Rhiannon Bennett, Vice Chair, Community Member
Rhiannon Bennett (she/her/hers) is a much-sought-after speaker and is well known for asking tough questions in a manner that encourages engagement and dialogue. She is actively working to create a more equitable world for all. Rhiannon is Musqueam and was raised in Ladner with deep roots in the community with some ancestors living on land since the first sunrise and others who were part of the new fishing community arriving in the early 1900’s.
She has been working with children, youth and families for over 20 years in a variety of roles. Professionally, she has worked with Indigenous youth and families with overarching themes of her work being decolonization and reconciliation.
In 2014, she was the first Indigenous person elected to the Delta Board of Education. As a Trustee, she focused on repairing and building stronger relationships with education partners along with ensuring a decolonization lens was applied to all board work. She is the co-founder of Hummingbirds Rising Consulting and works with a vision to create a society that understands the violence of colonization, its other impacts and is actively reconciling and working towards decolonization. They offer services for students, educators, and policy makers who are working on learning more about decolonization and reconciliation.
Kim (Kwuntiltunaat) Baird, Chancellor
Current KPU chancellor Kim Baird (her ancestral name is Kwuntiltunaat) is known for being a leader and team-builder. Baird was the elected Chief of the Tsawwassen First Nation for six terms, from 1999-2012. At just 28 years old, she was the youngest woman to hold that position.
She negotiated and implemented British Columbia’s first urban modern treaty, which provided unprecedented benefits and opportunities for Tsawwassen First Nation. Her leadership has contributed to Tsawwassen First Nation being one of the most progressive First Nations in the country.
Receiving numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, Baird’s accomplishments include being a Member of the Order of Canada, being a recipient of the Order of British Columbia and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, being recognized as part of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, and many others. She has been appointed to various boards in the community including the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, BC Indigenous Business Investment Council, and the Canada Public Policy Forum.
Baird is a Distinguished Alumna of KPU, an honour granted to her by the KPU Alumni Association. She completed an arts diploma at KPU and credits her time at the university with awakening her political consciousness.
Baird also provides strategic consulting to First Nations, governments, businesses, and other organizations on Indigenous matters with the goal of improving the quality of life for Indigenous people. In addition to the many roles she holds professionally, Baird is a proud mom to three young girls.
Michael Chang (張哲誠), Community Member
Michael Chang (張哲誠) is a Business Advisor who guides entrepreneurs, owner-operators, and mid-market executives to bring clarity on strategic and business planning decisions. Chang worked as a Senior Associate in Grant Thornton LLP’s Advisory practice where he delivered services to both public and private organizations across Canada, including consulting, corporate finance, risk advisory and restructuring. He received the firm’s highest performance ranking in 2021.
Chang has also acted as a consultant/ advisor on strategic initiatives and special projects for organizations, including a fintech upstart, Los Angeles based CPA Firm, and Private Equity owned portfolio company.Active in his community, Chang served as a Board Director and/ or committee member of community organizations, including South Fraser Search and Rescue (2017 – 2020), KPU Alumni Association (2017 – 2021), SurreyCares Community Foundation (2019 – 2021), and CPABC Surrey, Langley and North Delta Chapter (2017 – 2022).
Chang received a Community Service Recognition from his Cloverdale-Langley Member of Parliament (2020), and currently serves as an Independent Director and Audit Committee Chair with Four Points Insurance Company (a subsidiary of Mutual Fire Insurance Company). A proud Alumni of KPU who is humbly recognized as 1 of the “40s Ones To Watch” by his peers (2021). Chang is also the recipient of KPU’s Contribution to Student Life Award (2012) and KPU’s Giving Back Citizenship Award (2012) for leading community development initiatives during his undergraduate years. Chang holds a B.B.A. in Accounting from KPU Melville School of Business (2015), and is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia.
Ivy Chen, Chair, Community Member
Appointed to the KPU Board in 2020, Ivy Chen has financial and management experience working with business leaders in the consumer packaged goods manufacturing (CPG) and construction industries over the past 16 years. Most recently, Ivy has served as Vice President of Finance and Administration of FG Deli Group and Freybe Gourmet Foods. During her role with FG Deli, Ivy led multi-disciplined project teams implementing best practices in Finance and Operations across geographically dispersed facilities.
As a former international student and an immigrant to Canada, Ivy recognizes the value of higher learning and active mentorship. She believes in higher education as a path to personal enrichment and equality, strongly advocating for its availability to all. Ms. Chen is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CGA) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Royal Roads University.
Paul Choi, Community Member
Paul boasts a diverse background, encompassing law enforcement, business, board governance, the legal sector, and dispute resolution. He is designated as a qualified Arbitrator & Mediator by the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of BC and holds ICD.D designation by the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Currently, Paul serves as the President & CEO of the Burnaby North Road Business Improvement Association and is a Director for the College of Opticians of BC. In the past, his civic contributions included roles as a committee member on the Economic Development Advisory Committee and the Multiculturalism Advisory Committee.
Paul is recognized for his business acumen and has been honored with the Tri-City Chamber of Commerce’s Top to Watch award and the Young Professional of the Year award.
Academically, Paul holds a BA and MA from Simon Fraser University, an LLB(Hons.) from the University of London, an LLM in tax law from UBC, and a (GP)LLM from the University of Toronto. Additionally, he completed the Rotman@Law Certificate and the ICD-Rotman Directors Education Program at the Rotman School of Management.
Dr. Alan Davis, President and Vice-Chancellor
Dr. Alan Davis was appointed President of Kwantlen Polytechnic University September 1, 2012. A native of Reading, England, Dr. Davis has held leadership positions at renowned institutions in the United States and Canada, including roles at the British Columbia Open University, Athabasca University, Niagara College and Vancouver Community College. Most recently, he served as President of Empire State College at the State University of New York.
Dr. Davis is a member of the Board of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, and has served on various committees and commissions with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the American Council for Education. He is past President of the Canadian Society for the Study of Higher Education and is on the Board of the Collaboration for Online Higher Education Research.
Aside from his extraordinary academic contributions through publications and presentations, Dr. Davis is also a published playwright. Dr. Davis has devoted his career to higher learning and continues to be passionate about the success and achievements of individuals taking it upon themselves to earn an education.
Amos Kambere, Community Member
Amos Kambere is the Executive Director of Umoja Operation Compassion Society, a not-for-profit organisation that works with newcomer immigrants and refugees living in Surrey BC. He was formerly with Canada Post and a Member of Parliament with the Uganda National Assembly. Mr. Kambere is a member of the Surrey Board of Trade. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Diploma in Education from Makerere University Kamplala, Uganda and Certificates from Vancouver Community College and British Columbia Institute of Technology.
Muhammad Afzal Malik, Community Member
Muhammad Afzal Malik is a business and management consultant by profession and CEO of Chartac Management Consultants.
Teaching and training is his passion. Mr. Malik managed a business school in collaboration with the Philippine Christian University (PCU), Manila, Philippines. He also served as a realtor. Mr. Malik has extensive experience and expertise in the areas of business policies & strategies, financial management, change management, community development, human resource management, project management, performance audit, system analysis and designing, strategic planning and budgetary control, and municipal administration & financial management. Mr. Malik worked on the socio-economic development projects funded by The World Bank, The Asian Development Bank, CIDA, NORAD, UNDP, UNICEF and other international development agencies. He served as a Management & Training Specialist for the Social Action Program (SAP), Planning Commission, Government of Pakistan. He is an active member of the community and has served on numerous volunteer community boards and committees including Surrey Libraries Board, Semiahmoo House Society, Surrey Food Bank, National Security Advisory Council, Diversity Advisory Committee, and Fusion Festival Organizing Committee.
He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) and has completed the pre-requisite courses for CMA designation.
Mr. Malik is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his community services.
Ishant Goyal, Student Board Member (Term: September 1, 2023 - August 31, 2024)
Hailing from the vibrant Land of White Gold in Punjab, India, Ishant embarked on his international student journey in 2017, bringing a diverse perspective to his academic pursuits. With over 5 years of invaluable experience, Ishant currently holds the position of Corporate Manager at Freshslice Pizza, where he specializes in training and delivering exceptional customer service.
He presently holds pivotal roles as a Student Representative on the Senate Standing Appeals Committee, the Senate Standing Committee on Academic Planning and Priorities, and the Senate Standing Committee on Research. Ishant generously donates his time as a volunteer for prominent organizations such as S.T. John Ambulance and the Vancouver Aquarium. His passion for community involvement extends to his previous role as a Student Representative on the Education Council at Langara College.
Ishant's dedication and exceptional achievements have garnered numerous accolades, including the esteemed Surrey Board of Trade Top 25 Under 25 Award, the KPU Annual Leadership Award, the KPU Annual General Award, the Skills for Hope Foundation Scholar distinction, the Team Spirit Nomination Award, the Most Volunteer Hours Award, the Excellence in Leadership honour, the Community Building Award, and the Volunteer Excellence Scholarship Award.
Driven by a strong sense of purpose and an unwavering commitment to his academic and community endeavours, Ishant Goyal exemplifies leadership, excellence, and a profound dedication to making a positive impact in the world around him.
Aryan Kalia, Student Board Member (Term: September 1, 2023 - August 31, 2024)
Aryan is a student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University studying pursuing Major in Accounting.
Aryan was born and brought up in the culturally rich state of Punjab, India. Aryan's journey into the realm of community service and leadership has been a lifelong commitment instilled from a young age.
Aryan's has extensive and diverse experience in community engagement Aryan held a pivotal role as Secretary General in one of Northern India's distinguished and expansive International Model United Nations (MUN) conferences where he displayed diplomatic and leadership skills, steering discussions on global issues.
In his high school years, Aryan served as the Senior Vice Head Boy in the student council. This role involved overseeing 142 office bearers, impacting the lives of more than 8,000 students. Aryan's leadership, organizational skills, and commitment to student welfare were evident in this influential role.
Now, Aryan Kalia wants to use his experience, leadership acumen and profound commitment to serve the Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) community with the same dedication and passion that have defined his journey thus far.
Lyndsay Passmore, Faculty Board Member
Lyndsay has been a faculty member at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for the last 15 years, teaching in the business and entrepreneurial leadership departments. Leadership positions held at KPU include multiple committee chair roles and most recently, chairing the Business department through the covid transition to online, as well as through a major program revision that focused on developing business students who are skilled interpersonal leaders with competencies in equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Lyndsay lives on the traditional and unceded lands of the Tsawwassen and Musqueam First Nations. She is married with four kids, a poodle and a pug. Lyndsay started as a non-traditional student at KPU, which laid the framework for her passion for accessible education. She holds both an HBA (general management/accounting) and MBA (strategy/health sector) from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University in London, Ontario. Lyndsay is currently a doctoral candidate in education at Johns Hopkins University, focusing on entrepreneurial leadership in education. Lyndsay has a special interest in accessible and equitable education and her dissertation focus is on improving the international student experience in Canada.
Rodney (Rod) Ross, Community Member
Rod has a passion for mentoring and coaching. An educator with a passion for ‘real life, real learning and real growth’ Rod has used his talents in business /leadership developing staff and students wherever he is. An entrepreneur / big thinker at heart…he is a successful politician that has served 29 years and leads the charge for ‘revenue generation’ in the public sphere. Rod is married with two children.
Rod is a Teacher on Call at Chilliwack and Mission School Districts. Previously, Rod was Business Educator at Chilliwack Schools, Sardis Secondary. Active in his community, he was Founder and Board Member at Langley School District Foundation, Trustee and Chair at Langley School Board, and Board Member at New Hope Housing Society. Rod holds a Bachelor of Business Education from University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Trinity Western University.
Takashi Sato, Faculty Representative
Takashi Sato joined the Physics department at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (then, Kwantlen University College) in 1996 after earning a Ph.D. in astrophysics. He served on Education Council (2004-2008), as chair for three years, and was heavily involved in Kwantlen’s transition to a university, helping to set up KPU’s governance structures, briefly serving as chair of KPU Senate (2008), and on the Board of Governors (2005-2008). He returns now to the Board of Governors after 13 years away.
Dr. Sato’s work within the Physics department includes helping to design and launch the Physics for Modern Technology degree, a very applied degree unique in Canada, and establishing the CloudLab, where students learn online by operating lab equipment remotely. He is also one of B.C.’s earliest adopters and proponents of open textbooks. Takashi presents on astronomy education innovations at international venues from time to time as resources permit.
Amanda Smith-Weston, Community Member
Amanda Smith-Weston has over 20 years of non-profit and municipal Board involvement, and is happy to bring her experience and love of community-building to the KPU Board of Governors. She proudly represented both KPU and the Alumni Association at community events during her 6 years as a KPUAA Board Director, and often takes time to connect with past and present students to encourage engagement and to learn where advocacy is needed.
A graduate of the department of Anthropology (with Distinction), Amanda enjoys educating the public about Archaeology and has been active in helping to create equitable, inclusive spaces within education both in her home community of Surrey, and in her KPU community. Amanda believes that access to good, quality education should be afforded to all who seek it. She is a 2nd generation Kwantlen grad and knows the value of developing practical, hands-on skills. She has a vested interest in the community of Surrey and readily advocates and engages members to create healthy, productive environments.
Amanda has worked in Heritage, Tourism, Trades & Technology, Non-Profit, and Mental Health sectors as an educator, writer, advocate, and mentor. She is currently working in Arts & Culture, using her passion for human connectivity to build and maintain artist relationships in the City of Surrey. She and her spouse have 3 kids and a cat, and spend their free time playing strategy and trivia games together as a family.
Waheed Taiwo, Support Staff Representative
Waheed Taiwo is an alumnus of KPU, a Chartered Human Resources Professional and an active member of the B.C. General Employees’ Union (BCGEU). He works as a Student Success Coach in the Melville School of Business where he provides academic and career support to students in the Post-
Baccalaureate and Graduate programs. He has extensive experience supporting students and staff at KPU and continues to volunteer on many KPU committees. Before joining the Melville School of Business, Waheed worked with KPU International and the Learning Centre and was responsible for developing several programs that continue to enhance KPU students’ experience.
Waheed is a life-long learner and holds several qualifications in the areas of Human Resources, Accounting and International Business. He is currently working towards an MBA in Finance and Responsible Investment at Sustainability Management School (SUMAS), Switzerland.
He has served as an interim Bargaining Chair for the BCGEU employees at KPU and recently completed his three-year term as a Support Staff Representative on the Senate. He was a member of the President’s Diversity and Equity Committee (PDEC) and currently serves as a member on
KPU’s Taskforce on Anti-racism.