Meet our Leadership Team


















Bob is a seasoned executive and corporate director, who contributes his keen understanding of member-focused technology, financial expertise, and oversight experience to his role as Chair of Coast Capital’s board. He works with a number of companies and non-profit organizations in board and advisory roles, including serving as a director of Armstrong Hospitality Group (parent company of the Rocky Mountaineer), the Regional Economic Prosperity Management Board (part of the Metro Vancouver governance structure), and the Advisory Board of Heffel Gallery Limited.
In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Bob is a board member and Treasurer of Ballet BC, he chairs the board of the Chris Spencer Foundation and he is an active member of Social Venture Partners.
Prior to focusing on board and advisory work, Bob spent 18 years with Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers where he held several executive positions including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategic Development Officer. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and received his Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
An experienced senior executive with national organizations operating in highly regulated businesses, Charlotte brings a focus on member-centricity, youth and the diverse needs of the community to Coast Capital’s board. She has served on both public and private boards for the past 15 years including Halton Health Services, Postmedia Networks, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Acadia University and numerous early-stage companies. She is the Board Chair of Horizn Inc.
Charlotte volunteers with several organizations in an advisory and advocacy capacity to help business start-ups, women and young entrepreneurs build the next generation of successful Canadian leaders and companies.
Prior to working with Microsoft, Ms. Burke held numerous senior executive roles with Bell Canada and led the Company through three major technology transformations including the launch of digital cellular, the expansion of broadband internet and the introduction of internet-based TV. She has a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University and Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Acadia University. Charlotte holds an Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
With a notable history of community building and leadership, and having extensive financial expertise, Valerie brings a high degree of experience to Coast Capital’s board. Valerie is currently the Executive Director for Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver. This puts her at the helm of all aspects of community outreach, programming and funding for the organization. She also serves as a director of BC Hydro, Powerex and Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club.
Valerie holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and Commerce from the University of Toronto. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Ontario and is currently a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC. Valerie has also received an Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
As an outstanding leader in the financial services sector, Calvin has a proven record of accomplishment in strategic planning, customer experience, capital raising, new market development, regulatory issues, and technology trends. This experience has positioned him well as Coast Capital’s President and CEO, and board member.
Before joining Coast Capital, Calvin held a wide variety of roles across the financial services industry, including President of TD Waterhouse Canada; Co-founder, Director and Managing Partner of QTrade Financial Group; and President and Managing Director of Assante Corporation.
Calvin holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Carlton University, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst Level 3 Candidate.
Nancy is a corporate director and accounting professional, who brings strategic, operational and executive leadership expertise to Coast Capital’s board through her extensive experience across the transportation, manufacturing and industrial equipment industries. She is currently the Chair of the University of British Columbia Board of Governors and serves as Director on other boards as well.
Nancy is an active community member and for many years volunteered with the West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association.
During her 19-year career with Seaspan ULC, the last 12 of which were as Chief Financial Officer, she was responsible for leading Finance, Information Technology, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management, Facilities/Security and Corporate Communications, and managed major capital projects. Nancy holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is also a Chartered Professional Accountant, and was awarded a Fellowship by the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC. Nancy has also received an Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Chris was an accounting professional and a former Deputy Minister of Finance for the province of British Columbia. He has worked as a consultant on several projects, as well as serving on boards such as 94 Forward and Coast Funds. He brings a significant level of governance and financial experience to Coast Capital’s Board of Directors.
With a strong commitment of service to the community, Chris also dedicates his time as a Board member for the BC/Yukon Cancer Society.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of British Columbia. He holds an Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
An accomplished marketing executive and entrepreneurial business builder, Leanna contributes her retail marketing, digital and national financial services experience to Coast Capital’s board. She is the founder and CEO of evoQ International, a strategy-consulting firm.
Leanna is passionate about diversity and inclusion and currently serves as a Director of the North York General Hospital Foundation.
Leanna holds a Master of Science in International Economics from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Guelph. She also has obtained her ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
During her 30-plus years with HSBC Bank Canada, Susan held a variety of executive management positions working with the bank’s domestic and international sectors in the areas of enterprise-wide risk management, governance, regulatory compliance and corporate sustainability.
Susan is a seasoned Corporate Director and is currently the Audit Committee Chair of Infrastructure BC, a provincial Crown corporation and procurement advisor for major infrastructure projects in B.C. She is also the past Chair and Audit Committee Chair of the Royal Canadian Mint and former Director of the Mutual Fund Dealer’s Association. As a community leader, Susan remains committed to serving on the boards of non-profit organizations, most recently as a Director and Audit Committee Chair of the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, a sustainable reforestation initiative and as Director and Finance Committee Vice Chair of the Beach Grove Golf Club.
Susan has a Bachelor of Administration from the University of British Columbia and received her Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Pharid Jaffer – Founder & Principal, PNJ Solutions - Vancouver, Canada:
Pharid is an independent consultant focused on providing thought leadership, digital & technology advisory services to local & global organizations. He has held senior roles and worked in technology, financial services, retail, and public sector organizations. These organizations include HSBC, Canaccord-Genuity and George Weston Limited.
In addition to his consultancy responsibilities, Pharid is active as a thought-leader speaking on many topics ranging from FinTech to Digital Disruption to Cyber-Resiliency. Pharid continues to remain active in the community from mentoring MBA and undergrad students at SFU’s Beedie School of Business to being active in many causes including Autism. Pharid is a graduate of the University of Waterloo.


















Bob is a seasoned executive and corporate director, who contributes his keen understanding of member-focused technology, financial expertise, and oversight experience to his role as Chair of Coast Capital’s board. He works with a number of companies and non-profit organizations in board and advisory roles, including serving as a director of Armstrong Hospitality Group (parent company of the Rocky Mountaineer), the Regional Economic Prosperity Management Board (part of the Metro Vancouver governance structure), and the Advisory Board of Heffel Gallery Limited.
In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Bob is a board member and Treasurer of Ballet BC, he chairs the board of the Chris Spencer Foundation and he is an active member of Social Venture Partners.
Prior to focusing on board and advisory work, Bob spent 18 years with Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers where he held several executive positions including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategic Development Officer. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant and received his Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
An experienced senior executive with national organizations operating in highly regulated businesses, Charlotte brings a focus on member-centricity, youth and the diverse needs of the community to Coast Capital’s board. She has served on both public and private boards for the past 15 years including Halton Health Services, Postmedia Networks, Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Acadia University and numerous early-stage companies. She is the Board Chair of Horizn Inc.
Charlotte volunteers with several organizations in an advisory and advocacy capacity to help business start-ups, women and young entrepreneurs build the next generation of successful Canadian leaders and companies.
Prior to working with Microsoft, Ms. Burke held numerous senior executive roles with Bell Canada and led the Company through three major technology transformations including the launch of digital cellular, the expansion of broadband internet and the introduction of internet-based TV. She has a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University and Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Acadia University. Charlotte holds an Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
With a notable history of community building and leadership, and having extensive financial expertise, Valerie brings a high degree of experience to Coast Capital’s board. Valerie is currently the Executive Director for Big Brothers of Greater Vancouver. This puts her at the helm of all aspects of community outreach, programming and funding for the organization. She also serves as a director of BC Hydro, Powerex and Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club.
Valerie holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English and Commerce from the University of Toronto. She qualified as a Chartered Accountant in Ontario and is currently a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC. Valerie has also received an Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
As an outstanding leader in the financial services sector, Calvin has a proven record of accomplishment in strategic planning, customer experience, capital raising, new market development, regulatory issues, and technology trends. This experience has positioned him well as Coast Capital’s President and CEO, and board member.
Before joining Coast Capital, Calvin held a wide variety of roles across the financial services industry, including President of TD Waterhouse Canada; Co-founder, Director and Managing Partner of QTrade Financial Group; and President and Managing Director of Assante Corporation.
Calvin holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Carlton University, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst Level 3 Candidate.
Nancy is a corporate director and accounting professional, who brings strategic, operational and executive leadership expertise to Coast Capital’s board through her extensive experience across the transportation, manufacturing and industrial equipment industries. She is currently the Chair of the University of British Columbia Board of Governors and serves as Director on other boards as well.
Nancy is an active community member and for many years volunteered with the West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association.
During her 19-year career with Seaspan ULC, the last 12 of which were as Chief Financial Officer, she was responsible for leading Finance, Information Technology, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management, Facilities/Security and Corporate Communications, and managed major capital projects. Nancy holds an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University. She is also a Chartered Professional Accountant, and was awarded a Fellowship by the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC. Nancy has also received an Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Chris was an accounting professional and a former Deputy Minister of Finance for the province of British Columbia. He has worked as a consultant on several projects, as well as serving on boards such as 94 Forward and Coast Funds. He brings a significant level of governance and financial experience to Coast Capital’s Board of Directors.
With a strong commitment of service to the community, Chris also dedicates his time as a Board member for the BC/Yukon Cancer Society.
Chris holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of British Columbia. He holds an Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
An accomplished marketing executive and entrepreneurial business builder, Leanna contributes her retail marketing, digital and national financial services experience to Coast Capital’s board. She is the founder and CEO of evoQ International, a strategy-consulting firm.
Leanna is passionate about diversity and inclusion and currently serves as a Director of the North York General Hospital Foundation.
Leanna holds a Master of Science in International Economics from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Guelph. She also has obtained her ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
During her 30-plus years with HSBC Bank Canada, Susan held a variety of executive management positions working with the bank’s domestic and international sectors in the areas of enterprise-wide risk management, governance, regulatory compliance and corporate sustainability.
Susan is a seasoned Corporate Director and is currently the Audit Committee Chair of Infrastructure BC, a provincial Crown corporation and procurement advisor for major infrastructure projects in B.C. She is also the past Chair and Audit Committee Chair of the Royal Canadian Mint and former Director of the Mutual Fund Dealer’s Association. As a community leader, Susan remains committed to serving on the boards of non-profit organizations, most recently as a Director and Audit Committee Chair of the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, a sustainable reforestation initiative and as Director and Finance Committee Vice Chair of the Beach Grove Golf Club.
Susan has a Bachelor of Administration from the University of British Columbia and received her Institute of Corporate Directors designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Pharid Jaffer – Founder & Principal, PNJ Solutions - Vancouver, Canada:
Pharid is an independent consultant focused on providing thought leadership, digital & technology advisory services to local & global organizations. He has held senior roles and worked in technology, financial services, retail, and public sector organizations. These organizations include HSBC, Canaccord-Genuity and George Weston Limited.
In addition to his consultancy responsibilities, Pharid is active as a thought-leader speaking on many topics ranging from FinTech to Digital Disruption to Cyber-Resiliency. Pharid continues to remain active in the community from mentoring MBA and undergrad students at SFU’s Beedie School of Business to being active in many causes including Autism. Pharid is a graduate of the University of Waterloo.