— OUR TEAM
Meet Our Team
We Can Help You, Learn More For Us To Assist You
Alana Dickson
Executive Director
Alana has over 20 years of experience in marketing and hospitality. She is the founder of Aurillia Consulting Ltd., a firm that provides consulting services focusing on developing innovative marketing initiatives and business growth strategies. With her international marketing experience, Alana has successfully raised the status of clients’ brands in Canada, the UK and the USA.
Alana is no stranger to the non-profit sector. Her commitment to philanthropy is exemplified by her previous service on the board of United We Can, the BCHF Industry Advisory Council, and as a fundraising partner for the BC Hospitality Foundation. Alana's mission is to elevate the Foundation's profile across British Columbia, leveraging her entrepreneurial acumen and marketing prowess to engage new audiences and forge impactful partnerships. Alana enjoys travelling, unexpected food and wine pairings and live shows, especially the symphony.
Ana Franco
Business & Fundraising Administrator
Ana is a business administrator with 5+ years of experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership development, CRM management, and event coordination across mission-driven and community-focused environments. She has supported cross-functional communications with more than 50 business and government partners, strengthened donor relationships, and improved records and reporting systems to enhance fundraising operations.
Ana is passionate about the BC Hospitality Foundation’s mission to support industry workers facing financial hardship. She is motivated by the opportunity to contribute her communications and coordination skills to a non-profit that directly improves community well-being, strengthens partnerships, and expands support for those who play a vital role in BC’s hospitality ecosystem.
Alan Sacks
Beneficiary Liaison
Before retiring Alan was the first Executive Director of the BCHF (2009-2016). He has been involved in the Hospitality Industry his entire professional career. Firstly, in Hotel Management both In the UK and Canada. In Canada he managed 3 Hotels for Delta Hotels & Resorts and ultimately became their Corporate Director of Food and Beverage. Since the early 90’s Alan has operated ABDM Enterprises a company focused on purchasing and procurement for the Hotel industry. He has taught in the Hospitality program at Vancouver Community College and was involved for many years running the BC Hotels’ Association Charity Golf Tournament. Alan enjoys travel, playing golf and tennis and is the besotted grand father of two gorgeous granddaughters.
Board of Directors
Every member of our board of directors is a thought leader who has made significant contributions to our society.
Each one brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our organization.
Debbie Morris
Chair
Member Relations for the Hotel Association of Vancouver and Administrator of the Vancouver Hotel Destination Association has worked in the hotel industry for decades. Instrumental to the Spirit of Hospitality online lottery the largest fundraiser of the BCHF.
Stephen Roughley
Vice Chair
Associate Faculty at Royal Roads University he is a dynamic operations executive and people leader as well as president of Skal Victoria.
Mike Macleod
Secretary
Mike has devoted his career to hospitality, starting with summer and part time jobs in tourism, restaurants, pubs and golf, followed by a twenty year career in hotel sales leadership that saw him spend time with major chains and allowed him to work in several distinct locations in BC, Alberta and the US. Mike has recently launched his own consulting business.
Darcy Barish
Treasurer
General Manager at A&W Root Beer Beverages. Has worked at A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. for over 30 years in various roles covering Marketing and Operations departments.
Maik Uhlmann
Director at Large
Program Manager at JPdL. Has spent the past 20 years working in the Hospitality and Tourism sector. Assists the BCHF Beneficiary Liaison with applications for assistance.
Dawn Chubai
Director at Large
Award-Winning Broadcaster, National TV Home Shopping Host, and Director of King Willow Management. Specializing in Emcee Services, On-Camera Performance Coaching, Live Talent Training, and Livestream Shopping Production and Strategy for Small Businesses.
Dawn Chubai has worked in the broadcasting industry Nationally on Television screens for the last 23 years.
Erin Korpisto
Director at Large
General Manager at Synchromesh Wines & Terravista Vineyards. Wine educator and member of several industry boards and committees.
Edan Fay
Director at Large
With 30+ years of dedicated work and accrued experience in the food services/hospitality/hotel industry, Edan Fay exemplifies the commitment to always go beyond expectations to achieve unparalleled customer service and successful financial results. A keen attention to operational details and exceptional interpersonal skills have been foundational ingredients to grow his confidence and comfort in working with multiple departments in an efficient, productive, and professional manner.
David MacKenzie
Director at Large
He has opened four hotel properties in western Canada and operated his own Adventure Travel business for 10 years. David was elected to the Municipal Council for the Village of Pemberton in 2005, serving a three-year term which also included Acting Mayor.
Lisa Haley
Director at Large
She is a distinguished sommelier and restaurant director based in Vancouver, British Columbia, celebrated for her deep expertise in wine, leadership in hospitality, and commitment to mentorship within the industry.
Over the course of her career in Vancouver, she has led the teams at Burdock & Co., L’Abattoir, and Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar where she recently returned as Executive General Manager.
Alex Bakker
Director at Large
She is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of expertise in driving operational excellence and empowering teams across the hospitality and alcohol beverage industries. As Head of National Operations at Caymus Canada Inc., Alex has successfully established a national operational framework and delivered exceptional financial results. Known for her strategic insight in government relations, finance, marketing, and sales, Alex consistently drives growth, cultivates meaningful partnerships, and inspires teams to achieve ambitious goals.