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Board of Directors
2024 Team
President
Debora Sutherland
Debora (Deb) has been actively involved as a volunteer in her community for many years. A registered nurse (RN) by profession, Deb works as a healthcare manager and a staff nurse.
She joined the Hyack Festival Association in 2010 and had been a board member for many years before becoming President in 2024. During her time with Hyack, Deb volunteered as a parade marshal and was a chaperone in the Ambassador program. She has wonderful memories of the long drives listening to the perspectives of the young ladies.
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Deb and her husband, Paul Fuoco, raised their three sons in New Westminster. Two of them still reside in New Westminster and the third visits frequently. Such is the appeal of our city; it’s small-town feel, it’s walkability, it’s lovely parks and places to gather ….and it’s events!
Deb encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the best of New West as we ‘Reach for the Stars’.
Cathy Lawrence
President Elect
Cathy has been a Member of the Hyack Festival Association for more than thirty-five years, including three years on the Board of Directors from 1986-1988. In 2024, she is looking forward to continuing a second term on the Board. Being involved in the community is important, and the opportunity to participate in local events throughout the City and the Lower Mainland is a great way to support and promote the Hyack Festival Association.
After a long and successful career in Human Resources, you will find Cathy welcoming guests at the Port of Vancouver Cruise Ship terminal during the summer months. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet people from all over the world and a trip to Alaska is definitely on her bucket list!
A long-time member of her condo’s Strata Council, she currently holds the position of President.
Spare time activities include golfing and gardening.
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Inmidate Past President
Penny McIvor
Penny McIvor has been a member of the Hyack Festival Association since 2010 and has been an integral part of all the Hyack events.
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Penny is fervent arts and cultural supporter and volunteered at the Raymond Burr theatre for 3 years and was president of the Quayside Community Board for 4 years and Treasurer of her Strata for 10 years.
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She believes in always looking for ways to involve and add to the vibrancy of her community.
She owns her own bookkeeping business specializing in small business and not for profits.
Sherry Joel (Featherstone)
Director
Sherry Joel was born and raised in New Westminster, attending Richard McBride elementary, FW Howay elementary and New Westminster Secondary.schools. Happily married to Doug for 38 years and the proud parent of 2 daughters, Marissa and Brittney, as well as 2 step daughters Shelley and Shawna, 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. She has volunteered with the Hyack Festival association off and on since 1981 and was chairperson of the Miss New Westminster Hyack Youth ambassador program from 1985 until 1993, and has been a driver/chaperone for the May Queen's suites for 10 years. She has been a member of Beta Sigma Phi, an International women's service and social organization for 46 years She worked 36 years for BC Tel/Telus and was involved with her union as a shop steward and councillor representative to numerous union conventions. After retiring from Telus she went on to work for Ledcor Technical Services as a dispatcher for their Installation and repair crews contracted to Telus. The family has a home on Whidbey Island in Washington state and spend most summers there, enjoying special time with family and friends
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Jackie Barber
Treasurer
Jackie has lived in New Westminster since 1992. Her husband, Kerry, was born and grew up in New Westminster, and she has 2 children who grew up in New West going to Herbert Spencer, Glenbrooke Middle School and NWSS. She volunteered for many of the activities her children participated in, such as Royal City Youth Soccer, where she was the Treasurer, Registrar, VP - Girls soccer, and a Coach (12 years in total). Jackie has been the Treasurer for Royal City Hyack’s Youth Football for the past 8 years and was a founding Board member of the Vivo Children’s Choir. She was active as a parent helper and volunteer for Scouts (Beavers), Salmon Bellies Lacrosse, PAC - Herbert Spencer, NWSS Football, and the NWSS Band program.
For the past 30 years, Jackie has been practicing as a bookkeeper, working with a number of local organizations and businesses, and her current business is a partnership with another New Westminster resident.
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Director
Korey Simard
Born and raised in New Westminster, Korey graduated from New Westminster Secondary school in 1993. At the age of 16, Korey worked on the Samson V Maritime Museum as a Tour Guide as well as providing the general upkeep and maintenance. He also worked during the annual Hyack Festival with set up and tear down of events. Korey became a member of the Hyack Float Crew in 1993, then became a key member as the Float Driver in 2006, where he remained until 2022. Graduating from BCIT in 1996 from the Automotive Refinishing Technician program, Korey obtained his Red Seal Certification in 1998, and achieved Platinum recognition in the I-CAR Professional Development program. Korey has a wonderful wife and 3 lovely children, the oldest being the Hyack Princess and Miss Friendship of 2017. In Korey’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and going to the dog park with his dog. To this day, Korey is still a proud resident of New Westminster.
Patricia Morales
Director
Patricia Morales is proudly representing the Newcomers of New Westminster. She is a successful businesswoman who arrived in Canada in 2019, found this beautiful and historic city, and called it home since her first day.
She comes from an indigenous community called Dzitas in Yucatan, Mexico. Coming from a rural area it was not easy for her to accomplish her academic goals, but with the support of his family at only 11 years old she relocated to Merida City to continue her studies. In 2008 she obtained her Business Administration Degree in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
She started her career as a supervisor with 10 pharmacies under her sight in 2010. Rapidly obtaining a better position as a Commercial Advisor in 2012 at a very well-known convenience store in Mexico. With a promising and bright career in 2019, Patricia emigrated to Canada with her partner Mariza Medina, seeking a better quality of life regarding diversity and inclusion.
After only 2 years in Canada, in partnership with Dr. Michela Watts, who back then was her landlord, they funded Monarca Clean in March 2021, a New West-based business providing cleaning solutions to homeowners and small businesses around the lower mainland.
Overcoming language, cultural, and economic barriers, Patricia found companionship and a way to give back to her community at Hyack. Willing to help newcomers to better integrate into society through community events, she is happy to join our board.
She has been volunteering at several of the Hyack festivals this 2023 and she is very excited to continue participating in future events for the New Westminster community and BC.
But her efforts continue, she is graduating in 2024 with her second bachelor's degree in BBA at Acsenda Management School, Vancouver. Side by side with her now wife Mariza, they planned to expand her business to a food chain.
She loves running and learning about other cultures and of course, she is passionate about Hyack.
Learn more about her by visiting https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-morales-3578ba30/
Francisco Alarcon
Director
Francisco has been involved in community activities for many years, bringing a deep passion for fostering connections and driving engagement. With a professional background in Business Analytics, BPM, and continuous improvement, he is dedicated to converting insights into actionable strategies that achieve meaningful results. His experience and commitment to community building aligns seamlessly with the values and mission of the Hyack Festival Association.
Francisco's journey began as a Hyack's volunteer, where he witnessed the association's unique ability to unite the community and celebrate the vibrant diversity of New Westminster. Over time, his involvement grew, moving from volunteer to active member, and now into the role of Board member.
With an eye on the future, Francisco's goal is to help expand Hyack's impact by embracing innovation while preserving its rich traditions. Focusing on inclusivity and collaboration, he aims to support efforts that ensure the association continues to inspire, connect and thrive as a pillar of community pride in New Westminster.
April Bredon
Director
April has been actively volunteering for a variety of organizations over the past 25 years. She served as Treasurer for the Tynehead Montessori Parent Advisory Committee for three years and was on the Board for Eureka Camp Society for six years, including three years as President. She has assisted the Burnaby Hospice Society with several events and participated in the Canadian National Institute for the Blind fundraising events. She acted as Research Facilitation Consultant for a study conducted by BC Children's Hospital.
In 2016/2017, she worked as General Manager for Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association.
She has experience with team building, volunteer recruitment, marketing, and fundraising.
Catherine Hutson
Director
Catherine Hutson was born and raised in Vancouver. In the Kensington neighborhood.
Had the good fortune of having friends who lived in New Westminster insist they move to that city.
That was 35 years ago and not a day goes by that she and her husband Jim don’t remark that was one of the best decisions ever! It has been an ideal place to raise a family (now three grandchildren who also live in the city) and become involved in the community. Parent Participation Preschool. Hockey. Soccer. Lacrosse. Games and Practices. Connect with others. Get involved. Give back.
Catherine continues to give back to the community as a current director with the Queens Park Resident Association (since 2007) and a current director with Heritage New West (since 1993.) She has sat on the city’s Community Heritage Commission. (2013-2018.)
Catherine was a Case Manager with Veterans Affairs Canada for 32 years and during much of that time was assigned to New Westminster and George Derby Centre for Veterans. Had the honor of visiting many aging veterans who grew up in the city and had stories to share.
In 2008, Catherine received VAC’s National Client Service Award. Nominated by peers for both contributions to clients and to staff morale.
There is something special about New Westminster that draws people to it. (Or back to it.) Parks. People. Riverfront. Walkability. Amenities. History.
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Few cities offer both a rich heritage and a strong vision for social justice. To respect both is something to celebrate!
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Gloria Munro
Director
Gloria is a Chartered Professional Accountant and, since 1983, has been in public practice in the area of small business accounting and tax. She is also a partner in Big O Tires Cloverdale.
Gloria served on the Hyack Board of Directors from 2009 to 2022 with a break in 2016, when she received the Volunteer of the Year award for her continued service to Hyack as the Treasurer. Gloria has served on the Parade Committee for over a decade and on the Fireworks Committees, Music Bingo Committees, and several other event committees during her time on the Board.
The Certified General Accountant’s Association of British Columbia recognized Gloria’s outstanding service to the Association by presenting her with the J. M. MacBeth Award of Merit. She served on the Burnaby/Royal City Board of Directors from 1990 to 2003 and was the Professional Development and Event Chairman for seven years. Gloria served on the Provincial Golf Tournament board for several years and chaired that event in 1998 and 1999.
Gloria joined the North Road Merchant Association in 2004 and contributed to the process, in which it became an official business improvement area. She served as the Treasurer from 2005 to 2019. In 2019, Gloria received the Award of Recognition for her service to the Association.
Gloria’s hobbies include ballroom dancing, reading, building miniature dollhouses, and gardening. Gloria has contributed to the New Westminster community in numerous ways throughout her life and her example is well appreciated by the members of Hyack and the community.
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Shreya Qazi
Director
Shreya Qazi was born into the Qazi family in Srinagar, Kashmir, India. Growing up in the capital city of India, Shreya developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and a passion for community engagement. Shreya Qazi is a results-oriented community engagement leader with over a decade of experience in developing, managing, and evaluating innovative programs across education, health, and recreation sectors. With a strong focus on strategic planning & stakeholder collaboration, she excels in designing and delivering initiatives that foster community development and enhance public participation.
In Vancouver, Shreya and Sharat along with their two children established their lives, building a warm and welcoming home. Together, they have created a nurturing and supportive environment, allowing them to pursue their individual passions and contribute to the community they call home.
Shreya's love for community engagement, her dedication to making a positive impact, and her experience in various roles have positioned her as a leader in community development in Vancouver. She continues to bring strategic thinking, and passion for building meaningful relationships to her work for growth and collaboration within the community. Shreya is a dedicated and empathetic leader committed to making a difference through meaningful community engagement and fostering partnerships that drive positive change.
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Lisa Falbo
Director
Lisa moved to New Westminster in 2005 where she and her husband Frank have raised their daughter. Lisa as well as volunteering on the Herbert Spencer PAC and Coached the girls
basketball team. She also takes great pride in having worked at WorkSafe for 27 years. She joined the Hyack Ambassador Leadership Program in 2016 as a committee member. Her
daughter Janel is currently on Team Tiara and is Hyack Princess. Lisa and her daughter enjoy the many events that the program offers as well as interacting with our future leaders. Being part of the organization brings her great pleasure knowing that they support the community and other events that occur throughout the city. Lisa loves hiking, beaches, and traveling and considers herself a bit of a foodie.
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Karen Baker-MacGrotty
Director