Management Team
Karyn French is the Executive Director of Pacifica Housing Advisory and also Board Chair for the BC Non-Profit Housing Association. She has worked and volunteered in the public and non-profit sectors in both BC and Washington State. Her career has focused on services and housing for seniors, people with disabilities, families, and homeless individuals. Prior to working in the not-for-profit sector, Karyn worked in library science, conference planning, and banking. Karyn holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from the University of Alberta.
Mary Ellen came to Pacifica Housing after 28 years in a variety of positions with the Federal and Provincial governments. Her background is commercial property and asset management to which she is now adding not for profit housing experience. She holds a diploma in Real Estate and Property Management from Algonquin College in Ottawa and Urban Land Economics from UBC. Mary Ellen is responsible for Pacifica Housing policy development, human resources, finance, and oversees special programs such as the Youth Group and Community Garden programs.
Ron's 20 + years of property management experience includes six years managing Inns in Fort St John and Chetwynd, BC. He joined Pacifica in 2008 and is responsible for overseeing tenant relations and building maintenance in Victoria and Nanaimo. Ron also manages services contracts related to existing properties and works with the Executive Director as one of the key contacts for architects, general contractors and others involved in the development of new housing. Tickets held include WHIMIS, Industrial First Aid Level 1, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, Forklift and Propane.
With over 30 years of experience in Social Services, Phil has held a number of diverse positions that include working in a youth hostel, coordinating an emergency shelter for homeless adults and providing housing outreach services. In his role as Director of Support Services Phil provides staff support and policy direction in all aspects of client service delivery and ensures effective and efficient function of Pacifica Housing's support services. Phil holds a Bachelor of Visual Arts with a Photography Major, University of Victoria and a Diploma of Fine Arts, John Abbott College, Ste.
Kristy joined Pacifica Housing in 2010 and is responsible for promoting the organization and its programs, donor relations and grant writing. Kristy's career in the non profit sector includes 4 years as Regional Coordinator of PacificSport Victoria, team manager for the Canadian Men's Field Hockey team (2010 Canada vs. India series) as well as event contracts with Rowing Canada and the National Athletics Centre. Kristy holds a diploma in Small Business Management from UBC Okanagan.