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VICA Team


 

Rory Kulmala

Chief Executive Officer

Rory has been working the construction scene throughout Canada for the last 25 years but primarily in the West as a general contractor and owner for both public and private sectors. In addition to his experience, he has accreditation as an Applied Science Technologist and a PMP, including an MBA.

 

Amie Flint

Director of Operations

Amie joined VICA in October 2016 as the coordinator of our then Constructing a Future Program. After developing that program to meet the contractual criteria of the government funder she went on to redevelop it for the second contract. Amie is excited to return to VICA in her new role combining her past experiences in accounting, social work, employment services and human resources.

 

Dawn Charity

Manager, Member Services (Nanaimo)

Dawn is a familiar face to many in the construction industry, as VICA’s longest staff member of 20 years. With her extensive knowledge and experience, she is always ready to assist members and future members alike.

 

Sarah Bartfai

Manager, Events & Administration

At VICA since 2009, Sarah takes charge of events and administration with a smile. You’ll often find her at the office or one of our events. Known for her friendly approach and attention to detail, she ensures everything runs smoothly and seamlessly.

 

Chenelle Falconer

Manager, Training & Education

Since joining VICA in 2015, Chenelle has become VICA’s training wiz, passionate about tailoring training programs that not only support industry needs but also keep learning engaging and relevant. Whether it’s tackling a tough challenge or finding a fresh way to approach a topic, she’s always on the lookout for new ideas to make an impact. Outside of work, you can find her immersed in a game of D&D or catching up on her favourite Star Trek episode, and she often has paint on her hands from making colourful messes on paper and canvas. At the heart of it all, Chenelle is driven by curiosity, the joy of learning and helping others succeed.

 

Jessica Bonney

Manager, Workforce Development and Engagement

Jessica joined VICA in 2024 and is a passionate advocate for building a strong, skilled workforce in the construction industry. She brings to the role a background in project management, leadership and adult education. As Manager of Workforce Development and Engagement, Jessica connects industry needs with development opportunities. Whether it’s creating innovative training solutions or advocating for workforce growth, Jessica is committed to shaping the future of construction on Vancouver Island.

 

Audrey Wilson

Manager, Marketing & Communications

Audrey was born and raised in Victoria, where she developed a deep love for the West Coast’s outdoorsy lifestyle. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on Marketing, blending her passion for creativity with strategic communication. Audrey is thrilled to join the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) as the Marketing and Communications Manager, where she is excited to contribute to an organization dedicated to educating and advocating for the construction industry.

 

Jennifer Thorkelson

Office Administrator

Jennifer joined VICA in July 2024 as the office administrator and is looking forward to greeting you with a smile. Jennifer completed a degree in Anthropology at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax and came back out west to be closer to family. In the past, she worked in the optometry field, and is pivoting to something new after staying home to raise two sons. In her spare time, you will find her hiking, reading or playing outside with her boys.

 

Ruth Lebbetter

Accounting Specialist

Ruth joined the VICA team November 2022, taking on the position of the Accounting Specialist. After a lengthy stint, over 25 years, in the retail building material industry, evolving her skills in marketing and accounting she has crossed over to learn another “ frame” of the construction industry. When not in the office she can be found on the golf course or cruising thru the Saanich inlet on her paddle board.

 

Taylor Wyllie

CYF, Program Coordinator

Taylor was born and raised in Victoria, where she is thrilled to be immersed in the beautiful nature. With her experience working with children and youth for over 10 years, she has brought encouragement and exploration to their ongoing learning. She is looking forward to making more connections within the community and the Create Your Future Program!

 

Alison Bott

CYF, Program Coordinator

Alison joined VICA in August 2023 having spent the previous 15 years working for the Greater Victoria School District, with disengaged youth. As a former career coordinator, she encouraged students to find their pathway and make connections between classroom education, post-secondary instruction, and the workplace. Trades have always been something Alison has been passionate about, helping students find work experience placement opportunities with the Youth Work in Trades program, finding a sponsor employer and registering with the ITA as a youth apprentice.

 

Greg Hemminger

Tailgate Toolkit Coordinator, Vancouver/Lower Mainland

Greg Hemminger is the new Harm Reduction Project Coordinator for the Lower Mainland representing VICA out of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association office. Over the last 4 years Greg has been an active part of the mental health and addictions community across the greater Vancouver area. He has served as a board member for the Maple Ridge Treatment Centre running biweekly support groups for men in early recovery. He also helped create the Fun in Recovery Program which accompanies clients to community outings such as sporting events to show clients that there is a new world awaiting them outside of addiction. Greg looks forward to contributing to the Harm Reduction program and bringing this essential project to the lower mainland.

 

Mika Dumont

Tailgate Toolkit Coordinator, Southern Interior

Mika Dumont is the Tailgate Toolkit Coordinator for the Southern Interior region of BC. Over the past 9 years, Mika has gained experience in the fields of addiction, mental health, and construction. She looks forward to helping to end stigma in our industry.

 

Rose Olsen

Tailgate Toolkit Coordinator, Vancouver/Lower Mainland

Rose has been actively involved in supporting the entrenched and unhoused population of the Fraser Valley. After pursuing education to become a community support worker, she developed a passion for assisting people. Rose was a valuable member of an exceptional team in Abbotsford that established a drop-in center in the heart of the city and pioneered the first Safe Injection Site. Since 2013, she has been working on the front lines, teaching numerous neighbors and professional community members how to use naloxone. After taking a break to build cabinets for a year, Rose felt the calling and returned to work with the community.

 

Alexandra Stockli

Tailgate Toolkit Coordinator, Vancouver Island

Alexandra is the Tailgate Toolkit Program Coordinator for Vancouver Island. She joined VICA in September of 2024. Her previous background working with community members living with substance misuse and mental health disorders has provided her a wealth of knowledge and experience that she is excited to bring to the Tailgate Toolkit program. She looks forward to bringing awareness to those in the industry about mental health and addiction.

 

Emilee Wells

Tailgate Toolkit Coordinator, Northern B.C.

Emilee has been a front line harm reduction worker since 2021, and is grateful to have worked closely with diverse people with lived experience of substance use. She is passionate about challenging the stigma that vulnerable populations face through community collaboration and education. Emilee is excited to bring her prior knowledge into her new role as Harm Reduction Project Coordinator in Northern British Columbia.

 

Camille Stockill

Marketing, Communications & Events Co-op Student, Vancouver Island Construction Association

Camille is currently finishing up her fourth and final year at UVIC. We’re lucky to have her a part of the team!