Board

2026 Board of Directors

The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors represent all facets of Chamber membership. There are 12 elected and 3 appointed members — two of which are non-voting: The Chamber CEO and an Emerge Committee representative.

The influential board works with decision-makers at all levels of government over the year to support our region’s business interests as well as maximize the value of membership with The Chamber. To view minutes from the Greater Victoria Chamber’s Board of Directors meetings, click here .

Executive

Christina Clarke • Chair • Christina Clarke & Co.
James Gatsi • Vice-Chair • Tecnet Canada
Josue Dubon • Secretary • DesignWealth
Spencer Walker • Treasurer • CIBC
Kris Wirk • Past Chair • Dusanj + Wirk CPA
Mary Lou Newbold • Member at Large • Mayfair Optometric

Directors

Ashka Wirk • Director • Wirk Consulting
Corey Gillon • Director • Peninsula Co-op
Elizabeth Brown • Director • Victoria Airport Authority
Inderbir Singh • Director • Western Canada Security
Kara Udell • Director • Oak Bay Volunteer Services
Captain (Navy) Kevin Whiteside • Director • CFB Esquimalt
Rose Arsenault • Director • Agilus Work Solutions

Non-Voting

John Wilson • Chamber CEO
Kelly Somogyi • Director (Chair of Emerge Committee) • York Brooks Design

2026 Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Board

Find out more about each Board Member by clicking their name.

Christina Clarke • Chair

Christina Clarke is the owner of Christina Clarke & Co. focused on community, creativity and collaboration. She has served Indigenous communities for 30 years, most recently as the Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre for the South Island Prosperity Partnership and as CEO of the Songhees Development Corporation. She started with Songhees Nation in 1995 after graduating from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Arts in Canadian History and Anthropology.

Christina led implementation of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act for Songhees Nation, helping to achieve the first FMA laws in Canada and first debenture bond issue by the First Nations Finance Authority. Christina has represented Songhees Nation as a board member of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and the South Island Prosperity Partnership and on the Mayor’s Task Force on Social Procurement and Social Enterprise for the City of Victoria. She is a member of the University of Victoria’s Board of Governors and their appointee to the board of Ocean Networks Canada. Christina’s second proudest achievement is her contribution to the planning and financing of the award-winning Songhees Wellness Centre and her proudest moments are with her daughter Katie.

Christina has served on The Chamber’s Board since 2018.

James Gatsi • Vice-Chair

James Gatsi is a dynamic entrepreneur and skilled IT professional, renowned for his dedication and passion in the digital technology sector. As the Business Development Manager for Tecnet Canada, and former CEO of CL Web Developers Inc., he has steered these businesses to continue to be trusted digital partners for small and medium businesses in Victoria and beyond.

Understanding the challenges of entrepreneurship, James empathizes with the diverse difficulties business owners face. He is committed to fostering a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive business environment in Victoria. His role as a board member reflects his dedication to promoting initiatives that advance these values within the business community.

Furthermore, James brings his forward-thinking approach to his role as a board member of the University of Victoria Alumni Association. In this capacity, he actively contributes to the institution, a place that has significantly shaped his educational and professional endeavors.

James has served on the Chamber Board since 2022. He serves as the Board Vice-Chair, Chair of the Policy and Advocacy Committee and is Vice-Chair of the IDEA Committee.

Kris Wirk • Past-Chair

Kris is a partner with the accounting firm Dusanj & Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants.

Kris brings over 15 years experience in providing accounting and tax services for owner-managed businesses, individuals and non-profit organizations.

Kris is a former lecturer for the CPA School of Business and treasurer for the Victoria Prostate Centre. Kris began serving on The Chamber’s Board in 2016 and continues to serve on the Executive and Governance, and Policy and Advocacy Committees.

Spencer Walker • Treasurer

Born and raised in Victoria, Spencer Walker is fortunate in developing experiences locally. He is proud to serve as the Chamber’s appointee on the Destination Greater Victoria Board, as well as with the Chamber’s Finance and Audit Committee in addition work with youth financial literacy in Junior Achievement.

Spencer has been with CIBC since 2011, currently leading the Vancouver Island Commercial Banking serving our broad from start-up to public issuer including industries as tech, retail, manufacturing, professional services, not-for-profit, tourism, and wholesalers providing a unique cross industry perspective to bring to the Chamber board.

Spencer is looking forward to engaging with the Board and continuing to give back to the community by contributing to ongoing economic and social prosperity.

Josue Dubon • Secretary

Josue Dubon is a Co-Founder and Wealth Mentor at DesignWealth, a financial coaching service that focuses on human behaviours and accountability as individuals work towards their life and financial goals.

DesignWealth was inspired by the principle that those who want to become better versions of themselves should have access to the advice to move up and onward. Josue enjoys seeing people continuously improve their position as they navigate the hurdles life throws. Josue graduated with a double major from the I.H. Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba and has been serving clients as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Josue is a Member of Advocis, an association of professional financial advisors in Canada that continuously strives to improve the financial aptitude of the industry. He loves to take his knowledge to the classroom where he volunteers with Junior Achievement British Columbia as a Program Facilitator to help improve the financial literacy of students.

Josue joined the Board in 2023. He is serving as the Secretary, Chair of the Ambassador Committee, and sits on the Finance Committee.

Mary Lou Newbold • Executive Member at Large

Mary Lou Newbold is the co-owner of Mayfair Optometric Clinic and was named Chamber Member of the Year 2022. She is a passionate advocate for locally owned business and brings a strong background in community support. Often seen at Chamber Mixers, breakfasts and special events, she has served on the Ambassador Committee since 2017, is the current President of Think Local First Society and contributes to several non profits both in time and financial support.

Small and medium sized businesses are navigating challenges daily. As a Board member she will bring the voice of allied health, retail and independent business to conversations. One of the most valuable tools any business can have is membership in the Chamber and her experience on various boards and committees through her career will add depth to her contributions.

Mary Lou began her term on the Board in 2025, is a Member at Large on the Executive Committee and serves on the Emerge Committee.

Ashka Wirk • Director

Ashka Wirk, BSc, MBA, CMC, ACC is the Principal of Wirk Consulting.

Ashka is a seasoned private sector leader. She began her career as head of Business Development with an Okanagan biotechnology firm. She was then the CEO of the healthcare association management arm of Vancouver’s StemCell Technologies, the largest biotechnology company in Canada.

As a management consultant and executive coach for the last ten years, Ashka has provided strategy support to nearly every BC ministry; to not-for profit organizations in Victoria and across Canada; and to small and medium-sized private sector businesses to improve their organizational performance. She has a particular focus on helping founders create tailored succession plans to ensure their businesses thrive beyond the founding generation.

Ashka has consulted to and served on numerous boards. Wirk Consulting is a proud Chamber member.

Ashka started her term with the Board in 2025 and serves on the Emerge and Public Policy and Advocacy Committees.

Corey Gillon • Director

Corey is the current CEO of Peninsula Co-op. Peninsula Co-op has been a cornerstone of the community since 1977, founded by a group of Saanich Peninsula residents who believed in the power of cooperation. From 1,000 residents who opened the Food Centre on Keating X Road, to over 120,000 members today, Peninsula Co-op operates 17 gas stations from Victoria to Campbell River, including commercial cardlocks and home heating oil services. They’ve also expanded to acquire 10 liquor stores across Greater Victoria and Nanaimo. Under The Liquor Co. 1977 brand, they’ve blending their rich co-operative heritage with a fresh and modern identity while innovating to meet evolving market demands.

Peninsula Co-op maintains an unwavering commitment to cooperative principles, a member-first focus, and a commitment to giving back over half a million dollars every year to the community it proudly serves.

Corey started his term on the Board in 2025 and serves as Vice-Chair on the Finance and Audit Committee.

Elizabeth Brown • Director

Elizabeth M. Brown was appointed President and CEO of VAA in September 2023, returning home to Victoria after 16 years working abroad.

Prior to joining VAA, Elizabeth was President at TBI US Airports, the organization responsible for the operation of the Orlando Sanford International Airport. She was responsible for the delivery of a 20-year contract for Sanford Airport Authority to manage and operate airport terminals, ramp control and parking.

As a tri-lingual executive she has extensive international experience and background in airport business development. As Chief Commercial Officer at the unique Cross Border Xpress, she developed an airport check-in facility/border crossing between San Diego, California and the Tijuana International Airport. Ms. Brown also served as CCO with Vantage Airport Group, had oversight of a US$45 million revenue program for the Montego Bay International Airport, Jamaica.

Elizabeth began her term on the Board in 2025. She sits on the IDEA and Public Policy and Advocacy Committees.

Kara Udell • Director

Kara Udell is a dynamic nonprofit leader with a passion for building connected, inclusive communities. As Executive Director of Oak Bay Volunteer Services, she has expanded programs, secured diverse funding, and launched innovative initiatives that support independent living and reduce isolation for adults of all ages. Kara brings experience in governance, fund development, and cross-sector collaboration, and on the board of a local nonprofits and a post-secondary Program Advisory Committee. She is known for her strategic thinking, relationship-driven leadership, and commitment to sustainable community impact. Kara offers a unique perspective on the intersection of social wellbeing, economic growth, and civic engagement—grounded in decades of hands-on community experience.

Over the past year and a half, Kara has been actively engaged in Chamber initiatives through her work with OBVS and is keen to bring her leadership skills to support the Chamber’s continued growth and long-term success as a Board member. Kara joined The Chamber Board in 2026 and serves on the Policy and Advocacy and Emerge Committees.

Kelly Somogyi • Director

Kelly Somogyi is co-owner and director of design at York Brooks Design, a residential design studio situated in the heart of Bastion Square. Technically oriented and creatively minded, Kelly is a technologist who began his career practicing under the eye of renowned firms across Western Canada.

Kelly is an active member of the Chamber and joined the Emerge Committee in 2023 to learn more about Victoria’s business community and meet likeminded entrepreneurs. He credits Emerge for many friendships and connections that have helped him feel a part of a broader network that supports and uplifts each other.

Kelly joined the Chamber Board in 2026 as the Emerge Committee Chair in a non-voting role.

Captain (Navy) Kevin Whiteside • Director

Captain(N) Kevin Whiteside became Commander of Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt in July 2023.

Kevin is the father of three awesome children, and married to his life partner, Lesley Whiteside, an elementary school teacher in Victoria, BC. Joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1998, Kevin’s operational experiences span the globe and many of the missions in which the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) participate. Amongst his various operational and strategic level roles, Kevin was Executive Assistant to the 35th and 36th Commanders of the RCN (January 2019 – December 2020), and most recently he served as Commanding Officer, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship Vancouver (January 2021- February 2023). Kevin’s amazing family have been active members of the Greater Victoria community for over 15 years. They look forward to furthering their involvement and strengthening their relationships with the community as they enter this next stage of their journey.

As with previous CFB Esquimalt Base Commanders, The Chamber appointed Capt.(N) Whiteside to its Board of Directors. He also serves on The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy Committee.

Inderbir Singh • Director

Inderbir Singh changed his life when he moved to Canada from the Punjab, but this transnational citizen has only ever worked in the business of protection. After establishing himself in loss-prevention, he founded Western Canada Security. This reputable, local option for guarding, patrols, alarms, sensors, and cameras keeps people and properties of Vancouver Island safe and secure.

Western Canada Security’s hand-on President takes a leadership role in Victoria’s mission to restore public safety. He sponsors community-awareness events through Think Local First, the Public Service Pride Network, and the Intercultural Association. Since joining the Chamber, Inderbir has sponsored a mixer; promoted the New to Canada Program; contributed to the Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advancement (IDEA) committee; and been both finalist and winner at Awards night.

Inderbir joined the Chamber Board in 2026 and will sit on the IDEA and Public Policy & Advocacy Committees.

Rose Arsenault • Director

Rose is Branch Manager at Agilus Work Solutions, where she has been advising public and private employers on their recruiting and human resource needs since 1997.

Rose, who was awarded the Chamber Member of the Year in 2019, has been an active member of The Chamber since 2007. She has spent countless hours as a board and committee member — most recently, as an Ambassador providing outreach and assistance to new members.

Rose rejoined The Chamber’s Board in 2019. She serves as the Vice-Chair of the Ambassador Committee.