Board of Directors
The CFBC Board of Directors is comprised of dedicated professionals who share a common mission to support the next generation of skilled workers. In partnership with the board, the CFBC staff strive to improve the social – economic wellbeing of the communities in which we live and work.
Clark has nearly 40 years of experience in the local construction industry and is Vice President of Estimating in 2019 for Smith Bros. and Wilson. Throughout his career, Clark has played a key role in the successful procurement and completion of significant projects, including hospitals, recreation centres, and other complex builds.
In addition to his professional achievements, Clark has generously volunteered his time and expertise to support the construction industry, serving on various boards and committees. His dedication was recognized in 2018 when he was inducted as a lifetime member of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA).
Clark Campbell
Chair, Smith Bros. & Wilson
Katie Shaw is a public policy and stakeholder engagement specialist with 20 years experience building and implementing effective strategies for clients across corporate, not-for-profit, and public service sectors. At the heart of Katie’s leadership is her ability to build trust and understanding between companies, governments, organizations, and stakeholders. Katie has successfully guided clients to important wins in key sectors including environment and climate change, infrastructure and transportation, natural resources, innovation and technology, education and training, and international markets.
Katie Shaw
Vice Chair, Falkirk Environmental Consultants
An advocate of Trades and Apprenticeship Education, Tamara is an Inter-Provincial Certified Plumber (RSE - 1995) with a Master of Education Degree (MEd. - 2010) from Simon Fraser University. For over 20 years she has been the Department Head of the BCIT Trades Access Department. The Trades Access Department includes Trades Discovery Programs that have helped thousands of people find their trade career match.
Tamara Pongracz
Secretary/Treasurer, BCIT
Willy is a Journeyman Welder. Since achieving his qualifications he has worked in all sectors of construction and maintenance industry. That experience enabled him to start his own business in 1980. He is a member of the board of the Construction Foundation as well as the welding advisory committee with the College of New Caledonia. Willy is thrilled that he is now mentoring the next generation of trades and business leaders.
Willy Manson
Past Chair, Stinger Welding
Dan Mott is the President of Mott Electric GP in Vancouver, BC. As a red seal electrician, Dan is passionate about the industry and about supporting young apprentices as they build their career. Over his career, Dan has consistently worked to support the betterment of the industry. He has sat as the Chair of numerous organizations including the Construction Industry Training Organization, the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, the Electrical Contractors Association of BC, Canadian Construction Association, Construction Labour Relations Association of BC, and Technical Safety BC.
Dan Mott
Mott Electric
Colleen Austin, ‘Wii Goot, M.Ed., former President of the First Nations Schools Association of BC, has worked as an adult educator in Kitsumkalum, near Terrace BC, since 2005. She was the Head teacher, Principal and Sm’algyax language teacher at ‘Na Aksa Gyilak’yoo School, the community’s Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Adult programs, since 2005. Although her ancestral territory is St’at’imc (Lillooet Nation), Colleen was adopted by the Tsimshian Nation as a member of Waaps Niishaywaas Gitselasü, and was bestowed the name Biiłts'ik (red sunset) in 2009, and then honoured with ‘Wii Goot (big heart) in 2018, a name that belonged to her late Waap (house) brother Dr. James McDonald, professor of anthropology at UNBC and esteemed Tsimshian researcher.
Colleen Austin
First Nations Schools Association of BC (Past President)
Byron Conroy is owner of Yeti Refrigeration and brings extensive experience in the refrigeration and HVAC industry, with a strong focus on innovation and operational excellence. Byron launched Yeti Refrigeration in the summer of 2016 when he identified an opportunity to support northern communities with locally based service. Byron is a leader in his community and is dedicated to helping guide the next generation of skilled trade workers.
Byron Conroy
Yeti Refrigeration
Chuck Cullen is a seasoned leader in the construction industry, known for his service as two-time president of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Central Okanagan and inspiring the next generation of tradespeople in Central Okanagan. Cullen’s 32-year career, encompassing multiple leadership roles, extends beyond organizational boundaries. Over the past 12 years he has initiated discussions with high school students about entering the trades, a topic he passionately addresses at convocations, graduations and CHBA educational events.
Chuck Cullen
Okanagan College
Randy Callaghan is a Red Seal Endorsed Carpenter (RSE) and held the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. Over the last few decades, he has been instrumental in helping to introduce youth and under-represented members of the workforce to the career possibilities available in the construction sector. Now, after a successful career in the construction industry, Randy is ready to share his decades of experience in large-scale construction projects and leadership to support and guide the next generation of industry leaders.
Randy Callaghan
Retired, PCL Construction
Ruairi Spillane relocated to Canada from Ireland in 2008 when he was recruited to work for a financial services firm in Vancouver. Upon arrival, Ruairi quickly adapted to the Canadian workplace and realized that many newcomers struggled to differentiate themselves and communicate their value to employers. Having observed the powerful impact of international migrants within multicultural Canada, he set up Moving2Canada.com as an information platform to empower newcomers. At the same time, Outpost Recruitment was established to play matchmaker between both local and global construction talent and Canadian construction companies in the buildings and infrastructure sectors.
Ruairi Spillane
Outpost Recruitment
With over 36 years of experience in the construction industry, Tom has worked in roles ranging from Carpenter to Superintendent, Estimator, Project Manager, and now President and CEO of Kinetic Construction.
As a leader, he focuses on fostering people, culture, and continuous improvement through LEAN methodology and innovative problem-solving. Dedicated to advancing the construction industry, Tom is committed to evolving its standards, practices, and mindsets. Tom also volunteers his time to support the industry and is an active member of the Construction Foundation’s Board of Directors.