Our People

Mark Gifford is the CEO of the Real Estate Foundation of BC. In this role, he leads the staff team and oversees the Foundation’s operations, programs, and grantmaking. He is interested in the relationships between land use, real estate practices, and community sustainability, and excited about opportunities to work with people to create thriving, resilient, and livable communities across BC.

Mark’s professional, academic, and volunteer life has focused on creating more socially just, inclusive, and sustainable communities. Mark brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the philanthropic, public, private, and non-profit sectors. Most recently, he served as Executive Director of Kiwassa Neighbourhood House. Previously, he served in senior grantmaking and community engagement roles at Vancouver Foundation and the Philadelphia Foundation. Mark is also a former Chair of the New Westminster Board of Education, is a former Chair of Environment Funders Canada (formerly known as the Canadian Environmental Grantmakers Network), and has served on numerous boards and committees throughout his career.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Latin American Studies from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Arts in Urban Studies from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA.

Mark lives in New Westminster with his better half and their amazing son, and enjoys riding his bike, a good hike, or finding an excuse for a cup of coffee

As the Director of Grants and Community Engagement, Sherry Yano leads the grants team, directs grantmaking and community engagement strategies, and works to strengthen relationships with partners in the community, government, education, professional, and non-profit sectors.

Sherry brings deep experience in community engagement, advocacy, and program development. In her latest role as the Associate Director of Sustainable Communities at the David Suzuki Foundation, she worked with community organizations and leaders across Canada to advance meaningful climate action at both the local and federal levels. Previously, Sherry served as the Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Pembina Institute.

Sherry holds degrees in chemical engineering (B.A.Sc.) and international planning and development (M.Sc.) from the University of Waterloo and University of Guelph, respectively. Her work has been published in the Vancouver Sun, Georgia Straight, The Province, and the National Observer, and she’s delivered several short documentaries on CBC Radio and authored a children’s book and three plays.

In and out of the office, Sherry is passionate about conversations on climate and clean energy, great meals with wonderful people, any kind of writing, and going to events with inspiring speakers that change the way she sees the world.

Leanne Sexsmith leads on strategic programs and partnerships, including REFBC’s learning and impact assessment strategies. She was co-director of the Healthy Watersheds Initiative, a program delivered in partnership with Watersheds BC, providing oversight and direction on grant funding, management, reporting, and shared learning.

Leanne is inspired by the dedicated people and organizations working in territories across BC and beyond to support resilient, healthy communities and natural environments. She is committed to learning from and building on shared insights and experiences, with open-mindedness, adaptability, and reciprocity.

Leanne has over 20 years of experience in community development, land use planning, and community grants, and brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to grantmaking and community partnerships. She is a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners (RPP) and has an MA in Community and Regional Planning from the University of British Columbia (SCARP). She is grateful for her two beautiful daughters, deep connections to family, and the land and waters where she lives.

Christian Hansen is responsible for overseeing the revenue and investment strategies at the Real Estate Foundation of BC, serving as a key liaison with financial institutions and real estate brokers. Under Christian’s leadership, the Foundation transitioned its investments to an ESG-screened portfolio, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. He also spearheaded an innovative impact investment program aligned with the Foundation’s core priorities, driving positive social and environmental outcomes.

In addition to his sustainable investing initiatives, Christian provides guidance to real estate brokers on establishing pooled trust accounts in accordance with the Real Estate Services Act of BC, promoting compliance and financial integrity in the industry. Christian holds a CPA designation, CIM designation, and a Bachelor of Science in Management and Systems Science from Simon Fraser University.

Outside of work, he is an avid traveler across the province and stays active as a runner, cyclist, and triathlete.

Jen McCaffrey provides feedback on grant applications, suggests partnerships, and makes funding recommendations to REFBC’s Board of Governors. With a passion for sustainability and lifelong learning, Jen is committed to building strong, lasting relationships with grantees and partners.

Jen holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Certificate in Sustainable Development, both from Simon Fraser University. During her career, she has worked as a sustainability analyst at NEI Investments, a grants manager at Vancity Community Foundation and the Real Estate Foundation of BC, and, most recently, as a fund development manager at Family Services of Greater Vancouver. She enjoys baking, hiking, and spending time with her family and dog.

Tracey McAfee brings more than 25 years of accounting experience to her long-time role at REFBC.

She has a diverse background in supporting small businesses and larger organizations. She has enjoyed the opportunities at the Foundation to learn beyond accounting and embrace new perspectives and be involved with an organization that is always striving to do better.

Tracey is mom to a now grown-up son, who will always be her pride and joy. She is also a lifelong yoga practitioner with a passion for felines. That affection is supported by the office staff who love it when both cats visit during summer heat waves to relax in the air-conditioned office.

Jennifer Archer brings value-aligned passion and directly relevant experience to our watershed-focused work. Over the last 11 years, she has specialized in strategic and policy advice related to freshwater protection in British Columbia.

In 2016, she helped launch and then codirected the BC Freshwater Legacy Initiative over a period of six years. During this time, she served as a liaison and partner to Indigenous governments, the Crown, and non-profit organizations to advance watershed governance. She facilitated and managed the BC Water Funders Collaborative over a period of seven years and was an active partner and advisor on the Koksilah Water Sustainability Scoping Initiative, and the province-wide Collaborative Monitoring Initiative.

Prior to that, she practiced law in the corporate and non-profit sectors for 10 years. In 2012, she completed a Master of Laws from UBC directed at Indigenous interests in international water law and identifying opportunities for shared watershed governance to advance reconciliation and protect fresh water. In 2023, she completed a graduate certificate in Executive Coaching.

Jennifer is very grateful to live and work in the Nanaimo River watershed on Vancouver Island with her partner and two teenage boys in the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Hedy Rubin helps organizations access funding from the Foundation by reviewing grant proposals, liaising with applicants about their projects, and making funding recommendations to the Board of Governors.

With a passion for connecting with worthwhile organizations and assisting them to fulfill their missions, Hedy brings strong research and communication skills to the Foundation. She has more than 20 years of experience working in grantmaking and community programs, including 13 years at Vancity. Hedy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French from the University of BC. Hedy’s favorite thing to do is to spend time with her three kids.

Terra Kaethler enjoys supporting community-based initiatives that encourage shared learning and collaboration. She is passionate about strengthening communities and building strong connections and partnerships.

Terra brings extensive experience in project management, grantmaking, evaluation, and land use planning to the role of Grants Program Manager. She has worked for the last 15 years supporting non-profit, government, and philanthropic agencies to address complex issues such as food security, homelessness, sustainable land use, and poverty reduction.

Terra holds a BA in International Development/Spanish from American University (Washington, DC) and an MA in Community and Regional Planning from the University of British Columbia (Vancouver).

She is grateful to live in the beautiful territory of the Snaw Naw As nation on Vancouver Island with her family and enjoys spending time in her garden and in the mountains and waters surrounding her. She also loves travel, good food, and good books.

Stephen Hui leads the Real Estate Foundation of BC’s communications, marketing, sponsorships, and Land Awards.

Stephen is the author of three bestselling hiking guidebooks — 105 Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, Destination Hikes In and Around Southwestern British Columbia, and Best Hikes and Nature Walks With Kids In and Around Southwestern British Columbia (Greystone Books).

Previously, Stephen worked at the Pembina Institute, a climate policy think-tank. He spent several years as an editor at the Georgia Straight newspaper, winning a Canadian Ethnic Media Association Award in 2009.

In 2022, Stephen was named a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. He serves as a Canadian commissioner on the Skagit Environmental Endowment Commission.

Alieska Robles supports the Watershed Security Fund’s communications efforts. She is a hands-on project manager with 15 years of experience in media production and communications. Committed to cultural engagement, environmental responsibility, and knowledge transfer, Alie has worked with clients ranging from small businesses and corporate brands to tourism operators and non-profits.

Raised in South America by a multicultural family and influenced by her experiences living abroad, Alie’s worldview is grounded in a deep curiosity and admiration for other people’s journeys. This perspective has helped her foster successful cross-cultural collaborations and drive meaningful initiatives. Some career highlights include leading a national awareness campaign for Regeneration Canada, organizing experiential events with Tourism London, and guiding the creative process of five print publications. Her work reflects her belief in the power of storytelling to inspire generations — whether through digital media campaigns, in-person events, or cherished print materials.

When not managing creative projects, you can find Alie at the pottery studio, running or cycling around the province, munching on vegetables from her garden, or having meaningful conversations with “those who live slowly and care deeply” for her indie publication, Hamaka.

Cheyenne Bergenhenegouwen supports the communications and engagement strategy for the Watershed Security Fund. In her role as a communicator, Cheyenne enjoys bringing the voices and work of those out in the field to light, through videography and storytelling.

Cheyenne is passionate about the environment and conservation. These passions were able to grow through her different communications roles at the BC Wildlife Federation. In her most recent position, she led communications and content creation for the BCWF’s Wetlands Workforce project, one of the over 60 projects supported through the HWI.

Cheyenne has a diploma in broadcast and online journalism from BCIT and a BA from Simon Fraser University with a double major in world literature and Middle Eastern and Islamic history. Outside of work, Cheyenne can be found hiking, biking, or curled up reading a good book.

Kimiko Johanson is an experienced office manager who ensures that the planning and day-to-day matters of board relations and operations run smoothly. As an integral part of the Foundation, she works collaboratively with the Board of Governors and staff to deliver REFBC’s programs through operational planning and project coordination. In her work, Kimiko seeks ways to authentically prioritize equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the Foundation’s operations planning, outreach, and administration.

Kimiko and her husband enjoy exploring parks and playgrounds in the territories of the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Stó:lō (Sto:lo), and qiqéyt (Qayqayt) Nations with their kids and dog.

Natalie Ord works collaboratively with REFBC and the First Nations Fisheries Council to support the Watershed Security Fund interim grants program and related areas of work.

In her work and life, Natalie aims to create space for relationship building and learning around complex issues and loves connecting people and projects with resources and support. She brings over a decade of experience in grantmaking, most recently at MakeWay with the Indigenous Watersheds Initiative. As a faculty member with The Circle on Philanthropy’s Partners in Reciprocity program, she is committed to shifting settler philanthropy towards better relationships and collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations. She has volunteered on several boards throughout her career, including PeerNetBC and the Strathcona Community Centre Association.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of British Columbia as well as a Master of Urban Studies and a Certificate in Social Innovation, both from Simon Fraser University.

Outside of work, Natalie is happiest when she is reading a book; spending time in, on, or next to a body of water; drinking tea; eating good food in good company; communing with cats; or some combination thereof.