VRCA Team

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s team consists of a dynamic group of professionals. Our team’s goal is to provide valuable services to help and support our members and the construction community in any way we can and represent VRCA through embodying our Mission, Vision and Values.

JEANNINE MARTIN

PRESIDENT

About Jeannine

With over 25 years of experience in the Construction and Engineering Industry, Jeannine Martin is the President of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA).

Leading VRCA Jeannine is responsible for delivering on the mission of the VRCA, including advocating for business and legislative change, delivering educational programming options that help to build construction businesses, and providing opportunities for facilitating business-building connections – for 750 member companies.

With extensive industry knowledge, Jeannine’s business development background and understanding of the business environment will position her well to provide operational input to the VRCA.

Sandy Ho

Director of Finance

About Sandy

As the Finance Manager, Sandy is responsible for the financial health of the Association. From creating accurate financial reports to developing and managing financial goals for VRCA, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise with members in mind.

Sandy attributes her successful career to hard work. She achieved her professional accountant designation, graduated with two master’s degrees in finance, and received a fellowship for her studies! In her spare time, she enjoys photography, traveling, exercising, and relaxing with friends over wine, of course! 

Cecile Lopez

Director of Operations

About Cecile

As the Operations Manager & Executive Administrator, Cecile is responsible for streamlining and ensuring efficient day-to-day operations.  She is keen to proactively support the Association President and the Association’s Board of Directors.  She is passionate about process improvement and brings to the role operations and project management experience from diverse industries. She has a Bachelors degree in Marketing and a Masters in Education. 

Cecile likes theatre, enjoys listening to music, recreating and trying new dishes, and traveling.

EVENTS & SPONSORSHIP


 

Afsana Akhand

Manager, Special Projects

About Afsana
As the Events Coordinator, Afsana plays a huge role in assisting with pre- and post-event logistics and details of all VRCA events. She offers friendly customer service and practical solutions when helping members register for special events to ensure they have a positive experience from start to finish.

Afsana honed her strong administrative and analytical skills through earning her engineering degree, and loves discovering new cities and trying new cuisines when she travels the world.

Emelia Winnig

Manager, Events

About Emelia

With a background in both Hospitality Operations, having worked with esteemed establishments such as the Vancouver Canucks and Parq Casino, and Tech Sales, contributing her talents to companies like XTM Inc. and BookJane, Emelia brings a unique fusion of skills to her role.

Her academic pursuits at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), where she specialized in Broadcast Media and Film Production, have equipped her with a keen eye for detail and a knack for effective communication. Notably, Emelia has also earned a WSET Level Three Sommelier certification, demonstrating her dedication to mastery in various fields. Her commitment to professional growth is evident through her HubSpot Sales Software Certifications as well as notably, the 2020 Les Dames d’escoffier 2020 Scholarship winner.

PLANROOM & OFFICE ADMINISTRATION


 

Sherry Morrell

Manager, Member Administration and BidCentral Support

About Sherry

As the Manager, Planroom Operations, Sherry assists members with VRCA’s in-house print-scan services, and also provides Commissioner of Oath services at both the Vancouver office and on select dates at the STEP (Skilled Trades Employment Program) office in Abbotsford.

 

At 40+ years on staff, Sherry is VRCA’s longest-serving team member, and her distinctive laugh resonates with the construction community at the office and at VRCA events.

Karla Ramirez

Member Administration and Accounting Support

About Karla

As the Assistant, Planroom Operations, Karla provides extraordinary customer service to members and the construction community by processing online and in-person document sales, providing print and scan services, assisting with member profiles, and updating BidCentral with new opportunities. Karla’s natural ability to make our members smile demonstrates her dedication to the role and her desire to help others.

 

In her spare time, Karla can be found catching up on her favourite TV shows or casting a fishing line on a warm, sunny day.

Marketing & Communications


 

Craig Larkins

Director, Advocacy and Engagement

About Craig

Prior to joining VRCA, Craig Frew worked in newsrooms across the country including CBC and Global news. After nearly 15 years in the media industry, Craig made the jump into the political ring, where he was the Director of Communications for four MLAs in Manitoba. Outside of the world of politics, Craig instructed a digital marketing course at a university in Winnipeg. Craig brings a wealth of media and government relations knowledge and experience to the VRCA.

Erin Wormald

Member Experience Specialist

About Erin

As the Member Experience Specialist, Erin is here to ensure our members know exactly how to get the greatest value from their VRCA membership. With a background in Construction Erin is passionate about the issues that our members face today. With her 20+ years of experience in Customer Service, Erin will make it her #1 priority to put members first.

Erin above all else enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. She loves music, travelling, writing, swimming & adventuring whenever she can.

Harrison Curtis

Content Producer

About Harrison

As the VRCA’s new Content Producer, Harrison is largely focused on developing new and engaging digital content for the VRCA to further showcase our Member experience, and to share what it is to be part of the VRCA.

Harrison is a newcomer to Vancouver, having grown up in Toronto where he spent the first half of his career in media and film production, before bringing his production skills in-house to the non-profit sector.

Harrison is excited to be involved in a new sector, construction, and can’t wait to provide more Member Spotlights!

Maddy Jamieson

Marketing & Events Specialist

About Maddy

Maddy works across the events and marketing teams to promote and execute VRCA events and engage members in person and through digital channels.

With a Bachelor of Commerce with Honors from the UBC Sauder School of Business, Maddy uses her background in marketing strategy to provide writing and communications, creative assets, digital content, and more.

Maddy is passionate about music and fitness and spends her free time at her local spin studio, in the gym, or attending dance music festivals.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT


 

Eva Ciesielska

Workforce Development Manager

About Eva

As the Workforce Development Manager, Eva is looking after the education department and is responsible for ensuring that the VRCA members have access to training that meets the demands of the construction industry. Eva’s days revolve around planning VRCA’s course portfolio, building connections with course providers and developing programs to attract talent to the industry. Eva has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics.

Eva is passionate about Arts & Culture. Together with her young daughter, she has started a series of creative workshops, teaching communities how to make traditional Eastern European Motanka Dolls. So far, their initiative has raised over $6000 for UNICEF.

TAILGATE TOOLKIT


 

Greg Hemminger

Tailgate Toolkit Program/Harm Reduction Coordinator

About Greg

As the Harm Reduction Coordinator, Greg conducts introductory conversations on substance abuse, mental health, toxic drug supplies, and reduction/recovery services to the construction industry. Drawing from his own personal experience, Greg’s engaging presentations instill confidence to the community, and allows them to recognize and support those in need with the right tools.

Greg likes to write screenplays and has also directed two feature films! He enjoys sports and is always happy to have conversations around media and geopolitics.