Posted on

Faces of FESBC: Trish Dohan, Board Treasurer

Faces of Forestry is an initiative of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) to highlight people doing great work to enhance our forests throughout British Columbia. In this month’s Faces of Forestry, we are featuring a Face of FESBC to highlight one of the exceptional individuals on our Board of Directors who helps guide our organization toward impactful change.

This month, we feature Trish Dohan, FESBC’s Board Treasurer and a key player in creating long-term benefits for our province’s forests.

Born and raised in British Columbia, Trish graduated from the BCIT Financial Management program with additional studies at the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, and executive development programs through Royal Roads University.

Trish’s career began in Vancouver before she moved to Victoria to begin a fulfilling career with the BC Public Service, primarily in the Natural Resource sector. In late 2021, she retired from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, having served as an Assistant Deputy Ministry and Executive Financial Officer since 2013.

“It was in this role that I became involved in a wide range of activities including wildlife species, wildfires, and tree planting, to name just a very few,” she explained. “The creation of FESBC was one of these activities, and I have watched it evolve from a brand-new organization in 2016, to an efficient structure that successfully meets its goals.”

Joining the FESBC Board of Directors in November 2022, Trish brought her wealth of experience and understanding of British Columbia’s diverse geography, communities, and people.

“I joined the Board primarily as a way to stay connected to the Natural Resource communities that are so important to the province’s wellbeing. It’s a very special place to live, and we want to keep it that way.”

Initially, she joined as a Board Director and then became Board Treasurer in November of last year.

Optimistically focused on securing steady funding for the Board in 2024 and beyond, she envisions stability for funding recipients and FESBC’s dedicated team. This funding should generate more investment in equipment and innovation and allow FESBC to retain and recruit excellent staff, ultimately enabling them to continue to make a positive difference in British Columbia’s forests.

Given the impacts of climate change and diminished fibre supply in the province, Trish is particularly enthusiastic about FESBC’s projects focused on wildfire risk reduction while also utilizing wood fibre that would otherwise be considered waste.

“As recently seen in the Williams Lake area devastated by the 2017 fires, these projects are also enhancing the forests for wildlife habitat and Indigenous values,” she explains.

With a deep appreciation for forests and their critical role in influencing climate, water and air quality, Trish, as a new grandparent, emphasizes the importance of collective efforts to ensure these thrive for future generations.

Beyond her involvement with FESBC, Trish is an active community member, becoming involved on various boards, committees, and teams over the last 30 years. Since her retirement, she has been spending more time outdoors, enjoying the natural beauty of British Columbia and far beyond.

Thank you, Trish, for your passion and dedication to FESBC and your invaluable contributions to the well-being of our forests and communities.

Posted on

Recognizing the Outstanding Contributions of an FESBC Director

The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) is recognizing Brian Banfill, a remarkable individual whose term on the FESBC Board of Directors is coming to an end. We would like to take a moment to express our most sincere gratitude for Brian’s invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to advancing the vital work of FESBC. With over 30 years of distinguished forest-sector experience, he has played an instrumental role in shaping the organization’s vision and fostering sustainable forest management practices throughout British Columbia.

As one of the early board members, Brian joined the board in 2017, shortly after FESBC’s inception in February 2016. He has since been a devoted member, serving on the board until June 2023. 

Board Chair Dave Peterson shared that, “Brian’s tenure on the FESBC Board of Directors has been nothing short of exceptional. His six years of dedicated service to the public, including two consecutive three-year terms, have had a profound impact on our organization’s success.”

A visionary presence since FESBC’s inception, Brian Banfill has completed his maximum term as a Director on the Board, leaving a lasting impact on forest enhancement practices in British Columbia.

Brian’s rich experience and expertise have thoughtfully influenced the organization’s direction, policies, and funding decisions. His deep understanding of forestry coupled with his financial acumen have proven invaluable in optimizing resource allocation and driving positive change within British Columbia’s forestry sector.

“Brian’s senior-level financial expertise gained from leading forest sector firms has been a tremendous asset to FESBC. His contributions as the FESBC Chair of the Finance Committee for six years have greatly influenced our financial strategies and systems, ensuring the responsible allocation of resources for the enhancement of British Columbia’s forests,” added Peterson.

During his tenure, Brian Banfill played an instrumental role in shaping FESBC’s programs and initiatives, contributing to the successful implementation of projects focused on wildfire risk reduction, reforestation, and improving ecosystem resilience. His unwavering commitment to sustainable forest management has left an indelible mark on the organization, inspiring future generations to preserve and protect British Columbia’s precious forest resources.

FESBC’s Executive Director, Steve Kozuki, remarked, “While Brian’s time on the board is coming to a close, his legacy of strong accounting, investment, risk management, and financial systems will endure. FESBC will continue to benefit from the foundation he has helped build, enabling us to further our mission of enhancing forest resilience to wildfires and climate change. Brian’s impact will be felt for years to come, and I would like to extend my appreciation for his invaluable contributions to our Society and the forest sector as a whole.”

Thank you, Brian, for your remarkable service. Your vision, expertise, and unwavering commitment have shaped FESBC’s journey and will continue to inspire its ongoing mission.