Chamber’s 2024 Board embraces growth through change

VICTORIA, BC – A new year means a new Board of Directors for the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce. Board elections are held every summer, with terms officially beginning Jan. 1 every year. 

Kris Wirk enters his second year as Chair. A partner at Dusanj & Wirk Chartered Professional Accountants, Kris is a seasoned professional with more than 15 years of experience in accounting and tax services. He brings a clear vision to the table, honed during his three years as an understudy on the board. His tenure as Past Chair of The Chamber’s Public Policy and Advocacy committee positions him well to drive positive changes in response to the challenges facing the regional economy. 

Christina Clarke continues as Vice Chair. The Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre, Christina’s dedication to Indigenous reconciliation aligns with The Chamber’s commitment to fostering connections with First Nations for the betterment of the entire community. Her role as the nominee for the Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society showcases the Chamber’s commitment to meaningful engagement on multiple fronts. 

Also back for a second year are John Wilson as Past Chair and James Gatsi as Secretary. New to the Board Executive this year is Treasurer Deborah Huelscher. 

John, President and CEO of The Wilson’s Group of Companies, provides steadfast leadership, which was instrumental over the past three years during challenging times. His unwavering dedication to the community is reflected in his role supporting new leadership. 
As Secretary, James brings his dynamic entrepreneurial spirit and IT expertise to the board. James is the CEO of CL Web Developers Inc., and is committed to fostering a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive business environment in Greater Victoria. 

Deborah brings more than 20 years of public sector financial knowledge as the Vice-President, Administration, and CFO at Camosun College. We’re very grateful to have someone with her extensive experience acting as The Chamber’s financial steward. 

Family Business Committee Chair Dean Clarke, owner of Tru Value Foods, begins his first full year as a Director.

The ensemble of Directors includes accomplished professionals from various sectors, each adding a unique perspective to the board’s dynamics and bringing a wealth of expertise from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a well-rounded and inclusive representation. 

Returning Directors include Rose Arsenault (Branch Manager at Agilus Work Solutions), Judith Ethier (CAO for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority), Pedro Marquez (Professor, Strategic Management & International Business at Royal Roads University), Richard Michaels (president of MACCRIM Solutions), Josue Dubon (Co-Founder and Wealth Mentor at DesignWealth), Ann Squires Ferguson (CEO of Western Design + Build) and Jessica Stigant (Associate Director of Government Relations and Partnerships at Ocean Networks Canada). Captain (Navy) Kevin Whiteside also returns as an appointed Director because of his role as CFB Esquimalt Base Commander. 

Non-voting members Bruce Williams, Chamber CEO, and Frumsa Ibrahim, Chair of the Emerge Committee and Regional Director of Operations for Scandinavian Building Service, further enrich the leadership team with their unique insights and experiences. 
The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce is poised for another year of promoting progress, building connections with energetic entrepreneurs and remaining a vital force in the region’s business community. As the torch passes to this exceptional board, The Chamber looks forward to navigating the future with resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to the prosperity of Greater Victoria.