The CCIS Board is made up of four chambers including governments, chapters, industry/organizations and indigenous groups. The goal of our Board is to maintain a smaller, effective board while maintaining diversity and geographical representation. Absent directors include: Julie-Lynn Zahavich, Christine Carriere, Chet Neufeld, and David Walkem
Gail Wallin
Chair
Gail brings over 25 years of experience in natural resource management to the Board. As the Executive Director of the Invasive Species Council of BC, she has been instrumental in developing strategies to prevent the spread of invasive species. Gail is a founding director of the Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS) and has helped grow and shape the organization for many years. Gail has also held senior leadership roles with the BC Forestry Association and Fraser Basin Council and has facilitated many Indigenous and natural resource initiatives at the national and international level.
Paula Noel
Secretary
Paula has worked with the Nature Conservancy of Canada for 20 years and currently oversees their land conservation programs in New Brunswick. Paula was also one of the founding members and current chair of the New Brunswick Invasive Species Council. She is passionate about collaboration and taking action to reduce the spread and impact of invasive species in Canada.
Rebecca Lee
Director at Large
Rebecca spent 7 years as Executive Director at the Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC). Prior to that, she spent six years as Technical Director of the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO), where she also served as Acting Executive Director. During her time with NAPPO, she worked very closely with government, research and industry representatives from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. Her previous positions include Executive Director of the Colombian Centre for Innovation in Floriculture and coordinator for on-farm research at the University of Bogota, in Colombia. Today Rebecca is working as a private consultant.
Wendy Asbil
Director
Wendy works for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as National Manager, Invasive Alien Species and Domestic Plant Health Programs. Wendy brings extensive experience and dedication to her role at CCIS, having served on the Board for many years and having witnessed its growth and impact firsthand. Wendy's engagement with government departments, academia, industry, and stakeholders both nationally and internationally underscores her commitment to raising awareness of invasive alien species (IAS) risks. She actively promotes compliance and collaborates on policies, programs, and standards aimed at preventing and responding to plant protection challenges posed by invasive species.
David Walkem
Director
David is associated with the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly. David brings a wealth of experience and leadership to CCIS. Formerly Chief of the Cooks Ferry Indian Band and currently Stewardship Advisor for the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly. David holds an MBA from the University of Western Ontario and a BSc in Forestry from UBC. His career includes roles in native economic development with the federal government, banking with TD Bank, and forestry research with the BC Ministry of Forests. David is a retired Registered Professional Forester and the first registered Status Indian in BC. He serves on several corporate boards and has received prestigious awards for his contributions to forestry and the environment. David resides in Spences Bridge, BC, where he cherishes his role as a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Ken Donnelly
Treasurer
Ken Donnelly brings over 30 years of experience in sustainability and behavior change to the Board. As the President of Beyond Attitude Consulting, he specializes in applying psychology to communications and outreach campaigns. Ken has been involved with the Canadian Council on Invasive Species since its inception, first as a consultant and later as a board member. Ken is part of the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council.
Julie-Lynn Zahavich
Director
Julie-Lynn has been an active member of the PEI Invasive Species Council since 2011, serving as Treasurer since 2020. She has worked on key projects including data compilation, management plans, educational resources, and a volunteer spotter’s network. In 2014, she helped develop a national spotter’s network action plan with the CCIS. Currently, as a Forest Conservation Specialist with the Province of PEI, Julie-Lynn coordinates the PEI Forested Landscape Priority Place (FLPP) program, focusing on improving conservation outcomes and addressing invasive species threats. Julie-Lynn joined the CCIS Board in 2022.
Christine Carriere
Director
Christine joined Pets Canada (formerly PIJAC Canada) in 2020 as President and CEO. Pets Canada's mission is to provide leadership and communication in the pet industry through resources, training, and advocacy. Christine collaborates with stakeholders such as Agriculture Canada, Agri-Food Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and CanHerp. With a background in healthcare, Christine brings valuable expertise to support CCIS's mission to prevent the spread of invasive species and protect Canada's ecosystems and communities. Christine joined the CCIS Board in 2022.
Sebastien Dutrisac
Director
Sebastian's career in the agricultural industry has progressed from farm worker to consultant, agricultural officer, municipal Director of Agriculture and Parks, and now municipal councillor. Throughout these roles, he has gained extensive experience in managing teams, providing services, and developing programs, all while raising awareness and educating the public on important community issues and concerns. Sebastian also brings over 37 years of board governance experience. He has held positions ranging from member and director to treasurer, secretary, vice president, and president or chair. Currently, Sebastian serves on more than 18 boards and committees at local, regional, provincial, and federal levels, showcasing his ability to contribute effectively to the Board. Sebastian is currently serving on the Board of the Alberta Invasive Species Council.
Michael Nadler
Director
Michael brings over 20 years of executive experience in conservation to the Board. Prior to joining Ducks Unlimited Canada as CEO, he served in senior leadership roles at Parks Canada, where he played a key role in establishing significant conservation areas through collaborations with Indigenous Peoples and other partners. His expertise in building strong partnerships and engaging diverse communities is complemented by his lifelong passion for the outdoors. Michael's strategic vision and commitment to science-based conservation solutions will be invaluable assets to the CCIS Board.
Victor Santacruz
Director
Victor brings over 25 years of experience in the ornamental horticulture industry to the Board. As the Executive Director of the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA), Victor has led the organization in representing over 3,800 member companies across Canada, encompassing nursery production, landscape services, and retail sectors. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the CNLA's mission of fostering relationships, providing member certification, and enhancing industry standards. Victor's expertise in managing industry-wide initiatives and his commitment to innovation and sustainability make him a valuable candidate for the Board.
