Before retirement in 2022, Chris Beresford worked with the Ministry of Attorney General in various roles since 1982. Chris has been a long-term member of the John Howard Society of Victoria and has been the treasurer of the Justice Education Society. He has also worked with The Boys and Girls Clubs in Victoria and Nanaimo and with MOSAIC, an immigration settlement organization in Vancouver. He has a great love of older cars and feels fortunate to own a few, which provides him with great pleasure. Chris lives in Victoria with his wife and has two adult children. 

As an advocate for community involvement, Don has enjoyed participating and leading organizations in achieving their goals. While working with profit and not for profit organizations for over 45 years, he has successfully created, implemented, and managed small and large teams with a focus on effectiveness, profitability -both financial and non-monetary goals, membership numbers, and community impact. As a leader of volunteer groups, he has successfully managed challenging goals and budgets, and helped to raise close to 2 million dollars for not-for-profit associations. 

Gajanan brings with him expertise in healthcare, project management and information technology; experience in managing and leading teams in the public sector, and a passion for serving people and communities through volunteering. As a recipient of IDHHC’s Hearing Health Services, he wanted to contribute to the mission and mandate of IDHHC by building closer ties with healthcare service providers and evolving technologies available to  Deaf and hard of hearing clients and their families. Other than balancing work and family life with 3-generations-under-one-roof, Gajanan loves to spend time outdoors and enjoy wilderness. 

Gerard Daniel is a business leader with 20 years' experience in Strategy and Financial Services, and currently serves in the Corporate and Investor Relations team at BCI.  Prior he was with JP Morgan Chase in New York and London; and Ernst and Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers where he served as a trustee consultant to the EY Foundation. Gerard is a passionate diversity, equity and inclusion advocate, and has been an energetic leader in driving change. Gerard expressed: “I am honored to be able to contribute and I look forward to helping drive IDHHC forward as it capitalizes on the many strengths it possesses.” 

Michael is hard of hearing and has multiple family members who were Deaf, hard of hearing or blind. He has a strong interest and a personal goal of building bridges with Indigenous Deaf people. Michael has been a committee member with the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities, BC Human Rights Coalition, National Employment Committee for the Blind and Visually Impaired, and others. His work has been with project and program planning specifically designed to improve individual, group and corporate health and wellbeing through a risk management lens to ensure sensitivity to the individual and culture always remains at the forefront.  

Mike Hayes is hard of hearing and has been an IDHHC Board member since 2010, serving numerous terms as President and Executive Member during that time. After reconnecting with a former colleague who was a Board member Mike was encouraged to consider a position as a director. As a retired teacher and school and union administrator, Mike brings communication, problem solving and people skills to this role. He is passionate about the agency and the mission and works continually to see us grwo and thrive. His time away from the Board table is filled with family, especially his delightful grandchildren. 

Michelle has two hard of hearing children and their family has been involved in IDHHC since the babies were born. She looks forward to contributing to the centre their family has benefited from for the past 7 years. Michelle is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and has an extensive accounting experience, including assurance, financial reporting, and Canadian and Cross-border taxation. Currently, she is working at the Office of the Auditor General BC, specializing in financial audits. Other than balancing work and running a busy household, Michelle enjoys fitness, gardening, and playing piano. 

Simone is someone who’s core values are “making a difference” and “community,” and is honoured to be a Director with IDHHC. She is the parent of a son who lost his hearing due to his medical illness. Simone is a passionate, community-minded, and inclusive leader, with strong skills in human resources and team development. Her non-profit experience includes time with Make-A-Wish Foundation, United Way of Greater Victoria, and volunteer work with Tumour Foundation of BC.  She lives in Cowichan Bay with her husband Greg, son Ryan, three rambunctious dogs, and enjoys exploring all Vancouver Island has to offer. 

Robin learned about Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre through a friend and reached out to get involved. Having grown up with hearing loss in her family, Robin is interested in programs that promote awareness and inclusiveness for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in their communities and in their daily life. Robin retired from the provincial government after working many years in senior financial and administrative roles. She is eager to use her skills and experience to support the work of IDHHC. Robin is an avid quilter, enjoys gardening, travelling with her husband Dale and spending time with their adult children. 

Wes Boyd joined IDHHC in 2022. Wes retired after more than 30 years in BC public service, including 13 years as Assistant Deputy Minister. Leading large teams, he specialized in corporate and business planning with an emphasis on performance outcomes and business logistics. Wes’ leadership was primarily in the Health and Social Services sector. Wes is keenly interested in helping make a difference in citizens’ lives and finding a non-profit gem like the IDHHC to be part of is something that excites him. Wes spends his spare time with his old ice hockey and lacrosse teammates and his adult children.