Get to know the Board of Director Nominees/Candidates for this year's AGM. Read their bios and watch their video submissions below! We are so fortunate to have such a great lineup of talent in our local Tech Community!
Register to attend VIATEC's AGM on Sept 19, 2024 at Fort Tectoria as we announce the newly elected board members.
Questions? Contact info@viatec.ca
2024-25 VIATEC Board Nominees
MIKE ANDERSON
Intlabs
[Click here for Mike's video submission]
Currently CTO at Intlabs, a data privacy and governance startup. Formerly, Mike has worked in both technical and operational roles as CTO and COO of Echosec Systems, a social media search and threat intelligence company, where he oversaw a successful exit. He is (unsurprisingly) incredibly passionate about novel uses of personal data, their impact, and how we can secure it from abuse and theft. Mike brings 10 years of experience in starting, funding, and operating technology companies on Vancouver Island. A former UVic grad, Mike maintains a close connection to the Software Engineering faculty, often speaking at panels to emerging technologists. He is excited to share his experience with early stage companies starting with R&D grants, software development practices, security, and compliance. Despite this, he’s been lurking in the shadows too long at VIATEC and is excited to potentially take a more active role in contributing to the community that provided him so much guidance and support.
ARMON ARANI
Cognito Health
[Click here for Armon's video submission]
Co-founder & board member at Cognito Health - a Victoria based online mental health startup established in 2021. He graduated electrical engineering from the University of Victoria and quickly made his transition into tech. Armon launched his career into the Victoria tech scene by working at VIATEC and then transitioning to DoubleUp; an agency that focuses on go-to-market strategy and subscription business. He went on to start a company that focuses on supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, & ADHD by offering a holistic approach to mental health care. Outside of his career, Armon enjoys photography, hiking, playing music, and enjoying the hundreds of restaurants Victoria has to offer.
JOHN AUSTIN
SureSwift Capital
[Click here for John's video submission]
John Austin, brings more than 20 years of leadership and expertise, gained through domestic and international experience in service to our technology ecosystem. Previously, John has served leadership roles (CEO, COO, Director) in Europe and Canada, as well as founding two startups, and learning lessons along the way. Currently, John serves as an General Partner for Cindicates, Victoria’s own community seed fund, and Chief Operating Officer for SureSwift Capital, a fund based software aggregator with its HQ here in Victoria, and a Community Mentor for VIATEC’s accelerator program. Through investing and advising, John is passionate in seeing Victoria’s technology industry flourish. A UVic Political Science graduate, John’s work feeds into his fascination with systems of governance, analysis and consensus building. Personally, he enjoys time with his three amazing boys, and takes advantage of every opportunity for outside activities across Vancouver Island.
JUSTINE BRYANT
Delta-X Research
[Click here for Justine's video submission]
Justine Bryant is a versatile finance professional with over 25 years of expertise in transforming the financial landscapes of diverse industries through innovative strategies, data analytics, and efficient processes. Armed with an extensive background in technology, land development, and various other sectors, Justine is equipped with proven methods to drive profitability, optimize cash flow, and enhance financial accuracy and transparency. Justine is the full time Accountant for Delta-X Research Inc. This local SaaS company was honored with the VIATEC award for Innovative Excellence in Software or Service in 2018. When not playing with Excel Pivot Tables, Justine enjoys painting, playing drums, and, most recently, paddle boarding.
CHRIS CARVALHO
Ross Bay Medical
[Click here for Chris's video submission]
Chris is a seasoned entrepreneur with a proven track record of launching and scaling successful businesses in the tech and healthcare sectors. As the founder and CEO of Carveira Group Consulting, he has led numerous digital transformation initiatives, helping organizations innovate and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Chris has also co-founded multiple companies, including Ross Bay Medical, where he currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, focusing on empowering individuals to maintain their independence through simple, health-promoting solutions. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by a deep commitment to fostering innovation, from mentoring start-ups and scale-ups to building strong partnerships that drive growth. Chris’s hands-on experience in building businesses, combined with his strategic vision and leadership skills, make him a key player in the tech ecosystem. He is dedicated to creating environments where new ideas can thrive, and businesses can achieve sustainable success.
SCOTT DEWIS
Dewis Ventures
[Click here for Scott's video submission]
A lifelong entrepreneur and founder of two companies in Victoria. He is now helping many other founders navigate the entrepreneurial experience and grow their businesses.
JACQUES DU PLESSIS
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
[Click here for Jacques's video submission]
Jacques is a partner in Osler’s Emerging and High Growth Companies practice group in Osler’s Vancouver office. Jacques advises entrepreneurs, start-ups and venture backed technology companies in all parts of their lifecycle from start-up to exit as well as advising a wide range of investors including venture capital funds, privacy equity, strategic investors and angel investors. Jacques has broad experience in matters related to corporation formation, governance, venture capital and financing transactions and acquisition and divestiture transactions in addition to supporting companies with their day-to-day corporate needs. Jacques also plays a central role in Osler’s relationship with Creative Destruction Lab, Accelerate Okanagan and e@UBC.
CASEY MILONE
Generative Marketing
[Click here for Casey's video submission]
Casey Milone is the ECD at Generative Marketing, a writing and messaging agency with a specialization in B2B tech. Their current client list includes Dexcom, Semaphore Solutions, and Cisco.
MEGHAN NICHOL
Redlen Technologies
[Click here for Meghan's video submission]
Meghan is a seasoned HR professional, bringing extensive expertise in talent management and executive leadership to the table. Over her 15 years of experience in HR leadership roles, she has successfully navigated through multiple post-acquisition integrations and played a pivotal role in an IPO. Her strategic guidance has consistently led to tangible business successes across start-ups, growth-stage ventures, and established organizations, primarily in the technology sector. Meghan is currently completing her MBA at Royal Roads University and holds a CPHR designation.
ALEXIS SANTACRUZ
OpenWorks Canada
[Click here for Alexis's video submission]
Alexis Santacruz is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of executive experience, having worked with renowned companies such as 3Com and Telefonica, and as an entrepreneur leading firms with over 600 employees. Currently at the forefront of OpenWorks, Alexis is dedicated to bridging Latin American talent with North American opportunities, focusing on software innovation and talent cultivation. His leadership is anchored in excellence and integrity, fostering an inclusive and technologically enriched future. Alexis has also served on boards including the Entrepreneurs' Organization in Bogotá and Victoria, where he led strategic partnerships and mentorship programs. Passionate about inspiring and empowering individuals, Alexis is committed to creating growth opportunities and driving success.
CHRISTINE TATHAM
Redbrick
[Click here for Christine's video submission]
Christine Tatham is the Chief People Officer at Redbrick, a group of software platforms for digital entrepreneurs, based in Victoria. She joined Redbrick in 2021 as the Vice President of People and Culture and was promoted to her current role in 2024.
Christine spent 12 years in London, UK where she began her journey into People & Culture leadership and gained her Master’s degree in Strategic People Management & Development. She has a rich background in People & Culture, having previously served as the Vice President of HR at Epicure, and as the Head of HR for Pentland Brands, which owns and manages well-known sports and lifestyle brands such as Speedo and Lacoste.
At Redbrick, Christine has been instrumental in shaping the company’s people strategy, focusing on creating an inclusive and supportive workplace culture, where expectations are high and strong performance is valued and rewarded. She has been a strong advocate for work-life balance, diversity, employee growth and employee well-being, aligning with Redbrick’s values. Christine’s approach to People emphasizes the importance of both personal and professional fulfillment, a philosophy that has resonated well within Redbrick, leading to high levels of employee satisfaction, performance and retention.
As a career-driven mother of four, Christine challenges traditional notions of career paths for women. Christine's leadership at Redbrick is marked by her commitment to fostering an environment where all employees can thrive if they have the desire, regardless of their personal circumstances.
KATE FAGAN TAYLOR
GrowthPoints Strategies
[Click here for Kate's video submission]
Kate Fagan Taylor, MDiv, CMC, is a strategist and executive coach in the energy and technology sectors. Kate was employee #1 at a tech startup (Health Data Coalition) and is the founder of GrowthPoints Strategies. Kate coaches executives to navigate growth and adapt to changing opportunities so they can achieve their goals. A Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Kate’s commitment to the Victoria tech community is reflected in her role on the Board of Directors for Island Women in Science and Technology (iWIST). Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys gardening and science fiction. Having enjoyed being part of the VIATEC community for several years, Kate's diverse experience and passion for connecting people and supporting growth makes her ready to “give back” on the VIATEC board.