Board of Directors

Doug Edgar, President:  

Doug moved to Abbotsford in 2002 when he was appointed General Manager of Abbotsford Growers Co-operative.  Since then he has been active in the community through the Chamber of Commerce, City of Abbotsford advisory committees, the United Way and Volunteer Abbotsford.  His roles and responsibilities have included:

Director of the Chamber of Commerce
Member of the Chamber Government Affairs Committee
Member and Chair of the Abbotsford Agriculture Advisory Committee
Member of the Abbotsford Economic Development Commission
Member of the Abbotsford Social Development Advisory Committee
Director of the United Way
Co-Chair of the 2009 United Way Campaign
President of Volunteer Abbotsford, a legacy of the Abbotsford Spirit of BC

Doug's background includes considerable experience with strategic planning and leadership coaching.  In 2008 he left the co-op and founded Compass Strategies to offer planning and coaching services that help people accomplish what is really important to them.  Compass Strategies was chosen purposefully as the name of his firm because a compass helps people find their way.

Doug feels blessed to have ended up in Abbotsford and looks forward to being part of its exciting future.  He is honoured to be President of Volunteer Abbotsford and is passionate about its need and value to the community.


Christine Wiebe, Past President:

If you want something done, and you want it done well, ask Christine Wiebe and she will never let you down.  Her dedication, unbridled passion and commitment to the community of Abbotsford are inspiring and contagious.

Christine has been a happy proud volunteer in Abbotsford for the past 35 years. Presently the President of the Abbotsford Spirit of BC and Volunteer Abbotsford, she has almost 3 decades of community experience in Abbotsford. She has lent her energy and expertise to such organizations as the MSA Museum, the Abbotsford International Airshow and the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. She has also played a vital role in the Clayburn Church restoration project, the Western Canada Summer Games, Heritage Fair, the Disability Games and the Crystal Gala Committee.

Christine has been instrumental in being part of the team that started Volunteer Abbotsford as an initiative of the Abbotsford Spirit of BC, and it will stand as one of the legacies of ASBC. 

"If people begin volunteering when they are young, they grow with the community and form a good strong base for that community" Christine said.  "There is a great deal of pride and satisfaction in being out in the community, mixing with people, doing your job and meeting needs within a community".  

Volunteer Abbotsford inspires people to volunteer, and makes our community a better place to live and work.

 Richard Shatto, Vice President:

                      Richard Shatto is a marketing and communications specialist. His experience spans 20+ years within an extensive spectrum of organizations including Reader's Digest, AOL TimeWarner and other Fortune 500 companies. An accomplished change agent, he has held director and executive level leadership positions in a variety of organizations including business, government, education and non-profit. 

Richard has a demonstrated ability to clearly analyse complex situations, articulate and communicate complex concepts, influencing decisions and motivating positive political and organizational action. Richard has a keen interest in new marketing platforms, specifically new social media which he believes is a superb way to connect with community both specifically and at large. Some of the volunteer positions Richard has been involved with over the years:

Director and Secretary, Sundown Toastmaster Club, Abbotsford
Director, Abbotsford Spirit of BC
Director, Volunteer Abbotsford 
Co-Chair, NCD Committee, Ministry Planning, Sevenoaks Alliance Church
Social Media Consultant, South Fraser Community Futures
Committee, Government Affairs, Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
Committee, Membership Communications, Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
Campaign Manager, 2008 Mayoral Candidate, City of Abbotsford 

Hanna Barton, Treasurer 

Hanna is the principal of Hanna Barton & Company Ltd., Certified General Accountant. Her focus is owner-managed entrepreneurial businesses involved in agriculture, construction, retail, professional and business services , import/export and other service industries, as well as, working extensively with not-for-profit organizations.

Hanna started her own public practice accounting firm in September, 2006 after working as a manager in Assurance Services with Meyers Norris Penny for three years after starting her career in 1981 with Edmondson Roper, Chartered Accountants. She received her CGA designation in 1987 and her Diploma of Technology (Accounting Option) in 1981.

A long-time resident of Abbotsford, Hanna enjoys traveling, walking, camping and spending time with her teenage children. She also gives back to the community through her volunteer work on the boards of PacificSport – Fraser Valley and Abbotsford Spirit of BC Community as their treasurer and Volunteer Abbotsford as their treasurer. 


Alvin Epp:
 
Alvin Epp is an entrepreneurial and political visionary. His strong leadership experience includes: urban development for transportation planning and infrastructure, advocacy initiatives and programs for the underprivileged, business leadership for organizations and committees, top leadership positions for urban and regional infrastructure initiatives.

Alvin has demonstrated the ability to see the big picture, connect the dots and articulate the way to mutually beneficial solutions to multiple stakeholders. Volunteer and committee positions Alvin is currently or has been involved with over the years:

President, Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
Chairman, Greater Vancouver Homebuilders Association, Renovation Council
Vice Chairman, Lower Mainland Transportation Panel
Director, Abbotsford Spirit of BC
Chairman, Volunteer Abbotsford
Director CASH Society, Housing Advocacy
Committee, Government Affairs, Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
Committee, Transportation, Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce
Advisor, Focus Disability Network Society
Advisor, Housing Technical Committee, City of Abbotsford
Advisor, BC Government and Translink for Fraser Valley Transportation
Mayoral Candidate 2008, City of Abbotsford
Director, Abbotsford Community Foundation
Director, The Reach, Arts and Culture Center of Abbotsford


Karina Chow:

Karina has worked in Development for the last 11 years.  After 10 years with the Canadaian Cancer Society on Vancouver Island and Vancouver, she recently started as the Director of Development for the Reach Gallery Museum, Abbotsford.  Karina is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professions and a former Program Chair for the Vancouver Island Chapter.  Karina lives in Abbotsford with her husband and two young children.


Ali K. Kia:

Ali has lived, studied and worked in three different continents. Throughout his life he has enjoyed traveling, visiting and learning about people and places. He considers life as a big learning experience and the arena where you gain most by living life rather than just managing it. He enjoys giving back to the community and has been told he has a “strong internal motivation” in helping others be their best.

Some of his past and present volunteer activities include the following organizations.
• Habitat for Humanity
• Organizing for America community organizer
• Restorative justice facilitator
• U19, U16 and U14 soccer coach and referee
• BC Senior Games
• Volunteer Abbotsford

He has a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Iowa, and is currently working on his new business which will be providing apparel and other services to athletic events throughout Canada. His apparel line is designed to be earth friendly, sustainable and green.

Ali is a proud member of the Fraser Valley community and enjoys being back home after a 3 year stint took him to the Midwestern U.S. at the beginning of 2007. His loving family provides the support and the strength on which he draws for direction and clarity in life. He is compassionate about his work and extremely happy to be a contributing member of Volunteer Abbotsford.