KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Ryan Walter Stanley Cup Champion | Inspirational Speaker Ryan Walter played more than 1000 games over 15 seasons in the National Hockey League. Drafted second overall by the Washington Capitals in 1978, Ryan was named the youngest NHL captain in his second of 4 seasons, played 9 seasons and won a Stanley Cup with the Montreal Canadiens, and returned to his home town to play his last 2 seasons for the Vancouver Canucks. He was named Team Canada Captain in the World Junior Tournament, was selected to play in the NHL All-Star game and for Team Canada in 3 World Championships, became a Vice-President of the National Hockey League Players Association, and was honoured as NHL Man of the Year. Ryan has been inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame, the Burnaby Sports Hall of Fame, named to the 30 all-time Washington Capitals’ Dream team, the top 50 all-time BCHL players and the top 100 Montreal Canadiens in 100 years. Ryan has a Master of Arts Degree in Leadership/Business. He is the author of 5 books and an expert contributor to both online and print magazines, newspapers, radio, and television. Ryan serves on the Hockey Canada Foundation’s Board of Directors and is a member of the Seton Hall Stillman School of Business Leadership Advisory Council. Ryan won a Gold Medal as Head Coach of Canada's National Women's Hockey Team, was Assistant Coach of the Vancouver Canucks, co-founder and president of two start-up companies, a TV and radio hockey analyst, a hockey adviser and actor for both television and movies, the creator of the board game Trade Deadline Hockey, and the President of a professional hockey team. Ryan continues to inspire teams, businesses, and organizations across North America and beyond to become their very best. From the page, the screen, the bench, the boardroom, and the podium, Ryan is on a mission to "Inspire the Hungry Spirit!" |
Chief Constable Adam Palmer
Vancouver Police Department Chief Constable Adam Palmer took command as the 31st Chief Constable of the Vancouver Police Department on May 6th, 2015. Chief Palmer was born and raised in the Vancouver area. Prior to joining the Vancouver Police, he studied Business Administration at Simon Fraser University and worked as a correctional officer. Chief Palmer began his career with the VPD in 1987 and since that time has worked in a variety of operational, investigative and administrative areas. He previously managed a long-term review of policing operations in Vancouver which resulted in improved efficiencies and the optimization of sworn and civilian police resources. He was a Venue Commander during the 2010 Winter Olympics where he oversaw skating events. Chief Palmer has a B.A. and has completed two FBI executive leadership programs: Leadership in Counter-Terrorism and the National Executive Institute. He is the recipient of numerous commendations, and is a former police officer of the year. In 2009 he was invested as a Member of the Order of Merit for the Police Forces by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaelle Jean, Governor General of Canada. |
Sandra Sajko
Executive Director, Security Services, Policing and Security Branch Sandra Sajko is the Executive Director of Security Services within the Policing and Security Branch in the Ministry of Justice. In this position she manages strategic, policy, legislative, and service delivery issues. Sandra is a dedicated public servant and is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of British Columbians. Since 1991, she has held positions in a number of provincial ministries, and was the Registrar under the former Private Investigators and Security Agencies Act from 2002 to 2006. Sandra holds a master’s degree in public administration as well as a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Victoria. |
Carla Abichahine
Mental Health First Aid Certified Instructor www.cdatraining.ca Carla Abichahine is an educator with a great interest in Mental Health. Her interest started from her personal experience with mental health concerns and her goal is to increase literacy and decrease stigma around mental health for all Canadians. Carla is a certified instructor for the Mental Health First Aid Course, a program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Not only does Carla delivers the MHFA Basic and the MHFA course for adults who interact with Youth in English and French, but she is also one of the few trainers who are qualified to teach the Train-the-Trainer course on behalf of the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Carla has eleven plus years’ experience in developing and delivering workshops for corporate and non-profit agencies. She has facilitated numerous courses addressing different issues Carla is passionate about her work, has her own company and works closely with CMHA and the MHCC to accomplish her goal in raising awareness around mental health issues. |
Arik Garber
Manager Security Operations, Corporate Security Arik Garber is the Manager of Security Operations at BC Hydro. He has been with BC Hydro for 7 years and holds responsibility for Operations Management including, but not limited to, guard contract management, Security Control Centre (SCC) management, security systems service and maintenance and daily security operations enterprise wide. Arik has a diversified security management background including senior management positions (VP and COO) in privately held and publicly traded security services companies, as well as corporate security experience with the city of Calgary as a Security Advisor and Director of Security at St. Paul’s Hospital (Providence Group). Arik started his career in military service followed by government security work. Arik is a CPP designated security professional with 25 + years of volunteering with ASIS (American Society for Industrial security International |