Board of Governors members
The VCC Board of Governors includes government‑appointed and college‑elected members who bring a wide range of experience and perspectives. Together, they ensure the college serves the public interest and supports our strategic goals.
Our members represent diverse communities and expertise. They guide decisions on academic quality, equity, financial stewardship, and campus planning, ensuring VCC stays accountable, inclusive, and aligned with evolving public needs.
Meet the individuals who contribute to VCC’s leadership and help shape today’s student experience.
Jeffrey Yu
Chair, Appointed
Term: July 12, 2021 to July 31, 2028
Jeffrey Yu is the principal owner of REL Technology Inc, a company that empowers people to live an independent and healthy lifestyle. As a former Assistant Operations Manager for Five Star Building Maintenance, and as an Integrated Service Manager and numerous Management roles in the Long Term Care Industry, Mr. Yu has extensive management and leadership experience. Mr. Yu is also experienced in real estate development and master site planning.
Active in his community, he is a member of Premier’s Chinese Canadian Community Advisory Committee, Trustee Chair for the New Vista Society and the Board Chair of Trustees for the Burnaby Library. He is a Nutrition Manager of the Canadian Society of Nutrition Managers and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Simon Fraser University.
Synthia Kloot
Appointed
Term: July 31, 2026 to July 31, 2028
Synthia Kloot is a strategic and inclusive leader with a strong track record in operational efficiency across multiple industries. Known for her ability to build partnerships and deliver results, she has led the development and implementation of new roles and systems aligned with organizational strategy.
Simon Cheng
Appointed
Term: July 31, 2026 to July 31, 2028
Simon Cheng brings over 15 years of experience as a Financial Planner with the Royal Bank of Canada, where he specializes in retirement transition planning and personalized financial strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and holds multiple certifications, including CFP, CIM, and PFP. Simon is actively involved in community service through board roles with the Taiwanese Young Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association of BC and the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in BC, and volunteers with newcomer support programs and senior outreach initiatives.
sXalusat – Michele Guerin
Appointed
Term: December 1, 2023 to July 31, 2027
sXalusat is a proud Elder of the Musqueam Band.
Michele has worked with First Nations for over 30 years. Ms. Guerin holds a Bachelor of Law from the University of British Columbia and was called to the Bar of BC in 2007. She practiced Aboriginal law as an Associate with Ratcliffe and Company LLP. Ms. Guerin was the Director of Research at the National Centre for First Nations Governance until starting her own consulting firm, Guerin Tetreault & Associates specializing in Indigenous governance advisory and Nation-building work, along with community consultation and engagement.
Ms. Guerin is a past Governor of the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology and served as a Director on the Board for Ecojustice and previously sat as a Musqueam Band Councillor. Ms Guerin’s educational journey began when she obtained her GED certificate as a single mother at VCC.
Dr. Chi Lo
Appointed
Term: July 31, 2026 to July 31, 2029
Dr. Chi Lo is Principal Lawyer, Barrister & Solicitor at CML Law Corporation. Previously, he was Census Enumerator at Statistics Canada. Active in his community, Dr. Lo is an Advising Lawyer with Access Pro Bono, and Honourary Legal Advisor for The Natives of Toi Shan Benevolent Society. Dr. Lo holds a Juris Doctor in English and Hong Kong Common Law, and a Doctor of Philosophy from Chinese University of Hong Kong; a Master of Applied Science from the University of British Columbia; a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from Imperial College, University of London; a Chartered Financial Analyst from CFA Institute; advanced (postgraduate) diploma courses from the British Columbia Institute of Technology; and, certificates from the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and Harvard University Online.
Robin Matthews-Kanhai
Appointed
Term: July 31, 2026 to July 31, 2027
Robin Matthews-Kanhai is an operations executive with more than two decades of leadership experience in complex, highly regulated financial services environments. Robin currently serves as Senior Director, Operations and Service Delivery at Vancouver City Savings Credit Union (Vancity), leading large scale operational functions and enterprise delivery portfolios. Robin has held progressively senior leadership roles across banking operations, risk, compliance, marketing, and enterprise transformation, including founding new departments and serving in interim senior executive capacities.
Robin’s work is deeply informed by cooperative values and a commitment to community impact, consistently focused on advancing equity, reconciliation, and access—ensuring that operational decisions improve experiences and outcomes for diverse communities.
Christie Sparklingeyes
Appointed
Term: Term: December 1, 2023 to July 31, 2027
Christie Sparklingeyes is an Indigenous Recruiter for Vancity. Previously, Ms. Sparklingeyes was a Talent Acquisition Specialist for Vancity. Active in her community, she is the Chair of the Indigenous Employee Resource Group (ERG) for Vancity and the Co-Lead Financial Literacy Facilitator for Vancity. Ms. Sparklingeyes holds an MTI Community College Child & Youth Care Diploma.
Matt Smith
Appointed
Term: July 31, 2026 to July 31, 2027
Matt Smith is an executive leader in external relations, public opinion research, communications, and public engagement with over two decades of experience working across government, public sector organizations, and the private sector. He is currently Executive Vice President, West at Pollara Strategic Insights, where he leads Western Canada operations and advises senior leaders on public opinion, communications, and policy related to economic, infrastructure, and intergovernmental priorities. His work supports decision-making for major organizations including TransLink, BC Housing, and provincial governments.
Matt has extensive experience supporting public institutions, including work with municipalities, regional agencies, and Crown corporations on communications, research, and public engagement. He is actively involved in his community and has served as a board member and advisor to the Britannia Community Centre and as fundraising chair for the Hastings-Sunrise Community Policing Centre. He has also participated in local civic initiatives and public engagement processes across Vancouver.
Carol Ye
Appointed
Term: July 31, 2025 to July 31, 2026
Carol Ye is a Chartered Professional Accountant and tax practitioner with a Master of Laws in Taxation from UBC. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Applied Legal Science at SFU. Carol brings deep expertise in tax compliance and planning, and is an active community volunteer focused on economic inclusion.
Dilraj Singh Sandhu
Student Representative, Elected Student
Term: November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025
Dilraj Singh Sandhu, is a Business Management student at VCC, with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science Engineering, and an MBA in Marketing Management. Before becoming a VCC student, Dilraj was in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods industry for 3 years, leading a team and managing sales-related strategic initiatives and market analysis. Dilraj is currently Chair, Student Union of VCC (SUVCC). This position allows him to participate in the community and build on his leadership skills.
Maria Lourdes Morales
Student Representative, Elected Student
Term: November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026
Maria Lourdes Morales, known as Malou, is a Dental Technology Sciences student at VCC. Originally from the Philippines, she brings experience as a dentist and college instructor, holding degrees in Dentistry and Education. In Vancouver, Malou balances her studies with part-time work as a dental assistant and service as a Lector at Holy Rosary Cathedral. She enjoys exploring the city with her family and friends. As a parent, student, and educator, Malou offers a unique perspective to the Board of Governors. Her commitment to collaboration and community has guided her journey, and she is honored to represent student voices, advocate for meaningful outcomes, and help strengthen ties across VCC.
Tanmay Chugh
Student Representative, Elected Student
Term: November 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026
Tanmay Chugh is a student in the High Performance and Custom Engine Technician Diploma program at Vancouver Community College. With a strong academic background and hands-on project experience—including developing a fully functional e-commerce website—Tanmay has built analytical, research, and problem-solving skills. Tanmay is passionate about representing student voices on the Board of Governors, advocating for policies that support academic success, equitable access to resources, and professional growth. Collaborative by nature, Tanmay values consensus-building and diverse perspectives, aiming to strengthen the academic experience for all VCC students.
Francesco Barillaro
Faculty Representative, Elected
Term: November 1, 2023 to October 31, 2026
Since 2010, Francesco Barillaro has contributed to VCC in instructional, leadership, and curriculum development roles across several departments. He’s served as an Instructional Associate with the Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research since 2019 and has been active on committees for curriculum, policy, EDI, and online learning. Francesco holds degrees in Communication and TESOL, and has taught at BC universities and coordinated English programs in Brazil. He is committed to equity, collaboration, and supporting VCC’s diverse community as Faculty-at-Large on the Board of Governors.
Dr. Paul Yeung
Support Staff Representative, Elected
Term: November 1, 2023 to October 31, 2026
Dr. Paul Yeung was elected to the Board as Support Staff Representative in 2020 and for a second term in October 2023. Dr. Yeung has been working as a VCC support staff since 2011. He has held various positions in academia, government and the not for profit sector. In academia, he has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses at UBC, SFU, and Brock University and is currently treasurer of the BC Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA), as well as a board member for the Private Practitioner Chapter. In government, Dr. Yeung was a researcher to the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control (CCDPC) for the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Dr. Yeung has authored articles in refereed journals and presented at conferences in Canada and abroad.
Ajay Patel
President & CEO, Ex-Officio
Ajay Patel was confirmed as president of Vancouver Community College on January 24, 2020. He first joined VCC in May 2019 as Vice-President, Enterprise and International Development. Ajay has over 25 years of post-secondary experience, and has consistently distinguished himself for his strategic leadership and for his inspiration and support for students, employees, and the whole community. Find more info on the Office of the President and the Senior Team.
Louise Dannhauer
Education Council Chair, Ex-Officio
Term: September 9, 2025 to December 31, 2025
Louise Dannhauer has been part of VCC for over 14 years, starting as a Skin and Body Therapy Instructor and now serving as Department Head. Louise has been an active member of Education Council since 2021, holding roles such as Chair of the Education Policy and Education Quality Committees, Vice-Chair, and now Chair. She holds a Master of Education from SFU, a Provincial Instructor Diploma from VCC, and an Organizational Coaching Certificate from UBC. Louise brings expertise in curriculum design, accessibility, and quality assurance, and has held leadership positions with SkilledTradesBC and national industry associations. She is committed to inclusive, student-centred education and collaborative governance at VCC.