Meet our Faculty Advisory Board
Our Faculty is fortunate to be housed on the beautiful UBC Vancouver campus (we may be biased), but it can sometimes feel isolated. The Faculty Advisory Board was established to help bridge that gap. The Board includes key individuals who are experts in their fields, and who provide an independent perspective on matters related to teaching, research and more. Board members also serve as ambassadors for the Faculty in the public realm, providing information to and identifying opportunities to collaborate with industry and external partners.
(CHAIR) PARM BAINS PRESIDENT AND CEO, WESTBERRY FARMS
Parm Bains (BSc Agricultural Sciences ’79) established Westberry Farms in Abbotsford, B.C. in 1997, and today it is a processor of blueberries that markets fresh and frozen products globally.
ARRAN AND RATANA STEPHENS CO-CEOS AND CO-FOUNDERS, NATURE’S PATH FOOD INC.
Arran and Ratana Stephens established Nature’s Path Foods in 1985, which has become the largest organic breakfast and snack foods company in North America. They share a profound commitment to organic agriculture, people and health, and are generous supporters of many philanthropic and community service efforts.
BERNHARD VAN LENGERICH FORMER CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER, VP TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY, GENERAL MILLS INC.
Throughout his career, Bernhard van Lengerich has authored over 150 patents. He currently serves as an advisor to Beyond Meat. He is the founder of Seeding the Future Foundation, an organization focusing on food security and reducing chronic hunger, as well as Food System Strategies LLC, a strategic advisory firm.
CHRISTINE COLETTA CO-OWNER, OKANAGAN CRUSH PAD WINERY LTD.
Christine Coletta opened the Okanagan Crush Pad in 2011, which was Canada’s first purpose-built custom crush winemaking facility. Since then, she has assisted more than 15 wineries in B.C. with their winemaking. She is also the founder of the BC Wine Institute.
JUSTIN HENRY AQUACULTURE CONSULT INC.
Justin Henry (BSc Agriculture ‘95) has more than 25 years of experience in the aquaculture industry. A Registered Professional Biologist, he founded his own consulting practice, Henry Aquaculture Consult Inc., and is currently the Business Director for the Aquaculture Certificate Program at UBC.
MEERU DHALWALA CO-OWNER, VIJ’S RESTAURANT
Meeru Dhalwala (LLD’16) is an author, chef, restaurant co-owner and an honorary degree recipient from UBC. Originally from India, she is long-time supporter of the UBC Farm and is a passionate advocate for human rights and sustainable food systems.
PHILIP DONNE CUSP STRATEGIC CONSULTING
Philip Donne has over 25 years of business and marketing experience in senior positions with General Mills, Campbell’s, Kellogg Canada, Coca Cola Foods, and more. He is the Founder of Cusp Strategic Consulting, which specializes in consumer goods and services.
SARB MUND FOUNDER AND CEO, COMMISSARY CONNECT
Sarb Mund is a recognized leader and sought-after expert in the local food industry and agri-food sector. After starting a food truck business, he founded Commissary Connect, a prep kitchen that suited businesses like his.
TRISH STURDY OWNER, NORTH ARM FARM
Trish Sturdy is passionate about local and sustainable farming. She transitioned her family-run farm in Pemberton, B.C. into a certified organic farm, which produces food on its 22 hectares for several restaurants in Vancouver. She enjoys educating the public and inspiring farmers about food and is a frequent collaborator on ‘field to fork’ events.
TOM ETHIER DEPUTY MINISTER, B.C. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
Tom Ethier has been Deputy Minister for the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture since May 2020. His previous positions with the provincial government include working with Fish and Wildlife and the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation as a Chief Negotiator.
PHIL VANDERPOL PRESIDENT & CEO, VITALUS NUTRITION
Phil Vanderpol has been the President & CEO of Vitalus Nutrition since 1998 and was integral to developing the first milk protein concentrate/isolate plant in North America. He is also the Vice Chair of the Dairy Processors Association of Canada and Vice Chair of the Western Dairy Council.
WADE GRANT SENIOR INTERGOVERNMENTAL OFFICER FOR MUSQUEAM
A proud Musqueam member, Wade (BA Political Science, ‘02) was first elected to the Musqueam Chief & Council in 2004. He served as Councillor for 10 years until stepping down to be a Special Advisor to the Premier on Aboriginal Issues, a position he held until 2017.
There are also two student representatives on the board each year, one each for undergraduate and graduate students.
