REACH FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Reach Foundation Board of Directors is a volunteer group of individuals who take a leadership role to solicit and receive donations to support programs, equipment and capital projects for children and families served by REACH. We are very proud to introduce to you our Foundation Board of Directors:
Denis Horgan
Chair
Denis joined the Reach Foundation in 2014. He has had a long history of serving on various government boards and community groups, from Treasurer at Ladner’s Sacred Heart School to serving on the Board of the Delta Hospice Foundation. After a long career with Westshore Terminals LTD Partnership he recently retired as Vice President & General Manager.
Born in Dublin, Ireland Denis attended the University College Dublin graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in 1970. He was an associate member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ireland, and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia.
In addition to the Reach Foundation Denis is currently on the board of the Elder College.
“I believe that Reach performs an essential service in our community and deserves all the help it can get. There is no greater resource than our children, and Reach is working to ensure that all our children reach their full potential.”
Katherine Bamford
Vice Chair
Katherine joined the Reach Foundation Board of Directors in 2013 and brings a wide range of skills with a background in public affairs, communications, customer engagement and marketing.
Katherine has worked at the Port Authority for 30 years and is currently Director, Customer Engagement. In addition to her Bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia, Katherine has a Diploma from the Cambridge Academy of Transport, UK, and her MBA from Beedie School of Business at Simon Fraser University. She has two children and loves to kayak on warm summer evenings.
“I am honoured and very pleased to serve on the Reach Foundation Board. It’s a privilege to be able to work with such talented individuals at Reach and to fundraise for such a meaningful organization.”
Ryan Thomas
Treasurer
I live and work in Delta and I’m excited to serve on Reach Foundation as a director. I am already aware of the vital work Reach Child and Youth Development Society does in the lower mainland and the difference it makes to children with special needs and their families. My daughter has special needs so I know how Reach programs help.
As Operations Manager at Global Container Terminals Canada, I bring connections and experience to my new role at the Reach Foundation. I hope to bring funding and long lasting relationships to this great community resource that over 1000 families in Delta, Surrey and Langley benefit from annually.
“I would like a chance to give back to the community by using my contacts & experience.”
Valerie Bartlett
Director
Valerie joined the Reach Foundation Board of Directors in January 2012. She has several years of experience as an Education Assistant with both high school and elementary students .
Valerie has volunteered in the community for over 20 years, helping with events such as the Delta Hospital Foundation Gala, Ladner May Days and Dry Grad, and early years volunteering with the Canadian Cancer Society, Canadian Diabetes Society, Heart & Stroke Foundation and United Way Camp.
“I believe in the Reach Foundation and am honoured to be a part of this team.”
Laura Dixon
Secretary
Laura has recently retired from 14 years in elected office as a Trustee on the Delta Board of Education and remains a strong advocate for public education. In addition to her time with Delta’s school board, Laura chaired the Metro regional group of Boards of Education and chaired the British Columbia School Trustees Mental Health Working Group for ten years, contributing to the Mental Health in Schools Plan which is now being implemented in schools across British Columbia. Having returned to her roots in community service, she also serves on the Boards of the Rotary Club of Tsawwassen, its Charitable Society and the Heron Hospice Society of Delta as well as serving as a director with the REACH Foundation since 2018.
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Sharon Schoeffel
Vice Chair
I work with my husband on his team at iA Private Wealth Inc. in Tsawwassen in the role of Business Development Manager. I’ve known about REACH for many years due to the companies I’ve worked for (Envision Financial and CIBC) as they were both supporters. Through my role as a board member at the Centre for Child Development and my 36 year career in the financial industry, I have much experience to offer Reach Foundation and I also intend to gain a deeper understanding of he great work that the organization currently does as well as for future needs.
“I’m hoping to increase the awareness of the amazing work that is provided by this organization and assist in raising funds, which will allow Reach to support more families in need .”
Lisa Margetson
Director
Lisa Margetson is the Branch Manager at Ladner Envision Financial. She became aware of Reach Child and Youth Development Society (REACH) through her work and is inspired by the excellent programs and services REACH offers. As a mother herself, she appreciates how important child development services are to families. Lisa is intent of raising enough funds for REACH so that no one is on a waiting list. She is pleased to have the opportunity to support a local organization and to give back to the community.
Jit Sangha
Director
I am looking forward to donating my time to a wonderful cause through my role as Foundation Director at REACH and giving back to the community I cherish. I offer experience in fundraising, as a lobbyist and in the construction industry as the President of Realco Holdings. It is important to me to offer help to families in our community who are struggling and build potential.
Sukaina Rashid
Director
Sukaina has been an accounting professional for over 20 years and holds CPA, CA and MBA designations. Her experience includes public practice, industry and education and her current role is Acting Vice President, Learning Partnerships & Communications at CPA Western School of Business. As well as her professional experience, she also has recent volunteer board member fundraising experience at the Az-Zahraa Centre in Richmond that she hopes to share.
Because her child has used REACH services, she feels strongly about giving back to the community that helped during a difficult period in her family. Sukaina was impressed by the level of service and the family-first approach. She is excited to support the REACH mission and vision that she saw lived through the staff and communicated to parents.
Tom Siba
Honorary Lifetime Board Member
It is with heavy hearts that we note Tom’s passing on April 22, 2022. Tom joined Reach Foundation in 2013 as Treasurer. He has been a resident of Tsawwassen for over 30 years and was formerly Publisher of the Delta Optimist, as well as President of BIV Media Group and Publisher of the weekly Business in Vancouver. He had been retired for almost two years when he was asked to return to the Delta Optimist in June of 2012. Prior to his initial retirement, Tom had spent 25 years in the publishing business. Tom has served with numerous industry and community organizations. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Ladner, and has been a director and treasurer of the Delta Community Foundation as well as a Governor of the Lower Mainland Better Business Bureau.