Our Leadership Team

 

 

James Challman 

Chief Executive Officer

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.   
 

Sam Davison 

Chief Financial Officer

Sam Davison joined GVCSS as Chief Financial Officer in May 2012. As CFO, Sam is a key member of the GVCSS leadership team and is responsible for directing and controlling the Society’s financial operations.
 
Sam has close to thirty years experience as a senior financial manager, primarily in the high tech industry, and has also worked as an audit manager with Ernst & Young. Sam is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University. In addition to his work experience, Sam served as a volunteer board member and Treasurer for another Community Living agency for more than twenty years. 

 

 

Karen Foster

Director, Human Resources

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. 

 

Melanie Mendonca,

Director, Community Living

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.

 
 
 

Elizabeth Epp

Executive Assistant

Elizabeth Epp joined GVCSS June of 2018. She has been in the not-for-profit sector for over 10 years, most recently with the Alzheimer Society of B.C. and Mennonite Central Committee. Elizabeth’s background includes administration, event planning, fundraising, donor services and facilities management.

In her spare time, Elizabeth is a committed volunteer and serves on the Board of Directors for the Place of Refuge Society, a transitional living program for people recovering from alcohol and drug addictions.