Our Board

Tony Hollett, BA — Vice President

Recently retired, Tony has spent his entire 35-year career in various leadership roles from coast to coast in Canada with international companies like Sobey’s, Frito Lay, and Saputo Dairy Products. In his most recent role as V.P. of Warehouse and Distribution with Saputo Dairy Products, he was responsible for the cost-effective management of all warehousing and distribution activities of over 750 million litres of dairy products annually throughout BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. In his spare time, Tony enjoys all outdoor activities, sports, fitness training, and travelling to Mexico.

Kurt Bausenhaus, CPA, CA — Treasurer 

Kurt is a recently retired partner with KPMG, and had led the firm’s Fraser Valley agri-business practice, providing financial accounting and advisory services to private companies over the past 40 years. Kurt also serves as an active board member of the Abbotsford Community Foundation’s Agricultural Trust Fund. During Kurt’s tenure with KPMG, a significant portion of his clientele represented numerous private companies in the agriculture sector, specifically in the feather industry (egg layers and broiler operations), as well as in the greenhouse, dairy, and berry industry sectors. Kurt has also taught various accounting courses at the University of the Fraser Valley campuses in Abbotsford, Mission, and Chilliwack.

Michelle Johnsrude, BSc, BEd — Secretary

Michelle has lived most of her life in the Fraser Valley and is proud to be the granddaughter of dairy farmers.  Her background includes studying biology at UBC, owning a garden design business, and raising three children.  She lives in Chilliwack with her husband and has been teaching science for thirteen years.  She shares her passion for local products, food security, and sustainable, ethical living with her students and is thrilled to be able to manage her school’s garden.  She enjoys gardening, travelling, and having her dog, Huxley, take her for walks.  

Directors

Joel Barohn, MS, RD — Director

Joel is a chef and registered dietitian, based in Vancouver.  He currently serves as the Manager of Nutrition and Health Programs at BC Dairy Association and is an Adjunct Professor in Food, Nutrition, and Health Department at the University of British Columbia.  Joel contributes to the mission of promoting health through leadership and innovation in food and nutrition education at schools and among fellow health professionals.  Outside of work, he enjoys an active family life with his wife and two young daughters.  

David Comrie, BA, MA — Director  

Recently retired, David has spent his career as a dynamic educator in a Distributed Learning (online) classroom. This style of learning increases student access, choice, and flexibility for study especially outside of regular classroom schedules. Always interested in healthy and nutritious foods for kids, David has prioritized time to serve as a member on the Board of Directors for Dedicated Action for School Health (DASH) and the Certified Organic Producers Association. David and his family live on a mixed farm with an organic apple orchard, livestock, and hay in Kamloops. They are involved in the community through 4-H.

Katie Lowe, PAg — Director

Katie Lowe is the Executive Director of the BC Egg Marketing Board. She has spent over 15 years in the in poultry industry working with both Chicken and Egg Producers. Her experience in the industry has taught her how important it is to teach children about agriculture and where their food comes from. Katie holds a Bachelor’s degree in agroecology with a concentration in animal studies from UBC. She is well-versed in animal care as she served as a research assistant on the UBC Dairy Farm. In addition to her education, Katie received her Professional Agrologist designation in 2012 and PAACO certification in 2009.

Gary Moran — Director

Gary has lived in BC all his life and has been self-employed for over 25 years, working in sales and running his own businesses. He and his wife Lisa are the owner operators of Fantasy Farms in Chilliwack, an Agri-entertainment destination. He believes in giving back to the community and has volunteered with various organizations and groups over time including Rotary, Big Brothers, Chilliwack Agriculture Commission, Chilliwack School Gardens Program, Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce and Fraser Valley Farm Direct Marketing Association. He knew after the first year he worked in agriculture that it was the place for him, and he is proud and excited to share the agriculture story with everyone.

Neill McCallum, BSc, BEd, MEd — Director

Neill has been teaching in the Richmond School District for the past 6 years and spent a year as a teacher consultant focussed on sustainability education. He grew up on the east coast of Canada and moved to British Columbia after completing a Bachelor of Science degree from Acadia University. He then completed a Bachelor of Education degree at Simon Fraser University and a Master of Education at the University of British Columbia. Neill has used many of the resources and learning opportunities offered by BCAITC with his students and is a strong supporter of outdoor/environmental education.

Barbara Seed, PhD, MPH, RD — Director

Barbara Seed is a Registered Dietitian and consultant, focussing on integrating nutrition, food systems, and the environment. For almost 30 years, Barbara has worked in food security and sustainable diets in BC and beyond, including projects for Fraser Health, the BC Provincial Health Services Authority, Health Canada, and the International Congress of Dietetics. She has also published and spoken extensively on these topics. Barbara led the development of the first dietary guidelines in Qatar – one of the world’s first to include sustainability principles and was a lead writer for the Dietitians of Canada Sustainable Food Systems role paper.