Staff & Board

Board Bios

Pat Danforth, Chair

Pat Danforth has more than 45 years’ governance and board experience in government and non-profit sectors. Pat has worked on rights-based issues since becoming reliant on a wheelchair in 1970. She volunteers on CCD’s Transportation Committee and Human Rights Committee. Pat is on the BC Ferries’ Accessibility Advisory Committee.  She is a founding mother of the Disabled Women’s Network (DAWN). Pat’s career includes work for provincial and federal governments, Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, as well as the Canadian Labour Congress. Her varied background includes the Saskatchewan Public Service Commission Board of Commissioners, Regina Health District Board, National Transportation Agency and CUPE National’s Disability Working Group. She has specialist knowledge of rights and disability issues, policies and programs. She was a chapter in Peter Mansridge’s book “Extraordinary Canadians”.

chair@drcvictoria.com

Jeremy Scott (he/his), Vice-Chair

Jeremy grew up outside of Courtenay and has been a Vancouver Islander for almost all his life. He moved to Victoria to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Philosophy, and has since worked for both non-profits and in the public sector with over 10 years of HR and leadership experience. Outside of his current leadership role within Service BC, Jeremy also sits as a panel member for the Employment and Assistance Appeals Tribunal. He currently sits on the Board of Directors as Co-Chair of the Strategic Human Resources Committee.

vice-chair@drcvictoria.com

Doug Copley (he/him), Secretary

Doug is the founder and owner of Copley Inclusive Solutions, a Universal Design and Accessibility Consulting company based in Victoria, BC. This follows over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry. The experience and knowledge he has accumulated in both residential and commercial construction has proven to be valuable when assessing the pre-existing built environment and designing new builds to create meaningful access for people of all abilities. His drive to create accessibility for all stems from living with an invisible disability and being a father of children with disabilities.

secretary@drcvictoria.com

Melanie Gold (she/her), Treasurer

After graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Melanie is pursuing her CPA designation and has recently passed the Common Final Exam. She is currently working as a Business Analyst at BC Ferries, and has extensive experience in finance, communications, and accounting. Growing up on Vancouver Island, she has developed deep roots with the community and a desire to inspire those around her. She loves to make homemade crafts, go kayaking on the lake, and is passionate about her two kittens, Bonsai and Kirby.

treasurer@drcvictoria.com

Kim Donaldson (she/her), Director

Kim has been a board member with the VDRC since 2021. She has actively supported disability communities across North America through her work in employment services and digital accessibility. Most recently, Kim was responsible for launching a free and accessible online learning program called Fable Pathways, in which learners can gain skills to work in the tech sector from subject matter experts with disabilities. Kim brings a background of human resources management, including work with the Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association, as well as growth marketing and fundraising from her work with Fable.

vdrcboard2@drcvictoria.com

Lynn Mullally, Director

Lynn grew up in PEI and attended UPEI. She obtained her MSW in Waterloo, Ontario and worked in the social work field in PEI, before moving to BC in 1979. Lynn worked for Ministry of Children and Family Development for 13 years and then at the Women’s Sexual Assault Center and Phoenix Human Services for another 13 years. She worked mostly with children in care. Her life-long passion has been working towards health and safety for women and children. In 2014, Lynn developed a spinal cord injury and had to resign from working. She has been focusing on her own health and gaining back the strength that she lost.  She is a member of SCI-BC and has been serving as a Board of Director at the VDRC for four years.

vdrcboard@drcvictoria.com

David Hosking, Director

David has more than 40 years experience in the field of human rights, working for the Saskatchewan, Canadian, and BC Human Rights Commissions in various positions. He has extensive managerial, leadership and community organizing experience in public sector, government and non-profit organizations. Now officially retired, he has been a board member and past Chair of the VDRC and filled in as Executive Director of the VDRC during a transition period. David has been a long time member of the Victoria Lapidary and Mineral Society and as a hobby makes lapidary items and silver jewelry.

vdrcboard1@drcvictoria.com

Caroline Sheldrake, Director

Caroline was born and raised on the territories of the Lekwungen peoples, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. Having earned her degree in sociology from the University of Victoria, she has since joined the BC Public Service. Caroline was first introduced to the VDRC while volunteering behind the parking permitting desk. She is grateful to be back and continue to serve her community and work to ensure all citizens’ fair and equal access and participation.

vdrcboard3@drcvictoria.com

Gordon Rowell, Director

Gordon was born in the UK and his grandfather served in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force during World War One and as a farmer on Vancouver Island. He has worked in Ontario, Puerto Rico and the Cayman Islands and has extensive managerial, leadership and community organizing experience in private sector, the I.M.F. and government. He created a non-profit government organization designed to help the under-privileged in need of medical care. During his time overseas, he volunteered his time to causes, including homelessness, and deeply values his community, remaining passionate about addressing issues of poverty and inclusivity.

vdrcboard4@drcvictoria.com