Staff
Directory

Anne McMullin, a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in government relations and public engagement, assumed the position of President and CEO of the Urban Development Institute (UDI) in July 2012. Anne's extensive career has been dedicated to shaping industries and fostering growth in British Columbia. Her dedication to public policy and relations has contributed significantly to industry development. Anne's approach to leadership is marked by strategic thinking, as she focuses on guiding UDI towards future successes while building upon the solid groundwork that UDI has become know for: creating communities, supporting thousands of B.C. jobs and driving billions of dollars in economic activity.

First joining UDI as Vice President of Government Relations and Communications in 2021, Michael spearheaded a renewal of the organization's public affairs mandate, leveraging his expertise to navigate complex policy landscapes and foster impactful relationships. Recognized for his leadership and results-driven approach, he was recently elevated to the role of Executive Vice President, where he closely supports the office of the President and CEO, contributing to the overall vision and direction of the organization.

As the Vice President and Senior Policy Advisor for the Urban Development Institute, Jeff Fisher has been a driving force since he joined in 2004. His expertise spans a range of pivotal planning issues, encompassing growth financing, building policy, development process enhancements, transit, and sustainability initiatives. Jeff's impactful contributions extend to various committees, including the Energy Step Code Council, the Province’s Development Finance Review Committee, and the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association’s Policy Advisory Committee. 

Kathy Whitcher brings over 30 years of experience in urban planning and development management. Born and raised in Vancouver, Kathy started her planning career with the City of Vancouver’s Planning Department in 1989. In her role as Executive Director, Urban Development Institute Capital Region, Kathy is responsible for the direction, growth and management of the organization and its members. Under Kathy’s direction, UDI Capital Region has grown from a small, one-person run office to a flourishing multi-staff office and where she has more than doubled their corporate membership in the past 12 years.

Charlene Thomas assumed the role of Executive Director at Urban Development Institute Okanagan in the summer of 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective. As part of UDI, Charlene seamlessly translates her recruitment and municipal engagement expertise into nurturing essential relationships within the development industry. Charlene's diverse skill set perfectly aligns with UDI's vision and mission, ensuring impactful contributions to the Okanagan region's development and growth.

Since assuming the role of Director, Knowledge Transfer at the Urban Development Institute in April 2022, Rachel Klassen has showcased her abilities as a dynamic communications professional. Leveraging her expertise, Rachel has adeptly managed teams, fostered stakeholder relationships, and delivered on business objectives. Her commitment to continuous learning aligns perfectly with UDI's ethos of growth and development. Rachel's unique combination of experiences, shaped by her presence in two of Canada's largest cities, adds a rich perspective to her work, making her an invaluable asset to UDI's mission and vision.

Having joined Urban Development Institute in August 2021, Verna Yu brings her passion for creating valuable connections to her role as the Director, Professional Development and Programming. With a focus on educational events and networking opportunities, Verna collaborates closely with UDI's Policy team, Under Forty, Women of UDI, and UDI Education Committees to curate programs that directly benefit UDI members. Verna's commitment to fostering connections and her well-rounded background make her an essential part of UDI's mission to provide meaningful experiences for its members.

Andrea Cashol has been a dedicated member of Urban Development Institute Okanagan since August 2022, serving as Administrative Coordinator. In her current capacity, Andrea assumes a pivotal role in UDI's Okanagan operations. Skillfully coordinating and promoting events, managing member profiles, and facilitating crucial communications, she also oversees office finances. Collaborating closely with the Executive Director, Andrea plays an indispensable role in daily regional operations. Her dynamic career trajectory, transitioning from finance to her present role, underscores her commitment to UDI's mission and members.

Joining the Urban Development Institute as a Policy Analyst in 2023, Annika Nunan is a diligent and versatile recent graduate with excellent analytical and organizational skills. Annika has demonstrated an ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with precision and efficiency. Her dedication to her philanthropic endeavors has further honed her skills in organization and project management, making her well-equipped to handle the dynamic and demanding environment of urban development.

Channpreet Kaur is a dedicated Accounting Manager at Urban Development Institute, showcasing remarkable expertise in the field. With a strong financial background, she consistently enhances the organization's financial success and operational efficiency. Having joined Urban Development Institute in 2021 as an Accounting Assistant, Channpreet's diligent efforts led her to her current role as Accounting Manager. 

Emily Donner is an experienced events and administration professional, currently excelling as the Events and Admin Coordinator for Urban Development Institute's Capital Region. With a keen enthusiasm for orchestrating impactful industry events and fostering professional growth opportunities, Emily holds a crucial role in driving the success of diverse initiatives within the region. Emily brings a comprehensive grasp of logistical intricacies, budget oversight, and vendor coordination to her position. She swiftly adapts to dynamic scenarios and efficiently resolves challenges, positioning her as a valuable and integral team member for UDI.

With an impressive tenure spanning four decades, Ginny Normandeau has been an integral part of UDI since March 1984, when she became the organization's first staff member. From her beginnings, Ginny's role centered around events and has evolved into her current position as the Special Events Coordinator, or Program Manager. Ginny's remarkable dedication has shaped UDI's event landscape, orchestrating essential functions such as the Awards Program, Receptions, Golf Tournaments, and Fraser Valley events. Additionally, she provides invaluable assistance across UDI's array of activities, including lunches and other events. As a witness to UDI's growth, Ginny's profound impact is evidenced not only by her lasting presence but also by the organization's expansion from less than 30 members when she began to its current influential position.

Heather Park joined the Urban Development Institute in 2021 as the Policy and Research Coordinator, and her exceptional contributions led to her promotion as the Manager of Policy and Stakeholder Engagement in 2023. In her current role, Heather takes charge of policy matters across 11 municipalities north of the Fraser River. Overseeing Municipal Liaison Committees, she collaborates closely with UDI membership and municipal staff to craft balanced policies, bylaws, regulations, and development processes. Heather's role involves extensive research and analysis of municipal and provincial policies, resulting in key reports and publications that offer valuable insights to UDI members. Actively participating in municipal and regional engagement sessions, she provides informed industry feedback on a wide variety of housing and development policies.

Ilian Urquidi is a Policy Analyst at the Urban Development Institute, having joined the organization in 2024. She holds a Bachelor's degree in International Studies with a minor in Political Science from Simon Fraser University. Her educational background has provided her with a strong foundation in understanding global political dynamics and policy analysis.

Urquidi's professional journey includes a role as an Economic Affairs Officer at the Consulate General of Mexico in Vancouver, where she focused on policy, relationship management, and trade. She also gained valuable experience through a student internship with the NATO Field School & Simulation Program. In her current role at UDI, she actively engages with various municipal committees, tracking policy changes and contributing to urban development initiatives. 

Jay Chadha brings his extensive background in real estate and policy to his role as the Manager, Municipal Policy at the Urban Development Institute. Drawing on a diverse background, Jay is adept at navigating the complexities of municipal policy. He actively fosters relationships with municipal staff and stakeholders, ensuring that UDI and its members are well-informed and effectively represented in policy deliberations.

His previous role as the Manager of Policy and Research at the Homebuilders Association Vancouver further deepened his understanding of policy in the real estate sector. With a diploma from the Professional Real Estate Program at BCIT, Jay combines practical experience with academic knowledge. His dedication and expertise make him an invaluable member of UDI's policy team.

Leah Bell is a passionate advocate for nurturing diverse and resilient communities through built environment development. With a holistic perspective and a knack for instigating transformation, she combines attention to detail with the value of cultivating trustworthy relationships that contribute to meaningful achievements. Leah is an enthusiastic member of the Urban Development Institute team, dedicated to collective positive change and the pursuit of impactful outcomes. 

With a passion for creativity and delivering results, Lyka Bacala joined the Urban Development Institute as the Content Marketing + Graphic Design Specialist in 2024. 

Prior to joining UDI, Lyka held pivotal roles, including Director of Media and Marketing at sister companies, Syndicate Lending Corporation and Redwood Early Childhood Education, as well as Graphic Designer and Content Producer at LyCala Studios. Complementing her professional endeavors, Lyka also dedicates her time to creative volunteering at FlyOver Canada and multiple non-profit organizations. Through these diverse experiences, she has honed her skills in creative direction, marketing coordination, content creation and more.

Joining Urban Development Institute in September 2023, Markella Moschonissios brings a decade-long background in program coordination and management to her role as Events and Programming Coordinator. In this capacity, she enhances UDI's offerings through seamless event planning and execution. Collaborating across teams and with member volunteer committee groups, Markella's innovative approach and effective communication skills contribute to the success of special events and educational programming throughout the Lower Mainland. Markella's role at UDI leverages her skill set to provide valuable experiences for UDI members and elevate the organization's impact.

With a dedicated tenure beginning at the outset of 2023, Tracey holds a dual role at Urban Development Institute as the Executive Assistant to the President & CEO and the Executive Business Administrator for Membership. In her capacity, Tracey's core responsibilities encompass a range of crucial functions, from supporting the President & CEO to overseeing UDI's membership program. Tracey's role directly engages UDI members by managing memberships, facilitating new member approvals, and addressing membership-related matters. Her meticulous administration and seamless management of UDI's Head Office contribute to the smooth functioning of the organization, indirectly benefiting members by ensuring efficient operations.