VRCA Team
The Vancouver Regional Construction Association’s team consists of a dynamic group of professionals. Our team’s goal is to provide valuable services to help and support our members and the construction community in any way we can and represent VRCA through embodying our Mission, Vision and Values.
Donna Grant
President
As President of VRCA, Donna provides leadership in advocating for the needs of the construction industry in the Lower Mainland. She’s passionate and eager to provide meaningful support to VRCA members and vows to champion the issues and initiatives that matter most to them in the years ahead. Naturally, Donna can’t resist the opportunity to help others, and loves to bring people together for a chance to change their lives for the better.
In her spare time, Donna can be found spending quality time with her two daughters, or enjoying the natural beauty of local forests when walking through its hiking trails. Nothing brings her greater joy than having family and friends over for a home-cooked meal around her dining room table!
Sandy Ho
Finance Manager
As the Finance Manager, Sandy is responsible for the financial health of the Association. From creating accurate financial reports to developing and managing financial goals for VRCA, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise with members in mind.
Sandy attributes her successful career to hard work. She achieved her professional accountant designation, graduated with two master’s degrees in finance, and received a fellowship for her studies! In her spare time, she enjoys photography, traveling, exercising, and relaxing with friends over wine, of course!
Cecile Lopez
Operations Manager
As the Operations Manager & Executive Administrator, Cecile is responsible for streamlining and ensuring efficient day-to-day operations. She is keen to proactively support the Association President and the Association’s Board of Directors. She is passionate about process improvement and brings to the role operations and project management experience from diverse industries. She has a Bachelors degree in Marketing and a Masters in Education.
Cecile likes theatre, enjoys listening to music, recreating and trying new dishes, and traveling.
EVENTS & SPONSORSHIP
Afsana Akhand
Assistant Manager, Events & Sponsorship
As the Events Coordinator, Afsana plays a huge role in assisting with pre- and post-event logistics and details of all VRCA events. She offers friendly customer service and practical solutions when helping members register for special events to ensure they have a positive experience from start to finish.
Afsana honed her strong administrative and analytical skills through earning her engineering degree, and loves discovering new cities and trying new cuisines when she travels the world.
christian aldred
Manager, Events & Sponsorship
Prior to joining VRCA, Christian Aldred owned an event production company for almost 20 years. In the year prior to Covid, he produced almost 200 events that year alone. With groups from 10 to 40,000, Christian consistently delivers an exceptional guest experience.
Christian’s additional experience includes senior management positions with both the Granville Entertainment Group and Donnelly Group. With a deep understanding of hospitality, programming, and live entertainment logistics he loves building the perfect event.
Education
Andrea Ringrose
Manager, Education
As the Manager, Education, Andrea thrives on bringing new and exciting educational opportunities to VRCA members and the construction industry. She keeps on top of new trends and is constantly seeking new professional development opportunities to expand and enhance the VRCA education program.
As an avid traveler, Andrea has lived overseas in the UK and in South Africa, and likes to spend her free time advancing her cake decorating and culinary skills.
PLANROOM & OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Sherry Morrell
Manager, Planroom operations
As the Manager, Planroom Operations, Sherry assists members with VRCA’s in-house print-scan services, and also provides Commissioner of Oath services at both the Vancouver office and on select dates at the STEP (Skilled Trades Employment Program) office in Abbotsford.
At 40+ years on staff, Sherry is VRCA’s longest-serving team member, and her distinctive laugh resonates with the construction community at the office and at VRCA events.
Karla Ramirez
Assistant, Planroom Operations
As the Assistant, Planroom Operations, Karla provides extraordinary customer service to members and the construction community by processing online and in-person document sales, providing print and scan services, assisting with member profiles, and updating BidCentral with new opportunities. Karla’s natural ability to make our members smile demonstrates her dedication to the role and her desire to help others.
In her spare time, Karla can be found catching up on her favourite TV shows or casting a fishing line on a warm, sunny day.
Marketing & Communications
Craig Frew
Manager, marketing & Communications
Prior to joining VRCA, Craig Larkins worked in newsrooms across the country including CBC and Global news. After nearly 15 years in the media industry, Craig made the jump into the political ring, where he was the Director of Communications for four MLAs in Manitoba. Outside of the world of politics, Craig instructed a digital marketing course at a university in Winnipeg. Craig brings a wealth of media and government relations knowledge and experience to the VRCA.
TAILGATE TOOLKIT
Greg Hemminger
Tailgate Toolkit Program/Harm Reduction Coordinator
As the Harm Reduction Coordinator, Greg conducts introductory conversations on substance abuse, mental health, toxic drug supplies, and reduction/recovery services to the construction industry. Drawing from his own personal experience, Greg’s engaging presentations instill confidence to the community, and allows them to recognize and support those in need with the right tools.
Greg likes to write screenplays and has also directed two feature films! He enjoys sports and is always happy to have conversations around media and geopolitics.