Staff and Board

Dogwood Initiative's Board of Directors and Staff.

Board of Directors

Taylor Bachrach
Geoff Mann
Jennie Milligan

Staff

Will Horter, Executive Director
Charles Campbell, Communications Coordinator
Matt Takach, Administrative Director
Eric Swanson, Corporate Campaigner
Maurita Prato, Forest Campaigner
Ian Birch, Bookkeeper & Admin Assistant 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Taylor Bachrach is a communications consultant living and working in Smithers, B.C. He specializes in creating brand identity, e-mail marketing, strategic writing and media relations solutions for clients in the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Prior to moving to Smithers, Taylor worked for various conservation organizations, including the Sierra Club. He sits on the steering committee of Citizens Concerned About Coalbed Methane and the credit committee of the Bulkley Valley Credit Union. Taylor holds an honours degree in geography from the University of Victoria.

Geoff Mann, is a professor in the Department of Geography at Simon Fraser University, having previously taught at the University of California and at UBC. He received a PhD in Environmental Policy from the University of California, Berkeley, and an M.Sc. in Environmental Planning from the University of Guelph. For the past decade, his research and teaching have focused on the intersection of environmental and labour politics, with a special emphasis on the political economy of natural resources in western North America. Prior to university life, Geoff worked for several years with “at risk” youth. He and his partner Michelle and their two boys live in Vancouver.

Jennie Milligan has been actively involved in the environmental movement in BC for the past 10 years.  While attending the University of British Columbia in the late 90s, she was president of the Student Environment Centre.  While attending the University of Victoria, she was on the executive of the Environmental Law Centre throughout her three-year law degree.  She also conducted research on a volunteer basis for The Land Conservancy.  Jennie has worked for the Environmental Youth Alliance and Sierra Legal Defence Fund, first in donor relations and then as a legal researcher.  She is currently a practicing lawyer in Victoria.

STAFF

Will Horteris the Executive Director of Dogwood Initiative and oversees the implementation of all programs. Will received his law degree Summa Cum Laude from the University of California, after completing a B.A from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire where he majored in Anthropology and Third World studies. Prior to being called to the B.C. Bar in 1995, Will worked extensively as a community and labour organizer around the world. He also serves on the board of numerous international, national and provincial non-profits. His passion is helping local people solve local problems. He lives in Victoria, with his wife, dog and two cats.

Charles Campbell joins Dogwood Initiative as Communications Coordinator. A long time Dogwood volunteer Charles has worked with numerous non-profit organizations. With a background in the fine arts, design and working with youth in diverse communities.  Charles has set up a number of youth and community empowerment programs, using innovative technologies such as podcasting and radio broadcasts to encourage public discourse. Charles brings a strong commitment to social justice and enabling positive social change. When not in the office he spends his time painting and teaching yoga.

Matt Takach is Dogwood Initiative's Administrative Director.  Matt has 4 years experience as an Administrator, Director and Project Manager with the Green Party of Canada.  Matt brings a wide range of professional skills to his position, including human resource management, financial planning and volunteer coordination.         

Eric Swanson has recently become Dogwood Initiative's Corporate Campaigner. Eric earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbial Biology, First Class Honours, from the University of Calgary; while there he volunteered and worked extensively as an environmental advocate and activist. Eric moved to Victoria in May of 2007, where he immediately began working for Dogwood as our Researcher. He brings a range of analytical, organizational, and communications skills to his new position, along with a determination to help communities gain power over their resources. 

Maurita Prato has recently joined the Dogwood Initiative as the new Forest Campaigner. Maurita brings with her a diverse background of forest and food security activism having worked and volunteered extensively within the environmental non-profit sector.  Most recently Maurita has come from an Education and Outreach Coordination position with the Compost Education Centre. She completed her double major at the University of Victoria in Political Science and Environmental Studies.  Maurita is thrilled with the opportunity to push forward the Dogwood Initiative’s exciting forest campaigns.  When not in the office Maurita enjoys working in her organic garden and rock climbing.

Ian Birch is Dogwood Initiative's Bookkeeper and Admin Assistant.  After a long career as a senior director and auditor in the BC public service Ian has recently come out of retirement to work for the environment and social justice movement.  Outside of the office Ian is an avid road cyclist and an active member of the BC Masters Cycling Association.