ABOUT LISA

Elected to Vancouver City Council in 2018, Lisa is passionate about making things better. A community advocate, driven by a lifelong commitment to volunteerism, Lisa's 20+ years in government administration, public policy, communications, and stakeholder relations are centred on one simple question: How can I help?

She is a trusted ally, an active listener, an effective collaborator, and a community champion. Her expertise is built on senior management roles in the BC Public Service focused on social policy, as well as serving as the former Chief of Staff to the Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, and as political advisor to the Minister of Management Services.

Committed to improving the availability of affordable housing and mental health supports, Lisa served for six years as a Kettle Society board member and board chair. She's currently an honorary board director of the National Institute of Families for Child and Youth Mental Health ("FamilySmart").

Lisa's ability to bring people together on complex issues and facilitate authentic engagement leading to positive solutions helped launch her path to civic service; in 2017 she was elected to the Vancouver School Board and in 2018 she was elected to Vancouver City Council.

She has led numerous committees that draw on the input of parents, residents, staff, experts, and government to make schools and the city better places where everyone can thrive. Lisa is currently Chair of the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) and serves on the Metro Vancouver Board, including Chair of the Performance and Audit Committee and Vice-Chair of the Liquid Waste Committee.

Lisa holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia and the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France. She is fluent in French and English and is a recipient of the Premier's Annual Innovation and Excellence Awards – Partnership Category. She also holds certifications in project management and climate competency board governance.

A busy mom to two amazing young girls and stepmom to an outstanding young woman, Lisa looks for any opportunity to be active and enjoy the outdoors. She opts for two wheels or transit whenever possible, runs a decent marathon, swims as often as possible at New Brighton Pool, and even squeezes in a hike on a rare free day.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In her first year on School Board, Lisa pushed for strengthened leadership, transparency and measures to support student success across the district. She successfully brought forward a number of motions that achieved the following:

  • Upheld her commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming work environment for all district staff and elected trustees.
  • Initiated a governance review, including the implementation of a modern governance framework and Board workplan to ensure the VSB is acting in the best interests of students, fulfilling its stewardship, co-governance and advocacy roles, and restoring confidence in our exceptional education system.
  • Called on the City of Vancouver to fast-track building and development permits for all new schools, as well as school renovations, additions and seismic upgrades.
  • Introduced live streaming of board and committee meetings to enhance transparency and accountability.
  • Called on the Province to implement a student centered mental health strategy focussed on mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention. The motion was passed unanimously by the VSB and BC School Trustees Association (BCSTA).
  • Supported the expansion of the existing Health Care Aides Dual Credit program to meet the diverse learning interests of student and growing need for health professionals who care for our seniors.

Lisa also supported:

  • A balanced budget that includes funding for an additional Filipino speaking settlement worker, additional mentoring and curriculum support for teachers, and additional supports for our most vulnerable students participating in alternate education programs.
  • A proposal to enable the Vancouver School Board to expedite the building of two new schools in the West End (Coal Harbour site and a Lord Roberts Annex site).

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