Executive
Our Executive Board
The Executive Board is composed of 11 elected local government officials representing all members of the association. The Lower Mainland Local Government Association Executive meets on the third Thursday of each month and is elected annually at the Annual General Meeting held in May every year.
COUNCILLOR PAUL ALBRECHT
PRESIDENT
A three-term Councillor with the Langley City, Paul has been the First Vice President for the past two years. He has also served on the UBCM Executive Board and is currently a Metro Vancouver Director.
He has been able to develop strong connections and relationships with members of the Provincial government as well as other peers.
As a Civil Engineering Technologist, he brings over thirty years of municipal experience in all areas of infrastructure, servicing, planning, land use, land development and economic development.
His involvement on UBCM’s Economic Development and Health and Social Development Committees has been invaluable in highlighting the needs of the Metro region.
Councillor Patricia Ross
PAST President
Patricia has more than 30 years of community leadership experience as a councillor with the City of Abbotsford and as a Fraser Valley Regional District board member. These appointments have provided her with a solid understanding of the issues facing communities across the region, the province, as well as an opportunity to forge excellent relationships with municipal, provincial and federal representatives.
Patricia is a Fellow of Leadership for Environment and Development International, a research and training institute committed to fostering leadership in sustainability worldwide. She graduated from the program in 1996 and has continued to support the program through teaching opportunities with subsequent cohorts. It is through the lens of sustainability that Patricia approaches all decision making. She is the chair of GroYourBiz Fraser Valley, a mentoring and advisory board for businesswomen across the region.
Patricia has been widely recognized for her community service, receiving the Paul Harris award from Abbotsford Rotary Club; the Queen’s Jubilee Award; named Abbotsford’s Women of the Year in 2009 from the Business and Professional Woman’s Club; as well as receiving awards from the Soroptimist Club, Youth Commission, and several from the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce. She is a true community leader who is proud to serve as President of the Lower Mainland Local Government Associatio
Councillor MICHIE VIDAL
First Vice-President
Michie is currently serving as 1st Vice President of the Lower Mainland Local Government Association, a role which demonstrates her commitment to greater regional issues. Ongoing advocacy with the Province of BC to champion interests of member municipalities is an essential component of the Lower Mainland Local Government Association Executive Board Mandate, one which Michie thoroughly enjoys, and where the experience, combined with her leadership, highlights her commitment to fostering effective municipal collaboration and addressing the diverse needs of communities across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
Michie is also a dedicated elected official, serving her second term as a Councillor for the Village of Harrison Hot Springs. She is actively involved in several committees and external agencies including the Kent Harrison Joint Emergency Program Committee, the Corrections Canada Citizens Advisory Committee, the Lets’emot Community to Community Forum and the Agassiz-Harrison Healthy Communities.
Michie’s roles within both the Lower Mainland Local Government Association and the Village of Harrison Hot Springs reflect her deep commitment to community service and a proactive approach to fostering effective governance across LMLGA member municipalities.
Michie’s career comprised over twenty years as a 911 Communications Official with the City of Surrey Fire Service. After retirement, Michie and her partner relocated to the Village of Harrison Hot Springs and now consider it their forever home. In her leisure time, Michie enjoys golfing, hiking and biking throughout the Fraser Valley and within her beloved Village.
DIRECTOR JEN MCCUTCHEON
SECOND VICE PReSIDENT
Jen serves as the Director for Metro Vancouver’s (MV) only electoral area, which includes approximately 18,000 people on the UBC peninsula, and a number of rural communities and islands across the MV region. She is in her second term of office and serves on a number of committees, as well as the board of the Metro Vancouver Regional District and Translink’s Mayor’s Council. Jen is a member of Translink’s Mayor’s Council. Jen brings a unique perspective to the LMLA executive as a representative of both urban and rural communities.
Prior to entering politics, Jen utilized her doctoral degree in public health to help manage complex health projects in various countries across Africa for ten years, and still consults in public health.
In her spare time, Jen volunteers extensively in her community, stays physically active, and spends as much time as she can out in nature with her husband and two children.
Councillor CHRIS PETTINGILL
Third Vice-President
Chris Pettingill is a Councillor with the District of Squamish on the traditional and unceded Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory. Chris also serves as a Director for the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Board, and as an active member of the Climate Caucus. Everyone deserves a bright future so Chris brings thoughtful consideration of equity and climate change to these roles.
Chris has served on the boards for Tourism Squamish and the Squamish Arts Council, and as the chair of the BC Green Party Provincial Council and Squamish Chamber of Commerce respectively.
Chris’ professional career has focused on software development, and he is a senior technical lead and founding member of a fast-growing Squamish tech startup.
Chris also stays busy as a long-standing volunteer for Squamish’s “Amped in the Park” music program. Through this involvement, Chris was able to enjoy his passion for music while supporting others as they learn to be performers and leaders.
COUNCILLOR RUBY CAMPBELL
Director at Large
Ruby is serving her first term as New Westminster City Councillor. Prior to being elected, Ruby spent the majority of her career managing fundraising and community engagement programs to create and improve public amenities, community spaces, social programs and strengthen community partnerships between various sectors.
Ruby was employed in the civic sector in a leadership position managing intergovernmental relations and worked with project teams to develop and implement complex funding strategies for projects resulting in awards of up to $24 million. She has worked in leadership positions for a variety of not for profit organizations such as the BC Lung Association, Royal Columbia Hospital Foundation, Simon Fraser University and provided fundraising and governance consultation services for various other organizations.
Ruby has also served on the boards of the Arts Council of New Westminster, Massey Theatre Society, Fraserside Community Service, New Westminster Chamber and the New Westminster Police Board.
COUNCILLOR JORDAN BACK
Director at Large
Jordan Back was first elected to North Vancouver District Council in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
Outside of Council, Jordan works as a sales account manager in the outdoor advertising industry and holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of British Columbia.
Prior to being elected to Council, Jordan served the community through his involvement in the annual North Shore Triathlon, as well as volunteering with many community organizations including the Lynn Valley Community Association. He has a keen interest in active transportation, building healthy and diverse communities, and supporting the small business community.
A lifelong resident of the District, Jordan lives in Lynn Valley with his wife Signy, two young children Henry and Morgan, and their dog.
MAYOR PAUL HORN
Director at Large
Paul Horn has served as Mayor of Mission since May 2021, following two earlier terms on Council from 2005 to 2011. He has worked as an educator and leadership consultant, with academic credentials including a Professional Teaching Certificate and a Masters of Science in Performance Management and Workplace Learning. Paul also brings extensive experience in social welfare, having operated housing and community inclusion programs for individuals with intellectual, developmental and mental health needs.
He is a consistent advocate for a strong regional economy that supports agriculture, fosters innovation, and ensures the efficient movement of people and goods across the Lower Mainland.
Paul remains active in governance and community initiatives, including serving on the boards of BC Transit, the Canadian Lacross Hall of Fame, the New Westminster Salmonbellies, and the Stone Soup Initiative.
Mayor Armand Hurford
SLRD Representative
First elected to Squamish Council in 2018 and elected as Mayor in 2022, Armand is a seasonal book-worm and a policy nerd who loves the outdoors and spends his spare time camping, canoeing, hiking, cycling or just being with family. Armand is also a father, a Master of Ceremonies at Squamish Days Logger Sports Festival where he has been a lifelong volunteer, a founding member of the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA), and owned and operated a local business for 16 years. Armand is a member of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Board, Squamish Economic Leadership Team and Economic Partners Forum, and Community Forest Board.
COUNCILLOR NICOLE READ
FVRD REPRESENTATIVE
Councillor Nicole Read has a diverse background in entrepreneurship and business management, beginning her career at a young age working in her family’s dairy store in Chilliwack. She later went on to manage a retail sports store and eventually started her own business in the hospitality industry, specializing in sales and marketing for hotels in various markets across British Columbia and Alberta.
Throughout her career, Nicole has embarked on several entrepreneurial ventures, including contract work for employment programs, online vacation home rentals, and owning and operating an upper casual steakhouse. She also founded a temporary to permanent employment staffing agency, showcasing her savvy business acumen and drive to succeed.
Nicole has a strong commitment to community development and business growth, as evidenced by her longstanding partnership with Community Futures South Fraser and role as Service Delivery Manager for GT Hiring Solutions in the Lower Mainland. She is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in their endeavors and helping achieve success in their business ventures.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Nicole is actively involved in the Rotary Club of Chilliwack, where she volunteers her time and expertise to give back to the community that has played a significant role in shaping her career. With her passion for community building and entrepreneurial spirit, Nicole is well-equipped to make a positive impact as a member of the City Council in Chilliwack.
MAYOR NATHAN PACHAL
METRO VANCOUVER REPRESENTATIVE
Whether by collaborating with other members of Council, with various community groups, and with regional and city committees, Nathan has worked hard to bring forward awareness around the intersecting components of affordable, sustainable, healthy, happy and accessible community design.
He has appeared in print, radio and television, talking about affordable housing and transportation in our region. He has helped bring world-renowned urban design speakers to our community.
As a strong supporter of agricultural and green spaces, he authored a report on the Agricultural Land Reserve entitled “Decade of Exclusions? A Snapshot of the Agricultural Land Reserve from 2000-2009 in the South of the Fraser.”
He believes we need a diverse transportation system that allows people to take transit, cycle, walk or drive throughout the region. He co-authored a report “Leap Ahead: A transit plan for Metro Vancouver” to bring awareness to the importance of accessible transit networks.
He worked with other members of Council to put forward policies to ensure we protect and renew our seniors’ affordable housing. He will continue working to ensure Langley City is a place that working folks can call home.
In 2010, he completed the SFU & City of Surrey Transportation Lecture Program and presented on “Complete Streets”.
Nathan was first elected to Langley City Council in a 2016-by-election and elected Mayor in 2022.
Executive meetings are held once a month except for July, August and December.
If you have an issue that you would like to bring to the Executive’s attention, please forward in writing to President Paul Albrecht.
This website is intended to offer visitors key information about our Association, main events and policies from the past number of years.
Many of your ideas are already at work and have resulted in a progressively better participation at the Annual General Meetings, including delegate attendance, the quality and quantity of resolutions, plenary sessions and sponsorships.
The Executive of the Lower Mainland Local Government Association is a volunteer board elected at the Annual General Meeting in May. This is your Association, and only you can help it achieve its potential. Please contact us with any ideas or questions you have.
Past Presidents
All Past Presidents shall be life members of the Lower Mainland Local Government Association. Life membership may also be granted by the Executive to persons who have made a significant contribution to local government in British Columbia.
| 1995 - 1996 | Cllr. Lynne Kennedy | Vancouver | |
| 1996 - 1997 | Mayor Pat Boname | West Vancouver | **Deceased |
| 1997 - 1998 | Mayor Pat Boname | West Vancouver | **Deceased |
| 1998 - 1999 | Cllr. Janis Elkerton | Pitt Meadows | |
| 1999 - 2000 | Cllr. Marvin Hunt | Surrey | |
| 2001 - 2002 | Cllr. Marvin Hunt | Surrey | |
| 2002 - 2003 | Cllr. Marvin Hunt | Surrey | |
| 2003 - 2004 | Cllr. Bob Fearnley | North Vancouver (City) | |
| 2004 - 2005 | Cllr. Terry Smith | Langley | |
| 2005 - 2006 | Cllr. Sharon Gaetz | Chilliwack | |
| 2006 - 2007 | Cllr. Sharon Gaetz | Chilliwack | |
| 2007 - 2008 | Cllr. Bob Long | Langley (Township) | |
| 2008 - 2009 | Cllr. Corinne Lonsdale | Squamish | |
| 2009 - 2010 | Mayor James Atebe | Mission | |
| 2010 - 2011 | Cllr. Sav Dhaliwal | Burnaby | |
| 2011 - 2012 | Cllr. Lorrie Williams | New Westminster | |
| 2012 - 2013 | Cllr. Barbara Steele | Surrey | |
| 2013 - 2014 | Cllr. Patricia Heintzman | Squamish | |
| 2014 - 2016 | Cllr. Chuck Puchmayr | New Westminster | |
| 2016 - 2017 | Cllr. Corisa Bell | Maple Ridge | |
| 2017-2018 | Cllr. Jason Lum | Chilliwack | |
| 2018-2020 | Mayor Jack Crompton | The Resort Municipality of Whistler | |
| 2020-2022 | Cllr. Laura Dupont | Port Coquitlam | |
| 2022-2024 | Cllr. Patricia Ross | Abbotsford |
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