The staff of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region and its associated research institute at Vancouver Island University are guided by a Roundtable composed of regional representatives, including local First Nations (Snaw-naw-as, Qualicum, and Snuneymuxw), local and senior levels of government, Vancouver Island University, conservation organizations, the forestry sector, local businesses, and elected community representatives.

Governance

MABR Roundtable Representatives

Anne Skipsey, Councillor, Town of Qualicum Beach

Blain Sepos, Parksville Qualicum Beach Tourism Association

Catherine Watson, Community Representative

Cheryl Jones, Councillor, Snaw-naw-as First Nation

Chris Hutton, Islands Trust

Daniella Novak, Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce

Geraldine Manson, Snuneymuxw First Nation

Graham Sakaki, Vancouver Island University

Jenica Ng-Cornish, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute

Kim Burden, Nanoose Economic Development Corporation

Lehann Wallace, Regional District of Nanaimo

Omar Karim, Parksville & District Chamber of Commerce

Mandy Fraser, MABR Governance Officer

Nitya Harris, Community Representative

Michael Recalma, Chief, Qualicum First Nation

Pam Shaw, Vancouver Island University

Shawn Lukas, The Nature Trust of British Columbia

Steve Adams, Mosaic Forest Management

Sylvia Martin, Councillor, City of Parksville

Teunis Westbroek, Mayor, Town of Qualicum Beach

Thomas Reid, The Nature Trust of British Columbia

leadership & Coordination

Mandy Fraser, Governance Officer

On maternity leave as of September 1st, 2025.

Mandy is the MABR’s Governance Officer. Mandy manages the MABR’s internal and external communications, coordinates community engagement events, and facilitates Roundtable meetings and community forums for the MABR. 

Ray Woroniak, Executive Director

Ray serves as the Executive Director of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, where he leads strategic initiatives that strengthen community engagement and connectedness while advancing sustainable economic development within the UNESCO Biosphere Region. In this role, Ray works collaboratively with Indigenous Nations, local governments, academic institutions, conservation organizations, and regional partners to promote ecological and cultural awareness, inclusive learning opportunities, and build meaningful connections between people and the natural world. His work is grounded in a shared commitment to ecological resilience and the stewardship of the region’s unique cultural and natural heritage.