Meet the Board of Directors
-
Barrie McWha, President
Barrie joined the Canadian PGA in 1967 and has been Head Professional at a variety of golf courses across Western Canada. He has served as a board member, then President of the PGA of Canada. He has also served on the board, then as President, of the Qualicum Beach Chamber of Commerce. He has been Director of Golf at Fairwinds Golf Resort, Executive Professional at Glengarry Golf LInks (now Pheasant Glen) and was Executive Director of the BC Golf House Society from 2006-2012. In 2019, Wedgewood Golf Management, a company consisting of Barrie and partners Ray and Mike Riva undertook a contract to manage Morningstar Golf Club for the Court appointed Receiver. Wedgewood lead Morningstar through the pandemic, out of Receivership in less than two years, and now manages Morningstar for the new owner. Barrie knows the importance of the Chamber of Commerce to the local community and wants to serve the organization. -
Vicki Haller, President-Elect
Vicki has worked at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Conference Centre for over 15 years in a variety of positions, including Revenue Manager for 5 years and is now Assistant Room Director at the resort. -
Omar Karim, Vice President
Dr. Omar Karim is a Professor in the Faculty of Management and Law at Vancouver Island University (VIU), where he leads the MBA Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program. In this role, he supports graduate students in leadership development, career readiness, and community-based learning. With a strong focus on student success and social impact, Dr. Karim brings over a decade of experience in post-secondary education, co-curricular engagement, and global leadership. He holds a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Science in International Business, and a Doctorate in Higher Education, with a research focus on Indigenous perspectives in co-curricular learning and engagement. His contributions have been nationally recognized through awards such as the TD Scholarship for Community Leadership and the Canada Millennium Award. In addition to his work at VIU, Dr. Karim contributes to national and international youth-focused initiatives. He serves as the National Director for Post-Secondary Engagement at a leading Canadian movement focused on reconciliation and ending gender-based violence. He is also the founder of the Global Emerging Leadership Programs (GELP), which creates cross-cultural learning and career development experiences for youth from over 25 countries. As a new board member, Dr. Karim is committed to strengthening ties between education and industry and supporting inclusive growth, economic development, and youth engagement across the region. -
Glorie Averbach
Glorie is a seasoned tech entrepreneur with a passion for business, serving community and paying it forward. After selling the last of her three businesses in the home and building automation tech sector in 2016, Glorie co-founded myCEO.ca, a coaching and consulting firm, dedicated to empowering small to medium sized businesses, women-led start-ups and not for profit organizations. Through strategic planning, actionable insights, and hands-on support, Glorie and her partner help clients grow their impact, surpass their goals, and bring their visions to life. Glorie's career has taken her on an adventurous journey across ten cities in three countries on two continents, enriching her perspective on business and life and informing her entrepreneurial approach. -
Amy Hadikin, Director
Amy Hadikin is a local entrepreneur and a proud sales specialist at Harris Oceanside GM, a strong auto business with a focus on personalized service and community values. With a background in sales and marketing, Amy brings creativity, connection, and a fresh perspective to the Chamber Board. She is passionate about supporting small business, building strong local partnerships, and contributing to the vibrancy of the Parksville-Qualicum region. -
Avrillee Kenny, Director
Avrillee Kenny moved to Parksville in 2017 from Vancouver. Avrillee holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology from SFU, Diploma in Accounting from UBC and completed her Mortgage Broker Course in 2021. Currently, Avrillee is a consulting and doing bookkeeping and has over 15 years experience in finance, accounting and law. She enjoys helping people with the financial aspect of real estate transactions whether it is with a purchase, refinance or reverse mortgages. In her down time she enjoys volunteering in the Oceanside Community, gardening, cooking and spending time with her daughter, husband and her fur baby. -
Russ McShane, Director
Born and raised in the area, Russell took over management of Parksville's Boston Pizza franchise and took it from struggling to thriving within 2 years, with top sales and ratings within their region. He looks forward to sharing ideas and best practices and his own expertise with other local businesses. -
Shawn Sales, Director
Shawn Sales is the owner and founder of Consider It Energy, a company dedicated to improving energy efficiency in both new and existing homes. After 15 years in retail sales management, he transitioned into the sustainable energy sector in 2021 to pursue his passion for clean energy. Shawn holds a diploma in Sustainable Energy Technology and is a Registered Energy Advisor (REA). He leads Consider It Energy in providing energy consulting services that help homeowners meet their efficiency goals and assist builders in complying with local energy code requirements. In addition, Shawn is certified by HRAI as a Residential Air System Design Technician, allowing him to design air delivery systems and perform heat load calculations for residential homes. Outside of work, Shawn enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids. He’s also passionate about building connections and actively growing Consider It Energy within the sustainable energy industry. -
Kirk Walper, Director
-
Ania Young, Director
-
Meghan Walker, Past President
Meghan Walker has been a REALTOR® since 2014. Real estate is one of Meghan’s passions, as is building relationships and it shines through every interaction with her clients. It was the opportunity to do something she loved while establishing long-lasting relationships that drew her from her previous career in hospitality and tourism management. Her commitment to clients and love for the area have made her one of the top producing agents in the business. During her term as a Chamber Director Meghan’s Real Estate knowledge and her Tourism experience were valuable resources for the Events and Policy Committee.
The Board of Directors is elected annually and determine policies and programs. The staff employed by the board is responsible for organizing and executing the Chamber of Commerce's programs and promoting policies. The committees consisting of members of the Chamber of Commerce are committed to achieving the goals within the strategic plan. As the #1 business association in the community, we are the voice of business through our collective association.