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
Raechel Gulka, Development Director
Ian Birch, Bookkeeper & Admin Assistant
Kelsey Singbeil, Outreach Coordinator

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 Horter is 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 is Dogwood Initiative's 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 the Administrative Director of Dogwood Initiative.  Matt works collaboratively with the Executive Director to manage the overall operations of the organization.  Before joining Dogwood Matt served for 4 years as the Director of Organizing (and occasional stints as Acting Executive Director) for the Green Party of Canada.  Matt was one of the key players in the Green Party’s breakthrough on Canada’s federal political scene.  Matt currently sits on the Board of Directors of the BC Environmental Network and is a volunteer campaign organizer for the upcoming BC referendum on electoral reform.  When not in Dogwood’s office Matt likes to get out and explore Vancouver Island’s wilderness areas.

Eric Swanson is 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.

Raechel Gulka is the Development Director for the Dogwood Initiative.  Most recently employed as development director for the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Raechel brings with her a strong commitment to both environmental and social justice solutions.  Raechel received her bachelor of arts in political science and environmental studies from the University of Victoria.  Upon completion of her degree, Raechel spent a year living and working in Calgary before finally giving in to her suspicion that Vancouver Island and British Columbia had become home.  Originally from Saskatchewan, Raechel brings a unique appreciation to this amazing and incredibly rich province.   When not in front of a computer, Raechel enjoys hiking and backpacking, and any outdoor activity that involves water.

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.

Kelsey Singbeil joined the Dogwood Initiative in September 2008 as the new Outreach Coordinator. Kelsey graduated from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Communication, specializing in Art and Culture studies and Community Development. She has worked and volunteered with several community organizations, including CJSF Community Radio Station in Burnaby and various arts festivals throughout the Lower Mainland. Kelsey has most recently worked with Vancity Credit Union as a Communications Coordinator, and brings her passion for triple-bottom line objectives and stakeholder engagement to Dogwood. Outside of the office, Kelsey is an avid surfer, gardener and general outdoors enthusiast.