Our Leadership Team

James Challman has been Chief Executive Officer of GVCSS since 2016. An experienced executive, James' professional background includes leadership roles with various community organizations in Alberta and British Columbia. His extensive experience covers service responsibility for a broad demographic including those with developmental disabilities, brain injuries, seniors, immigrants, youth and families. With his results oriented approach, he has successfully orchestrated service quality improvements, organizational growth and fundraising strategies. James has a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University, a bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta, and Master Level Certificate in Non-violent Crisis Intervention. His commitment to community is demonstrated by his extensive volunteer background as a Board member with various sports, arts and community organizations in BC and Alberta. He served as a Board member with the Federation of Social Services of BC (FCSSBC) from 2013 to 2016.

Temmy Cheung joined GVCSS in fall of 2021. As the Director of Finance, Temmy is a key member of the GVCSS leadership team and is responsible for all aspects of the Society’s financial operations. Temmy is an experienced finance professional with extensive knowledge in the not-for-profit sector. Prior to joining GVCSS, Temmy worked as senior finance leaders at other seniors’ care and community service agencies, and auditors at public accounting firms. Temmy is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia. Apart from her work experience, Temmy also serves as a volunteer board member and officer at the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) Richmond/South Delta Chapter.

Melanie has been part of the GVCSS team since 1992. Beginning as a Community Living worker, she has held progressively senior roles with the agency, as a program supervisor, program coordinator, acting director and now director of the Community Living program, overseeing the agency’s six group homes which provide specialized care and supervision for individuals with profound physical and developmental disabilities. Her close relationship with her nephew who lives with a developmental delay, cerebral palsy, has offered Melanie personal experience in the needs and experiences of families. Melanie holds a Bachelor of Criminology degree, and certificates in Leadership, Management for Residential Settings, Developmental Disabilities Mental Health, and Sign Language (level two.) Melanie has previously worked as a lifeguard and swim teacher.

Karen Foster is the Human Resources Director for Greater Vancouver Community Services Society. She has been with the Human Resources Department since 2004. Prior to working for the Society, Karen held Human Resources positions for other public sector employers as well as in the municipal government environment. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UBC, an Honours Diploma in Human Resources Management, as well as a Certificate in Leadership from the Federation of Community Social Services. In addition, Karen holds Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) designations.

Niraj joined the Leadership Team of Greater Vancouver Community Service Society as the Home Care Manager in April 2023. He has extensive experience in workforce optimization & staffing services, also leading several projects related to the home support service with several health authorities in British Columbia. Niraj holds Master’s in Administrative Science – Major: Global Health and Human Services from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and undergraduate in Pharmacy from back home in India.

Yasaman is a Registered Nurse and has worked in diverse settings, dedicated to providing compassionate and client-centered care. Yasaman’s career began in acute care at various hospitals where she gained her clinical skills, transitioning into facility care and managing long term clients and palliative-care patients. In 2022, her focus has shifted to home health with the goal of improving quality of life of clients and their health outcomes. Yasaman holds a second Bachelors degree in Interdisciplinary Studies on Gender, Race, Sexuality and Social Justice from the University of British Columbia.

Laurel Mason joined GVCSS in August 2024 to support the Director of Finance during her maternity leave. With extensive experience in the industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, despite being relatively new to the not-for-profit sector. Before joining GVCSS, Laurel served as the Finance Manager for a similar organization, where she enhanced her financial management and leadership skills.

Laurel is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and holds a Bachelors Degree in Applied Accounting. Her combination of practical experience and academic background enables her to provide strategic financial oversight and support to GVCSS during this transition period.

Elizabeth Epp joined GVCSS June of 2018. She has been in the not-for-profit sector for most of her career and prior to joining GVCSS she was with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and Mennonite Central Committee. Elizabeth’s background includes administration, event planning, fundraising, donor services and facilities management. As a committed volunteer sitting on various boards, Elizabeth is passionate about providing a meaningful experience to the GVCSS Board of Directors.