Satwinder Bains has been named the new chair of the board of the Abbotsford Community Foundation (ACF).
Bains was elected at the ACF’s 45th annual general meeting on April 25, replacing Marcus Janzen, who had completed his two-year term.
Janzen congratulated Bains – the director of the South Asian Studies Institute at University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) – in her new role.
“I believe her close association with UFV will provide her with a unique perspective as to how the ACF can contribute to the well-being of our community,” he said.
Janzen has been on the ACF board for more than seven years and will continue to serve as past chair.
Also serving on the board are Satvir Gill as vice chair and Dave Lanphear as second vice chair. Jackie Hogan will continue in her role as secretary/treasurer.
Lanphear, an investment adviser at Odlum Brown Limited, is among four new members to join the board.
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The three others are: Adam Bausenhaus, director of financial excellence at Technical Safety BC; Kam Grewal, team lead of wills and estates at RDM Lawyers LLP; and Susan Mide Kiss, vice president of community engagement at UFV.
Following more than nine years of service, Andrea Senft retired from the board of directors in October 2023.
Also leaving the board are Lynne Harris and Leslie McConnell (August 2023), Denise Thandi (October 2023) and Bryan Born (April 2024).
“We are truly grateful to these community members who have made so many invaluable contributions to the work of ACF during the time they’ve served,” Bains said.
“The work of ACF relies on many generous volunteers who participate in various board committees and the board itself. We look forward to working with our new board and an updated executive who all bring a wealth of expertise, energy, and a love of Abbotsford to support the governance 0f ACF.”
ACF executive director Areni Kelleppan said ACF’s endowment portfolio now exceeds $20 million, and ACF has invested $18 million in grant and student awards into the community.
”It’s thanks to the many philanthropists in our midst – both donors and volunteers – that we’re able to have such a significant impact in Abbotsford. Our board is integral to the work of ACF and its community impact,” she said.
