The Board of Directors

Director of Development at Options Community Services

Ginny has a broad background in business, politics, and fundraising. She was a registered federal lobbyist, and helped non-profits develop strategic plans and raise funds for projects including social enterprise. She also devotes time to doing fundraising as well as media and public relations for new companies or mid-stage private companies.

Director, White Rock Museum & Archives

Anthony Manning is the White Rock Museum & Archives' representative to the Chamber. He's lived in White Rock since 2014 and served on city council 2018-22. Anthony believes connecting businesses and residents makes a stronger, more vibrant community. He has over three decades of experience in commercial aviation, with Air Canada Express since 2006 as a Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) and previously in a variety of management positions with United Airlines in San Francisco, where he lived for 20 years. The child of a military family, Anthony grew up in Germany, Washington, DC and Southern California. He earned a Bachelors in Journalism from Humboldt State University and a Masters in History from American Military University.

Executive Director, Brella Community Services Society

Louise Tremblay has over 30 years of experience in leadership roles in the private and non-for-profit sectors. Prior to joining Brella, she was concurrently the Director of Development at UNITI and a Consultant with the BC Association of Community Response Networks. She was also on the Board of Directors of Brella for 7 years, three of which she served as Chair. Louise earned a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University where she conducted a research project on inclusive workplaces. She was the recipient of the 2017 Surrey Board of Trade Woman in Business Award for not-for-profit leadership. Her volunteering activities include working for organizations providing services to older adults and people with disabilities and translating social science books for children with learning disabilities. Louise feels honoured and privileged to be working with collaborative groups who share her passion about developing inclusive and safe communities where diverse people can thrive and experience life to its fullest potential. While Louise was born and raised in Quebec, she lived much of her adult life in Western Canada, including Edmonton and Winnipeg. She has been a resident of South Surrey/White Rock since 1993.

President, Comfort Keepers

Heather Martin has many years of professional and general management experience and has used this experience to build her own successful corporation, Comfort Keepers, servicing the whole of the lower mainland and Victoria. Prior to venturing into Comfort Keepers, she worked for 18 years with a US based company assisting with public relations, acquisitions, divestitures and general administration.

Through Comfort Keepers, she is very involved in the South Surrey/White Rock community and helps organize programs and events for seniors. Comfort Keepers was awarded the 2017 Business Excellence Award from the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce. She spends her spare time helping and volunteering with organizations like Luke 15 House and preparing and serving meals at The Door Is Open, Vancouver and Surrey Urban Missions.

Heather is the Chair for the Semiahmoo Seniors Planning Table and Co-Chair on the Burnaby Seniors Resources Society. She is also the Vice President of the Seniors Come Share Board. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Psychology and is a Certified Dementia Practitioner. She resides with her family in Surrey.

Michelle Bennett Real Estate Macdonald Realty Surrey/152

Michelle Bennett brings a wealth of experience in real estate, senior advocacy, and business development. As a dedicated realtor with Macdonald Realty, she has successfully guided numerous clients in South Surrey and White Rock to find their ideal homes. Her previous role as a retirement living consultant showcases her commitment to improving the lives of older adults, helping them transition into supportive and vibrant communities.

Michelle's extensive background in business development includes her tenure as an account executive at Siemens, where she excelled in business-to-business sales. This experience has honed her skills in building strategic relationships and driving growth.

A passionate advocate for senior well-being, Michelle combines her professional expertise with a genuine commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults. Her dedication to health and fitness, love for travel, and curiosity about new horizons enrich her professional and personal life. Despite her adventurous spirit, Michelle has cherished calling South Surrey and White Rock home for the past 20 years, where she raised her children and actively contributed to the community.

Salon Owner & Real Estate Agent, Signature Real Estate Group

Gurjinder K Bhurji started her career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist (RT) in 1985. The next part of her life was spent raising her four children before moving on to a new career in 2013 as a Realtor with Royallepage Wolstencroft Realty. She also became a promoter for women in business and held an annual women’s networking event, building a network of over 700 women who inspired each other. In 2020, Gurjinder invested in a Salon business called Stylin’ Confidence Beauty Salon in Surrey. The vision for this business is to build confidence in women from the inside out. The Salon is fully staffed with 5 professionals and hosts students from local schools for work experience. For the past three years, Gurjinder has been following her passion of running, jogging and biking as she is a believer that healthy bodies create healthy minds. She takes great pride in being the Race Director of Run Surrey Run, an in-person professional road race event in our Downtown City of Surrey. This event is in its 3rd year and its vision is to build a healthier Surrey. Aside from her businesses she is also on the Board of Surrey Parks and Recreation Committee, and West Panorama Rate Payers Association. Gurjinder wishes to inspire everyone to focus on our health as we age.

Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) BC Chief Advocacy & Communications Officer; President, White Rock/Surrey Chapter; & Director, CARP National Board  

A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University (Journalism) and the University of Toronto (Education/Political Science), Ramona has worked as a reporter, travel writer, editor, teacher, hotel managing director, government information officer, event planner and fundraiser in Canada, Australia, England, Spain, and Asia.

From 2002 to 2008, Ramona worked in international development to contribute to a more equitable world. In Vietnam, she taught hotel management and first aid, and was an organizational development advisor to four NGOs in Bangladesh where focus was on good governance & micro-credit for women. In Malaysia, she prepared Grade 12 scholarship students for entry into Canadian universities.

Ramona currently serves on various committees, notably City of White Rock’s Housing Committee. She is recipient of a 2022 Outstanding Canadian on the Peninsula Award as well as two Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medallions.

Travelling is a passion having taken her to many European countries, Great Britain, as well as Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Japan, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the former Soviet Union.

Community General Manager, CIBC White Rock Branch

Jesse Lakhman is a dedicated Community General Manager for CIBC, overseeing multiple branches in White Rock and South Surrey.

Born in Afghanistan, Jesse immigrated to Canada in 1998 and has called Surrey home ever since. In 2019, he moved to South Surrey, where he continues to build strong community connections.

With nearly two decades of experience in the financial industry, Jesse has held diverse roles ranging from Financial Advisor to Mortgage Advisor, and now serves in a leadership capacity. His extensive background in finance and management equips him to deliver exceptional service and guidance to clients and colleagues alike.

Jesse is deeply committed to giving back. Through his roles at CIBC, he has actively participated in and organized numerous charitable initiatives, including Run for the Cure, BC Childrens Hospital and United Way. His passion for community involvement and helping those in need is at the core of his professional and personal values.

Outside of work, Jesse is a proud father who cherishes spending quality time with his son and family. He’s also a passionate football fan and enjoys watching games during his downtime.

Outreach & Events Manager, Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers

Margarett Lange is the Outreach & Events Manager for Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. She has over 30 years’ experience in the hospitality, tourism and film industry sectors with the majority of her work in Surrey, BC.

Prior to joining Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, Margarett worked with Fountana Real Estate Development, Hilton and Starwood Hotels, creating memorable experiences and fostering meaningful connections.

Margarett serves on a number of committees including the City of Surrey Age Friendly Committee.

She has been an active member of the Surrey community and is passionate about building long lasting relationships and being a trusted advisor to her clients. Margarett’s dedicated attention to quality, tenacious energy and hands on approach ensures visitors will fall in love with our vibrant city and all it has to offer.

Margarett resides in Langley, BC and her passion is spending time with her family, travelling and meeting new people.

Construction Manager, Polygon Homes

Jay Lehal is a construction manager at Polygon Homes, where he manages multiple projects with varying scopes of work to ensure that they are delivered on time and within budget. Jay’s interest in construction comes from seeing projects transform from concepts to completed homes for communities. Jay attended SFU and BCIT and completed his bachelor’s in construction management. He grew up in South Surrey where he attended Earl Marriott Secondary and played minor hockey for the Semiahmoo Ravens. Jay is excited to contribute to the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce to help and support his local community.

Jay enjoys traveling and has visited over 15 countries.  He is inspired by meeting people from different cultures and walks of life.  His favourite place he has visited is Madrid for its architecture, soccer, and lively culture of the city. In his spare time, Jay can be found at the gym, golfing, or playing with his German Shepard, Jackson. 

Mortgage Professional, XEVA Mortgage LLP  

Rich Ulvild is an experienced Mortgage Specialist with a passion for helping clients achieve their financial dreams. With over 19 years of industry experience, Rich has successfully guided numerous clients through the mortgage landscape, providing personalized advice and support every step of the way. With a deep understanding of both brokerage and insider perspectives, Rich brings a wealth of knowledge to his clients. Having served as a Vice President of Dominion Lending Centers and as a Business Development Manager at Home Trust and HomeEquity Bank, he possesses unique insights into the industry. Rich's experience at HomeEquity Bank solidified his passion for helping seniors overcome financial challenges, prompting him to refocus his career as a Mortgage Specialist and empower seniors to access the equity in their homes through reverse mortgages. His dedication to assisting families and enhancing their financial stability during retirement has made a significant impact on the lives of many. 

He is a member of the Canadian Mortgage Brokers Association - BC and Mortgage Professionals Canada. Additionally, Rich actively contributes to the community as a member of the Semiahmoo Seniors Planning Table and serves as a Director of the White Rock/Surrey Chapter of CARP. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rich is deeply rooted in the community he serves. Proud to have grown up in Surrey, he now calls South Surrey his home. When not assisting clients with their mortgage needs, Rich enjoys spending quality time with his family and close friends. You can often find him exploring the beautiful outdoors, indulging in cycling, camping, and boating.