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Fellowship (FCA) Fellowship is bestowed on CAs in recognition of the service they have provided to the profession and/or the honour they have brought to the profession. The FCA designation recognizes the member's distinction in more than one of the following categories: the work of the Institute or a similar professional association; their career; community service; and research, teaching, writing, or speaking. Members are nominated by peers and elected to Fellowship by the Institute's Council.
The 2009/2010 FCAsBy Deborah Folka, MA, APR, Kerri Brkich, and Ashley Hetherington The FCA designation recognizes a member’s distinction in more than one of the following categories: the work of the Institute or a similar professional association, their career, community service, and research, teaching, writing, and/or speaking. The following members were elected to the Fellowship in 2009/2010: Dale Barkman, FCA
A partner with the Burnaby firm of Barkman & Tanaka, Chartered Accountants, Dale came to the CA profession later than most. His first calling, he says, was as a youth pastor. To that end, he earned an undergraduate degree in religious education and a graduate degree in philosophy from the University of BC. It was a meeting with Larry Nelson, FCA, in 1984 that prompted him to contemplate a career change: “I was the treasurer of my church at the time, and Larry was the outside auditor. He encouraged me to consider becoming a CA.” Dale subsequently joined Larry’s firm (then Nelson & Co.) as an articling student in 1985. He became a CA in 1989, and a partner with the firm that same year. Accordingly, the firm became “Nelson & Barkman.” (Following Larry’s retirement in 1994, Wayne Tanaka, CA, became Dale’s partner.) Throughout his second career, Dale has been active in the CA profession. He chaired the ICABC’s Bylaws and Fee Resolution committees, and was a member of the CICA’s Ethics Standards Harmonization Committee, providing key leadership on the issue of accountants’ independence in client review and audit engagements. In the community, Dale has successfully combined his early work in the church with his CA expertise, leading seminars for church treasurers throughout Western Canada, and authoring a church treasurers’ manual that has seen wide distribution. Highly regarded for his volunteer assistance on church and charity financial issues across Canada, Dale mentors business students at Trinity Western University and provides personal financial management counselling to young couples who are just starting out, as well as to those experiencing economic challenges. On the home front, he and his wife Linda have two children: Mindy (25), who is currently teaching English to accounting students in Cambodia, and Neil (20), a third-year business student at Trinity Western. Dale credits much of his success to his wife, and also to his former colleague. “Linda supported my decision to go back to school just before our first child was born, and Larry was the best mentor I’ve ever had,” he explains. “I owe a great deal of my success in becoming a CA and then succeeding in my career to them both.” Arvinder Bubber, FCA
Arvinder first became a CA in England in 1975, having immigrated to the United Kingdom after earning a bachelor of science degree from the University of Punjab in India. Following a subsequent move to Canada in 1976, he joined the ranks of Saskatchewan CAs and began a lengthy career working with provincial and municipal governments. In 1991, he relocated again—this time to BC, where he opened his own accounting firm, A. S. Bubber and Associates, located in Surrey. Arvinder credits his work as a CA with opening doors and providing opportunities to give back to others. Active with organizations such as the Fraser Health Authority (as a director), the Surrey Board of Trade, and the BC Premier’s Asia Pacific Trade Council (as vice-chair), he says education is his real passion. “Access to post-secondary education is important,” Arvinder says, “especially for non-traditional students—those who, due to economic, cultural, or family background, do not aspire to obtain a post-secondary education.” As chair of the board of governors for Kwantlen University College from 2002 to 2007, Arvinder saw firsthand the challenges faced by many non-traditional students, and saw a need for educational institutions to partner with communities and other organizations to provide access for such students. To that end, he and a group of friends founded the SPARK Education Foundation in 2003. In partnership with Kwantlen Polytechnic University, the Surrey School Board, and the provincial government, the Foundation launched the SPARK Program in 2004. To date, it has been a resounding success, with 95% of SPARK participants graduating from high school, and 85% continuing on to post-secondary education. “We had no idea that it would be such a success,” Arvinder reveals. “These young people, given a bit of encouragement and support, surprised everyone.”Arvinder’s contributions to education also include tirelessly campaigning for Kwantlen to achieve university status. After this goal was realized in 2008, Kwantlen Polytechnic University appointed him as its first chancellor, making him the first South Asian chancellor of a Canadian university in the process. “We are shaped by everyone we meet,” Arvinder says. “I have had great friends and colleagues, both at work and in organizations that I have been involved in. I want to thank them all. I also thank my family for their support.” Robert (Bob) Byford, FCA
After earning a BA in law and business administration from Simon Fraser University in 1969, Bob was one of SFU’s first graduates to article with Peat Marwick (now KPMG LLP) in Vancouver. He qualified as a CA in 1971. Bob became an audit partner with the firm in 1978. Five years later, he was promoted to managing partner of the firm’s BC Region Consulting Practice, which subsequently grew to become the largest practice of its kind in Western Canada. A founding partner of the Peat Marwick Corporate Finance practice in 1984, Bob later became the senior vice-president and director of KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. He retired from the firm in 2008, but continues to have a role in business development strategy. Bob’s experience as a lead corporate financial advisor has been sought by many prominent businesses over the years, including Orca Bay and the Vancouver Canucks, Future Shop Inc., and Keg Restaurants Ltd. He is also a former elected governor of the Vancouver Stock Exchange, and was a retained advisor to the Superintendent of Brokers and Insurance (BC). In addition, Bob has contributed to numerous publications and has been featured as a guest speaker at various events. This includes serving as an honorary lecturer for the faculties of law and business administration (MBA program) at the University of BC. In the community, Bob has acted as lead financial advisor to the BC Cancer Research Agency and the BC Cancer Foundation, and participated in a competitive proposal that led to the successful funding of the new cancer research centre in Vancouver. He has also been an active supporter and director for numerous not-for-profit organizations, such as the Vancouver Symphony Foundation and the Air Canada PGA events. On the entrepreneurial side, Bob and his wife Roswitha bought their first thoroughbred horse in 1976 from E.P. Taylor, one of the world’s leading breeders. Over the next 25 years, they successfully owned and raced horses in California, Washington, and British Columbia. While he says he has never given recognition much thought, Bob describes his FCA election as a pleasant surprise. Michael Calyniuk, FCA
Michael joined PwC in 1974, shortly after graduating from the University of BC with a bachelor of commerce and travelling for four months around the world—a trip that included a solo journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway. He has been with the firm ever since, and says his career has lacked neither variety nor excitement: “Thirty-five years later, I feel like I’ve had at least ten different careers!” Michael has worked in audit and business advisory services, and has consulted for local private business clients and national, multinational, and public sector clients. He became a member of the Singapore Society of Accountants in 1981; became a CPA (Illinois) in 1999; and earned his CA specialist designation in information technology (CA·IT) in 2004. Today he oversees his firm’s global technology operations. For Michael, success always comes down to relationships. “I’ve worked with some of our clients for over 30 years,” he explains. “We’ve grown up together, and I’ve learned as much from them as they have from me.” Michael credits his clients for encouraging him to get involved in community endeavours such as the PricewaterhouseCoopers/Richmond Auto Mall Annual Charity Golf Tournament and the Maple Leaf Junior Tour (the former raises funds for Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, while the latter provides young Canadians with the opportunity to learn golf while also teaching them life lessons). Michael currently chairs both events. One of his most rewarding experiences, Michael says, was participating on Premier Gordon Campbell’s Technology Council in 2001-2004. “We worked with communities throughout the province on the ‘Bridging the Digital Divide’ initiative, aimed at providing broadband high-speed Internet access to all regions of the province,” he recounts. “What I found most rewarding was the fact that we were making a difference for the people of BC.” When looking back over his career, Michael acknowledges the current and retired partners and employees of PwC for their support and for recognizing the importance of community service, and he gives special thanks to Sara Deacon, his executive assistant for over 17 years, “for helping to make everything happen.” “My accomplishments couldn’t have been achieved,” Michael adds, “without the continual support and encouragement of my wife Darlene, and our children Tamarah and Braeden.” Gary Chan, FCA
Gary has lived in Northern BC since 1972. A commerce graduate from the University of BC, he began his articles in Vancouver with a predecessor firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP before relocating to Prince George. There he completed his articles and qualified as a CA in 1973. That same year, Gary began specializing in taxation. He later completed the CICA’s In-Depth Taxation Program and became a member of the Canadian Tax Foundation. In 1982, Gary moved into general business advisory services, providing accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial advisory services to small and medium-sized organizations. In 1995, he helped form Chan Foucher LeFebvre, which he and his partners have since built into the largest locally-owned and operated public practice firm in Northern BC. Throughout his career, Gary has made extensive contributions to both the CA profession and the community. His volunteer efforts with the ICABC include serving on the Professional Conduct Enquiry Committee, the Rulings Committee, and the Practice Review & Licensing Committee. In addition, Gary has lectured on tax for both the ICABC and the College of New Caledonia. And in 1996, he initiated what is now an annual conference for CA firms in Northern BC. “These experiences have all contributed to my professional development,” he says. “And they have enabled me to share my love of the profession with others.” In the community, Gary has been active with the Prince George Brain Injured Group, the Canadian Red Cross, and the Kiwanis Club (for which he has served in various executive capacities). His civic contributions have garnered him several awards, including a “Distinguished Service Award” from the Kiwanis Club. Looking back, Gary credits Lou Jewett, FCA, and the late Robert MacFarlane, FCA, for being significant role models early in his career. He also credits his wife, Kammy, and their two children for their continuous encouragement and support—especially with regard to his involvement in the CA profession and the community. “I was very surprised and honoured to be awarded an FCA,” he says. “I believe life is a collection of experiences, and I just do what needs to be done.” John Gunn, FCA
Prior to joining CASB in 2006, John had already enjoyed a 30+-year career in public practice beginning in 1973, when—after stumbling across “a slew” of CA job postings at his university career centre—he joined HR Doane and Company (now Grant Thornton LLP) in Toronto. After working in training and recruiting, and later audit, in 1988 John found his niche in human resources. He became the firm’s national human resources partner in 1994, and later became a member of its National Management Committee. According to John, his professional focus involved concepts such as strategic vision and competency maps—all of which tied in perfectly with the committee work he was doing around professional education. This committee work included serving as a volunteer member (and chair) of the CICA’s Inter-Provincial Board of Examiners in the 1980s, during which time the Board implemented a number of changes designed to improve the education and examination of CAs nationwide. His efforts in this area helped lead to his FCA election with the Ontario Institute in 1991. John continued his involvement in CA education throughout the 1990s, serving as a member of the CICA’s Education Re-engineering Task Force (1996-1999), which mapped out the competency-based CA education system that is now in place. He also chaired the CICA’s Education Research Subcommittee and the ICAO’s Education Planning and Development Committee. By the time the opportunity arose to join CASB, John was ready for a change of pace. “I’d had an interesting and fulfilling career,” he says, “but at 50, I stepped back and thought: ‘What do I want to do now?’ It was as though my entire career experience had prepared me for CASB. This position was tailor-made.” John joined CASB when it was at a crossroads—after moving successfully through the start-up phase, the school needed someone to take it to the next organizational level while in the midst of unprecedented growth. Under his leadership, the school has continued to flourish, and the success of its students speaks volumes. “It’s our team that makes CASB so successful,” John is quick to point out. “I want to thank all of my colleagues—it’s a pleasure to lead such an amazing group!” Wilbert G. (Bud) Kanke, FCA
“I got the call after finishing a morning workout,” Bud chuckles. It’s hard to believe the award-winning entrepreneur actually finds time to exercise. Now president of Kanke Seafood Restaurants Ltd. and K Group Holdings, Bud has founded and managed a total of 11 restaurants over 38 years. These restaurants, many of which have become local landmarks, have generated over $450 million in sales. Bud made the move into industry soon after earning his CA designation in 1964, joining Rivtow Straits, a tugboat company. A few years later, a group wanting to launch a seafood restaurant near the Rivtow offices approached him, and as Bud recalls: “It took me only a minute to see the huge opportunity.” That eatery became The Cannery—widely considered Vancouver’s first serious seafood restaurant. Bud established Kanke Seafood Restaurants Ltd. in 1972. Over time, he added Joe Fortes and Mulvaney’s restaurants to his portfolio, as well as Viva! and the Fish House in Stanley Park. Goldfish Pacific Kitchen is his most recent enterprise. His success as a restaurateur has garnered him numerous awards, including a 2001 Lifetime Achievement Award from Vancouver Magazine, and he was inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame with a DiR Na Award in 2002. Bud has also been active in real estate development throughout North America, and has served on boards and in management roles in public and private sector enterprises in technology, manufacturing, mining, and financial and environmental industries, including Trimin Capital. He is an advisor to the board of PAKIT Inc., having previously served as an Audit Committee member and Corporate Governance chair. Very involved in the Young Presidents’ Organization early in his career, Bud is now an alumnae member of the World Presidents’ Organization. Together with his wife Dotty—with whom he shares three adult children (Wendy, Karen, and Jordan) and six grandchildren—Bud created a family charitable foundation. Through this foundation and fundraising efforts in their restaurants, the couple has raised over $1 million, which they’ve contributed to a wide variety of charities, including the Burnaby Association for the Mentally Handicapped, Covenant House, the BC Firefighters Burn Fund, and the Union Gospel Mission. “There have been times when I wondered if I should hold on to my CA,” Bud admits, “but I’m so glad I did. It’s the best toolbox you can have in business.” Peter D. Leitch, FCA
A University of BC commerce graduate, Peter articled with Thorne Riddell (now KPMG LLP) in Vancouver and earned his CA designation in 1983. After running a division of Ticketmaster from 1983 to 1987, he joined Cannell Films. Cannell Films started construction of North Shore Studios the following year, and later sold the studio to Lions Gate Entertainment, now one of the largest independent film and television studios in the world. During that time, Peter held the positions of president of Lions Gate Studios and senior vice-president of Lions Gate Entertainment. Then in 2006, Lions Gate Entertainment sold the studio to Bosa Developments, and it was renamed North Shore Studios once again. Peter is now the studio’s president. BC’s film and television sector has grown from a $100-million business into a $1.4-billion industry, and Peter has played a leading role in that growth. For the past five years, he has chaired the BC Motion Picture Production Industry Association, working with industry professionals and liaising with the provincial and federal governments to position BC as a world-class centre for digital entertainment. Known for his patience and acumen, Peter proved so effective as chair that the board voted to alter its rules regarding mandatory rotation to enable him to continue in the role longer than planned. Peter has also provided leadership in the community. Active with the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, he has served as a director for many years and was chair in 2003-2004. He also served on the board of the BC Chamber of Commerce from 2003 to 2006, and is now a director of the Burnaby Board of Trade. In addition, Peter has provided advice to the Canada Revenue Agency’s Film Advisory Committee and Small Business Advisory Committee. “I was advised early on to get involved in the community, and I have really benefited from doing so,” he says. “I’ve been really fortunate to have great employers, too, and to have worked with great people over the years. That gives you the freedom to make mistakes and to learn and grow.” Peter and his wife Janine have three grown daughters—Jennifer, Elizabeth, and Melissa—and two granddaughters. He describes himself as an avid fisherman (angler) and says he enjoys cycling to work when the weather permits. Elio R. Luongo, FCA
“I was surprised that my assistant was routing a call to me,” Elio recounts, “but when Karen Keilty [FCA] told me why she was calling, I was thrilled. Plus, we came up with a solution for the client’s issue, so it was an ‘A’ day all around.” After graduating from Simon Fraser University with a business administration degree in 1983, Elio articled with Arthur Andersen in Vancouver. He obtained his CA designation in 1986, and worked for a brief time with the Canada Revenue Agency before joining the tax group at KPMG LLP in Vancouver in 1987. In his tenure with KPMG, Elio has remained focused on tax. During the 1990s, he shared his expertise with the public by collaborating with former Vancouver Sun “Money” columnist Mike Grenby on weekly tax articles of general interest. From 2005 to 2007, he led KPMG’s 180-member GVA tax practice, and served on the firm’s National Tax Management Committee and its board of directors. Today, he’s the managing partner in the Greater Vancouver Area, and serves as a member of the firm’s National Management Committee. In the community, Elio has been active with the Vancouver Board of Trade, the Business Council of BC, St. Helen’s School and St. Thomas Moore Collegiate, the Surrey Chamber of Commerce, and Junior Achievement of BC. In addition, the federal Minister of Industry recently appointed him to a seven-year term on the National Competition Tribunal. “Do what you love, love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” Elio says. “I feel so fortunate to have lived that with my career as a CA. And it’s what I tell young people who are considering this profession: The CA is the best ‘business degree’ you can obtain. The experience and learning are second to none.” Elio attributes a lot of his own success to the culture of mentorship he found in public practice. “It’s something I try to live each day,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate to have had many great mentors who took an interest in me and my career, and now I pay it forward.” Elio and his wife Rosanna have three children: Domenic (21) and Stefano (19), both of whom are studying business at SFU, and Carmela (17), a Grade 12 student. “None of this would have been possible,” Elio says, “without the incredible support of my family and, in particular, my wife Rosanna.” N. J. (Norm) Mayr, FCA
“It was a bit of a circuitous route to becoming a CA,” he admits. “But when I started thinking about job opportunities and was encouraged to take an accounting course, I woke up to the The provincial Gold Medallist of his class, Norm earned his CA designation in 1980 after articling at KPMG LLP in Vancouver and completing an MBA at the University of BC in 1978. He has been an audit partner with the firm since 1987, the Professional Practice partner for the Greater Vancouver Area since 1996, and the leader for the GVA Mining Practice since 2006. In total, Norm has over 30 years of experience in the mining, forestry and technology sectors “It has been a very rewarding career,” he says. Right from the beginning, Norm has given back to the profession, serving as a seminar leader and senior lecturer for the BC Institute’s School of Chartered Accountancy (SCA) from 1981 to 2000. During that time, he also served as the principal author of the SCA’s accounting course materials. A popular and dedicated teacher, it’s fair to say that Norm influenced literally thousands of CA students over the years. His contributions to the profession also include serving as the BC representative on the founding board of the CICA’s Accounting Standards Board from 1991 to 1994, for which he worked on many significant changes to new Handbook standards, and serving for six years as a member of the Canadian Advisory Group to the International Accounting Standards Committee. In the community, Norm has volunteered tirelessly for the Lower Mainland Ringette League and as a member of the Dean’s External Advisory Board for Simon Fraser University’s business school. Norm and his wife Marina have two children: Nicholas (24), currently studying mechanical engineering at BCIT, and Ashley (22), a recent graduate of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. Ashley will begin her CA articles this fall at KPMG Vancouver. Nadir H. Mohamed, FCA
A graduate of the University of BC, Nadir earned his CA in September 1981 while articling with PricewaterhouseCoopers. The following month, an opportunity arose that would help shape his future. “One of my friends had a job interview lined up with BC Tel, but he ended up accepting an offer from another company first,” Nadir recalls. “So I went to the interview in his place.” Nadir joined BC Tel in October 1981, and has worked in the telecommunications industry ever since. In August 2000, he joined Rogers Wireless as president and COO, a position that required him to relocate to Ontario. “Moving to Toronto was a big decision,” he says, “but the chance to work for Ted Rogers and the Rogers brand was just too compelling to turn down.” Nadir was appointed president and CEO of the company in 2001. Under his leadership, Rogers Wireless experienced 13 consecutive quarters of double-digit growth. In May 2005, Nadir was promoted to president and COO of Rogers Communications Group. Then in March 2009, Rogers’ board of directors unanimously appointed him president and CEO for Rogers Communications, Inc. Nadir attributes his success, in large part, to the strength and determination demonstrated by his family. “My parents taught me to have a strong work ethic and to be caring and inclusive,” he recounts. “I grew up with a strong sense of community, and that’s why I believe giving back is so important.” While living in BC, Nadir volunteered with a number of non-profit organizations, including the Canadian Club, the United Way, and Volunteer Vancouver. In Toronto, he currently serves on the board of TD Bank Financial Group and Ryerson University. He’s also an active member of the Aga Khan Foundation, a non-profit agency that supports social development programs in Asia and Africa. “My wife and I got involved with Aga Khan because it plays an important role in developing human potential,” Nadir explains. He and his wife Shabin, also a CA, share many interests aside from their commitment to the community. “We’re partners in everything we do,” Nadir says. Allan Neale, FCA
Allan became a CA in 1980 while working at Coopers and Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP) in Winnipeg. He became a partner with the firm in 1987, and transferred to its Victoria office two years later. In 1992, he co-founded Norgaard Neale Camden (NNC). Throughout his career, Allan has made a point of giving back, both to the CA profession and the community. He volunteered with the CICA’s Impact CA Program between 1996 and 2008, and has served on the CICA’s Government Affairs Advisory Committee since 2004. Both groups have raised the profession’s profile among senior level federal bureaucrats and cabinet ministers. In the community, Allan has volunteered as a hockey coach and mentor since 1989. His teams have won provincial championships and participated in both the Bantam AAA Western Canadian Championships and the Quebec Pee Wee International Tournament. He was named BC’s Coach of the Year in 2000 and Victoria’s Sports Person of the Year in 2001, and a “Coaching Excellence Award” has been created in his name. Since 1989, Allan has also been involved with the Rotary Club of Victoria. He has served as treasurer and president (2002), and currently serves as auditor for the board. He also acts as the liaison and student mentor for both the University of Victoria’s Rotaract Club and the Esquimalt High School Interact Club. “Whenever you’re involved in service to young people, you get back far more than you put in,” he says. “They inspire me!” Allan credits his success to a former high school teacher in Winnipeg. “Miss E. M. Lee inspired me to go to university and achieve my dreams,” he explains. “My work in the community is payback to her, and I hope to inspire others.” Allan also credits his “excellent support system,” saying: “My wife Jan and our kids Heather [a teacher in Victoria] and David [a CA and manager at PwC in Vancouver] have always been there for me. I also appreciate my colleagues at NNC for continually supporting, and often contributing to, my volunteer efforts.” Peter R. Norwood, FCA
Peter began his CA articles after earning a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Alberta in 1974 and an MBA from the University of Western Ontario in 1978. He became a CA in 1980 while articling with Deloitte & Touche LLP (then Deloitte Haskins & Sells) in Vancouver. After working as a manager with Deloitte from 1981 to 1985, Peter held several positions in industry. He also became a part-time instructor in the School of Chartered Accountancy and the CMA Program, and served as director of education for the Society of CMAs of BC for three years.* Passionate about education, Peter moved into academia full-time in 1994, becoming an instructor at both Langara College and the Sauder School of Business at the University of BC. Still teaching at both institutions, he also chairs Langara’s School of Management and is the co-author of a university accounting textbook. His extensive contributions to CA education include serving on the CICA’s board of examiners and the ICABC’s Professional Development and PD Management Program committees. He has also served as a member of the Accounting Educators’ Symposium Committee for the Chartered Accountants Education Foundation (CAEF), and as chair of the CAEF’s board of governors. In addition, Peter was a key contributor to the strategic planning of the CA School of Business in 2006-2009, and has served on its board of directors since 2006. In the community, Peter coached hockey for ten years and served on the board of the Richmond Minor Hockey Association. He also chaired the Langara College Foundation from 1997 to 2003. He and his wife Helen, who recently retired from BC Hydro, have two children: Chris (28), who works in artist management for Nettwerk Music Group in Vancouver, and Ryan (24), who is teaching and travelling in Korea after earning an arts degree from Mount Allison University in New Brunswick. “A lot of people have helped me along the way, but Don Carter [FCA] is the one who really encouraged me to get involved in committee work,” says Peter, currently first VP of the ICABC Council. “I’m grateful for that, and also for the support I’ve received from my family throughout.” *Peter became a certified management accountant in 1992 and a fellow of the Society of Management Accountants of Canada in 2005, making him an FCMA. Ian Petrie, FCA
But when the ICABC president announced that she was calling on official Institute business, Ian was caught off guard. “My initial thought was: ‘What have I done?’” he laughs. “When I found out I’d been elected as an FCA, I was overwhelmed. I had no idea I’d even been nominated.” Ian’s 39-year career in public practice began in 1966, when he joined the Vancouver office of Gardner McDonald & Co (now Deloitte & Touche LLP). The University of BC commerce graduate became a CA in 1969, and a partner four years later. Transfers to the firm’s Prince George and Toronto offices followed, but in 1981, Ian returned to Vancouver to stay. He retired from the partnership in 2005. Much of Ian’s career focused on private clients in the retail sector, and in keeping with this focus, he served on Deloitte’s National Retail Committee and chaired the Retail Committee for the Vancouver office. In addition, Ian oversaw human resources while working at the Prince George and Toronto offices, and served in this same capacity in Vancouver for seven years.
His contributions to the profession and the community are considerable. A member and chair of numerous ICABC committees between 1983 and 1997, Ian also served on Council for four years. He also volunteered as treasurer of organizations such as Klahanee Park Housing Society, the West Vancouver Memorial Library Foundation, the Vancouver Community College Foundation, and the Retail Merchants For Hollyburn, Ian developed a new financial reporting format and helped institute changes to improve governance. “We had a great time,” he says of the experience. “I worked with some wonderful people.” Still active in the community, Ian also keeps busy with numerous hobbies, and enjoys travelling with his wife Carolyn and spending time with their grandchildren. “I really enjoyed my career and worked with some wonderful clients,” he says, “but there are so many other things I want to do.” The golf and gardening enthusiast describes video editing as his latest passion, saying it allows him to use his creative side to produce DVDs of his travels with Carolyn. Maria Pinelli, FCA
“I’ve been so fortunate to have had wonderful mentors and colleagues helping me develop opportunities throughout my career,” Maria explains. “And I’ve been very fortunate to have a strong support system at home. My family has provided incredible support and encouragement.” Based in New York City, Maria has been with Ernst & Young ever since she graduated from McMaster University with a commerce degree in 1986. She earned her CA designation (with honours) in Ontario in 1989 while articling with Ernst & Young in Toronto, and then joined the ICABC in 1995 after transferring to the firm’s Vancouver office. In her current role as Americas director, Maria focuses on fast-growth, high-potential companies. Thus far, she has led over 20 IPOs in Canada, London (UK), China, and the United States, and her work has taken her to countries all over the world, including Brazil, China, and Israel. Maria has worked in four different locations in North America, and currently juggles her work in New York City with her family life in Vancouver. She and her husband, Paul Fletcher, CA, managing partner of Deloitte & Touche LLP in Vancouver, have two children—daughter Vanessa (23) is at the University of Waterloo, and son Christopher (10) attends St. Augustine’s in Vancouver. Maria considers her lifestyle a great example of how the CA profession can work for men and women who want to achieve a work-life balance. “I’ve always thought our profession was the perfect choice for women wanting to combine family and career,” she says. “It’s flexible, it’s diverse and interesting, lifelong learning is valued, and there is a commitment to developing leadership skills.” To further her own skills, Maria has completed executive programs at Harvard University and the Kellogg School of Business. Because of her expertise, she has made presentations to the US Congress, and has provided briefings and testimony to the US Treasury, the Senate Banking Committee, the Public Accounting Oversight Board, and the US Securities and Exchange Commission. In the community, Maria has served as an advisor or board member of organizations such as the BC Technology Industry Association, Science World, the Entrepreneur Organization, and the Kauffman Foundation, and was a judge for the Forbes Business Competition. Still, she says her FCA election came as a complete shock: “It’s overwhelming. I feel humbled and honoured to be recognized by my peers.” Tony Swiderski, FCA
Tony explains that after earning an MBA from the University of Toronto in 1979, he “drifted” into the CA profession, accepting an articling position with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP primarily because the opportunity presented itself. By the time he became a CA in 1981, he wasn’t sure he’d found the right fit. “John convinced me to stick with the profession, and advised me to move to Vancouver, join KPMG, and enter tax,” he recalls. “His guidance changed my life.” After discovering a “love for the problem-solving elements of tax,” Tony built a career for himself in the tax practice of KPMG LLP’s Vancouver office. A partner with the firm since 1989, he served in various leadership roles before becoming the national partner-in-charge of the International Corporate Tax Practice in 2005. In 2008, he took on his current role as the Canadian partner-in-charge of the US Corporate Tax Practice. “What I find most rewarding is seeing the members of my team develop and prosper in a high-performance, collaborative environment,” says Tony. Actively involved in recruiting and advising young CAs and articling students at his firm, he says mentoring talented up-and-coming professionals is one of his greatest passions. Tony has also published, spoken, and written extensively on professional matters, and is active in the community. He is a former member of Carleton University’s Presidential Advisory Committee, and recently joined the Streetohome Foundation, which aims to reduce homelessness in Vancouver. Looking back over his career, Tony says he is most proud of having raised his son Mathieu as a hands-on parent, while at the same time maintaining a deeply rewarding career. “My firm provided genuine support and understanding, which enabled me to balance my professional and personal lives in my own way,” he says. Today, Mathieu is a 21-year-old student attending the University of BC. Tony now spends much of this leisure time skiing, playing tennis, and sharing these and other activities with his wife Angela, a CA he met at KPMG. For his success, Tony credits the support provided by Angela and Mathieu, the support and guidance provided by his parents, and the wisdom imparted by his mentors John Palmer, FCA, John Zaytsoff, CA, and Don Miller, CA. *John Palmer is one of the ICABC’s newest Lifetime Achievement Award winners (see page 18). Larry Van Hatten, FCA
“We’d just had a terrific five-day golf trip, so this surprising and wonderful news turned a great day into a day to remember,” Larry says. “I was just thrilled when Karen [Keilty, FCA] called me.” Since becoming a CA in BC in 1975, Larry has built a distinguished career in public practice. Equipped with extensive experience in the broker-dealer industry and with entrepreneurs, Larry came to his current position as an audit partner with Ernst & Young LLP in Vancouver after his former firm, Ellis Foster, Chartered Accountants, merged with Ernst & Young in 2005. During his 25 years with Ellis Foster, Larry was instrumental to the firm’s growth, helping it develop into one of the biggest mid-sized firms in Canada. Today he is a member of Ernst & Young’s BC Leadership Team. In the community, Larry has been very involved with the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation as a director and as chair for three terms, helping it evolve into one of the most successful foundations in the province. In 2000, he received a Community Service Award from the ICABC in recognition of his contributions to the Foundation. Larry has also donated his time to the Brit-Lions Rugby Club and to several other community organizations. Larry advises young people considering the CA profession to “have a passion for being a professional.” “Yes, it will be long hours and hard work, but it is also extremely rewarding,” he says. “I have found that my own life has become seamless, with clients becoming friends and work activities melding with social activities without me or my wife Bev even noticing. We enjoy it tremendously.” Larry credits Bev, to whom he has been married for 35 years, with much of his success. “I couldn’t have done it without her,” he says. He and Bev have two daughters: Carolyn (32) and Brooke (30). Outside of work, he says you’ll find him skiing at Whistler or riding his Harley. Robert (Bob) Wiens, FCA
It was Bob’s father, George, a CA in Alberta, who inspired him to join the CA profession. “My dad was a great role model of a professional,” he says. Both CAs worked in public practice for a number of years and became partners with predecessor firms of Deloitte & Touche LLP. Bob says they both enjoyed being part of Deloitte’s alumni: “The firm does a great job at making us feel like we have always been a part of the culture.” After 16 years with Arthur Andersen, Bob moved into industry to join FACS Records Centre Inc. as the company’s president and CEO. He worked with FACS for 13 years before becoming CFO of D-Wave Systems, a high-tech company he co-founded. Bob’s resume also includes a brief period in the public sector, working as director of the Accounts of Canada for the Office of the Comptroller General when it was re-established in 1978, and he describes his two-year stint in government as one of the highlights of his career. “It was enormously satisfying professional work,” he explains. “You knew that you were really making a difference in the reporting of your country’s financial results.” Making a contribution has always been important to Bob, who describes community involvement as Canada’s lifeblood. Throughout his CA career, Bob contributed to a number of non-profit organizations, including the United Way, Science World British Columbia, Leadership Vancouver, St. Vincent’s Hospital Foundation, the University Hospital Foundation, and AISEC, an international, student-run organization that aims to help young people develop their leadership potential and have a positive impact on society. Now enjoying retirement, Bob continues to volunteer with BCIT, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Forum for Young Canadians, and Rainbow Collaborative Technologies. He also enjoys participating in triathlons, playing music, and spending time with his family. Bob thanks his wife, Carol, and their children, for all of their support over the years. “I often tell people that I’ve had the best life in the world,” he says. “I’ve been blessed with great parents, a great family, great peer leaders, and a great career.” Leonard Zirnhelt, FCA
Leonard grew up in the Cariboo, where forestry predominated. He articled with Rigsby Johnson in Williams Lake and Prince George, but left public practice in 1968 to work for a logging contractor in Mackenzie. “The experience was gratifying, but being out of public practice was very isolating,” he remembers. “What I enjoy most about being a CA is the broad spectrum of businesses and people you get to work with and serve.” The following year, Leonard returned to public practice, this time with the Prince George office of Rickard Crawford (now KPMG LLP), where he began focusing his career on forestry operations. “Forestry was, and is, a big part of Prince George,” he says. “I found that there were a lot of dynamic things I could do within the industry.” Through his efforts—both professionally and as a volunteer—Leonard has had a significant impact in the industry. For example, his pioneering work as an associate member of the Central Interior Logging Association led to the development of innovative software designed to assist independent forestry contractors with contract negotiations. He is also one of the founding members of the Prince George Forest Exhibition, and his stewardship helped this regional event become one of the largest forestry expos in the world. In addition, Leonard has contributed to the Resource Awareness Committee, the Forest Alliance of BC, KPMG’s Forest Industry Practice Committee, and the Spirit of the North Fundraising Committee. Though now “retired,” Leonard continues to work as a consultant for KPMG. “I was always proud to be a CA,” he says, “and it’s wonderful to still be working with clients I’ve known for over 30 years.” Leonard also volunteers with the Prince George Community Foundation, and continues to play hockey. He co-founded the Prince George Oldtimers Hockey Association, some 30+ years ago, and now plays with the Prince George Over 50 Oldtimers Hockey Association. He thanks his former mentor Wayne Ackerman, FCA, for bringing him back into public practice, and his wife Judi and three children—Melanie, Lane, and Russell—for supporting him throughout his career. Garry Zlotnik, FCA
“I’ve so long been outside the business of accounting that it makes this honour particularly special and I’m excited to be recognized by my peers,” Garry says. “I also immediately thought of my close friend Dave McShane, FCA, who passed away shortly after he received his FCA a couple of years ago. I think many of us are particularly humbled to be invited into the same group as Dave.” After receiving his CA designation in 1980, Garry joined his father in the family business, ZLC Financial Group Ltd., offering estate planning, life insurance, employee benefits, financial planning, and investments services. The original business has grown to encompass three separate companies, all offering investment advice and products, and employing about 60 people. As president and CEO of ZLC since 1993, Garry has served as a leader, motivator, and manager. For the past 15 years, he has also been the company’s top producer. Garry has applied his leadership skills to numerous charitable endeavours over the years. These include the ZLC Financial Group Foundation Charity Golf Tournament, which has raised and distributed over $600,000 for charity since its inception. Garry has also served on the Professional Advisory Committee for the Vancouver Foundation, and on the board of directors of the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) BC Chapter, which he chaired in 1999-2000. Highly active in the Jewish community, Garry has served as a director, treasurer, and president of Vancouver Talmud Torah, and as a member and chair of the Jewish Community Foundation. In 2006, he co-chaired the Jewish Community Centre Maccabi Games, helping to raise over $2 million to finance the sporting event. In 2008, he and his brother Mark, also a CA, were recognized with the prestigious Negev Award, presented by the Jewish National Fund of Canada. Most recently, Garry completed a two-year term as board chair of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver. Garry received a Community Service Award from the ICABC in 2002, and as he told us then: “…the more you give, the more satisfaction you receive. And you also get to meet really great people along the way.” He and his wife Lisbeth have two children: Samantha (22) and David (19). Our congratulations to the Institute’s newest FCAs! AuthorsDeborah Folka, MA, APR, is an independent, Vancouver-based communications consultant providing services to the professions. Kerri Brkich is the ICABC’s manager of Public Affairs, and Ashley Hetherington is the Institute’s Recruiting and Communications Coordinator. Photography
Photo of Gary Chan by Dennis Houston of W. D. West Studios in Prince George. |
“I always look for significance in life,” says Dale Barkman, “so I felt very honoured and gratified that my peers thought my contributions were significant enough to warrant an election to the Fellowship.”
“It was a great honour to even be nominated,” says Arvinder Bubber of being elected an FCA. “I feel humbled.”
“There are so many people who have influenced my career,” says Bob Byford, looking back over his 40-year career in accounting and finance. “I have worked in a partnership, and the support for our diverse professional and private endeavours has been invaluable.”
Currently the global chief information officer for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and an advisory partner working out of Vancouver, Michael Calyniuk describes his career as “an incredible journey.”
“I think being a CA means being committed to your clients, your profession, your peers, and your community,’’ says Gary Chan, a partner with the firm Chan Foucher LeFebvre LLP in Prince George.
“I had just joined the Institute’s Council to discuss the UFE results when Karen [Keilty, FCA] welcomed me and announced that I’d been elected an FCA,” says John Gunn, CEO of the CA School of Business (CASB). “I was stunned. I didn’t see it coming at all.”
The call was definitely unexpected—Bud Kanke found out about his FCA election just after stepping out of the shower.
“My first thought was how inspiring this honour is, and how it makes me want to do more and do better,” says Peter Leitch of his FCA designation. 
Elio Luongo says he was taken aback when a call interrupted his meeting with a client.
Long-time lecturer and educator for the CA profession, Norm Mayr, originally wanted to become a physics professor. In fact, he had almost completed his education in that field before turning to the CA designation.
“I’m honoured to receive this recognition from my peers,” says Nadir Mohamed of being elected to the ICABC Fellowship. “My training as a CA has helped me gain a deeper understanding for how businesses really work, and it has been a great platform from which to build my career.”
“We’d just finished our practice review, and as soon as the PR officer left, my phone rang with a call from the Institute,” recounts Allan Neale, a partner with Norgaard Neale Camden Ltd., in Victoria. “My first thought was: ‘What could’ve gone wrong?’ Then I learned I’d been elected an FCA! It was a surprise and a big honour.”
“Nothing compares to the feeling you get when you receive news of the honour,” says Peter Norwood of his FCA election. “I was so humbled and so pleased.”
“I wasn’t surprised when Karen called me,” says Ian Petrie. “She was a partner of mine when I was at Deloitte, so it didn’t seem unusual for her to be calling.”
Maria Pinelli, Americas director, Strategic Growth Markets for Ernst & Young LLP, believes most of us owe our careers to those who’ve “dared” to believe in us.
“Without his guidance, I would never have experienced the joys of this career and developed the lifelong friendships I so deeply value,” says Tony Swiderski, recalling a fateful conversation with his friend and mentor John Palmer, FCA,* almost 30 years ago.
Larry Van Hatten got the news of his FCA while sitting in an airport in Palm Springs.
“The first thing that struck me when I heard about my FCA was: ‘I wish Dad had lived to see this,’” says Bob Wiens. “He would have been so proud.”
“I couldn’t believe it when I got the call,” says Leonard Zirnhelt of his FCA election. “I was really surprised. I recognized the accomplishments of people who’d received their FCA, and I didn’t think I was there.” It’s a modest statement coming from a CA who has spent the past 40 years supporting BC’s forestry sector and its players.
Although Garry Zlotnik has a long and stellar record as a professional and as a volunteer, he never thought he would be nominated as an FCA.  |