VP – Finance for the Western Region and 12 years as the Chief Financial Officer at Canadian Direct Insurance.  Michael moved to Vancouver in July 2003, having previously worked for HSBC’s insurance operation in the United States.  Prior to joining HSBC, Michael worked with Household International, Beneficial Finance Corporation and Coopers and Lybrand.  In addition to 30 years of insurance experience, Michael has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Seton Hall University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University.  Michael is a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors, the Canadian Insurance Accountants Association and Financial Executives International.

Freydis Welland, Secretary

Freydis Welland combines a career in the communications industry with experience in the arts, digital media, inter-governmental, and educational advisory boards, and is delighted to help WVCAC support our members musical, artistic and community interests. She currently serves as a director of the Jane Austen Society of North America, North Shore Restorative Justice, and WVCAC. Freydis joined the Board of the WVCAC in 2016.

Maryam Geesing, Director

Maryam Geesing moved to Canada from Germany and settled in Vancouver. She is a Persian self-taught artist who has a desire to inspire and captivate other loyal art devotees by unravelling her love for nature and culture in her art pieces. Maryam pursued a career in law becoming a paralegal, and her love of art is proven through her endless help in the art community leading up to the WVCAC, where she is able to share her love of art with her community. Maryam joined the Board of the WVCAC in 2015.

Shevy Levy, Director

Shevy Levy is an artist, educator, and founder/CEO of Lambda Solutions, an innovative leading EdTech company in Canada. She has been involved in education software her entire career, analyzing and optimizing workflows for organizations in large-scale environments. From start-ups to large companies, Shevy has held leadership roles in technical development and operations, as well as a variety of other organizations. In the past she was involved in product development initiatives at Click2Learn (acquired by SumTotal) and TELEStraining. Shevy holds a Masters and BA degrees in mathematics. In 2020 she was the BC Business Woman of the Year Awards Finalist. Shevy is a noted Vancouver artist, studied at the Emily Carr University of Art and Design and has been a featured artist in Canada and internationally. Shevy joined the Board of the WVCAC in 2022.

Jennifer Pickering, Director

Jennifer Pickering is a contemporary artist with 20 years experience and a Masters of Fine Arts in Studio Arts from UBC. She was born in Switzerland, grew up in Vernon and has been living in West Vancouver since 2019. Jennifer studied at the École des Beaux Arts in Paris, and has participated in international exhibitions and residencies from Finland to Abu Dhabi and Mexico. Her practice is based in conceptual practices with a strong focus on site-specific interventions into public space. Jennifer spent five years as the Director of the Alternator Artist-Run Centre in Kelowna BC and 8 years teaching art in elementary and secondary schools. In 2021, she started Crush of Colour, a small business offering specialty wall painting services. Jennifer also teaches art classes for children and adults at the West Vancouver Community Centre and volunteers on the board of the North Shore Artists Guild. Jennifer joined the Board of the WVCAC in 2022.

Loren Spagnuolo, Director

Loren Spagnuolo has over 30 years supporting corporations, non profits and some government agencies both in Canada and internationally with administration, executive assistant support, event and office management. She also served as the Executive Director for the West Vancouver Community Arts from 2015 to 2016. Loren has an appreciation and love for all forms of arts and culture. She has served both the television and radio Vancouver community, producing and creating media programs. Loren is currently embarking on her new video blog called Tea & Chocolate Productions, dedicated to stories of Courage. Loren joined the Board of the WVCAC in 2020.

Jacqui Wilkinson, Director

Jacqui Wilkinson was born in England and immigrated to Canada in 1967. She won a scholarship to the Lycée Français de Londres and belonged to the Federation of Russian Classical Ballet. She later worked as a Bilingual Executive Assistant to Chairmen and Presidents of several companies until she retired in 2010. Jacqui joined the Board of the WVCAC in 2010.

Jani Wittaker, Director

Jani Wittaker has enjoyed a long career in Chinese medicine; as clinic director, university & international lecturer and conference and seminar provider. Her practice has always been based in a medical office and over 30 years she has campaigned tirelessly for integrative medicine. Jani has chaired 2 national organisations (UK) and hopes to add her considerable skills to helping visions become realities. She has now done a pivot into her next career as a social impact entrepreneur, focussed on supporting youth to become effective changemakers. Bringing her lifelong passion for the arts, she is delighted to join WVCAC with the intention to help young people find expression through creativity and community. Jani joined the Board of the WVCAC in 2022.