Board of Directors
Gavin Dew, Chair
Gavin Dew is an experienced public affairs and business professional who has run political and advocacy campaigns, negotiated complex agreements, and stewarded multi-billion dollar projects through challenging strategic, regulatory, and political challenges in multiple industries and jurisdictions. His educational background includes a BA from UBC and an MBA from Oxford University, where he wrote a thesis on how to gain authentic social and political support for projects and policies.
As Chair of the Board, Gavin provides strategic leadership and governance oversight to support VTN’s continued growth and national impact.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Provides leadership to the Board and ensures effective governance practices
- Works closely with the CEO to support strategic direction and organizational priorities
- Facilitates Board meetings and ensures alignment on key decisions
- Supports stakeholder engagement and external relationships on behalf of VTN
- Provides communications and public affairs advice to management
Adam Schell (CPA, CA), Treasurer
Adam Schell is a Partner at KPMG in Vancouver, bringing extensive experience in financial accounting and external audit. A Chartered Professional Accountant, he has deep expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and financial analysis. Adam holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of British Columbia.
Adam brings a strong understanding of financial oversight and strategic planning, and works closely with organizations to navigate complex and evolving environments. Since joining VTN in 2012, he has played a key role in strengthening financial governance, transparency, and supporting the organization’s sustainable growth.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Supports financial governance, reporting, and internal controls
- Supports the development and monitoring of budgets and financial strategy
- Provides guidance on financial risk management and compliance
- Works with auditors and ensures alignment with regulatory requirements
Adrienne Alford, Member-at-Large
Adrienne began her career supporting Veterans after joining Veterans Affairs Canada as a Case Manager in 2002. She was attracted to working with Veterans as a member of a military family member herself, having been raised within the CAF community. Adrienne held several roles with VAC including Veteran Services Team Manager, Standards Training and Evaluation Office and Project Manager before moving to British Columbia in 2008 and becoming Area Director for BC Mainland and Yukon Area until the spring of 2017. She then decided to leave the Government of Canada in 2017 to pursue private sector long term care operations which Adrienne loves – specifically dementia support. Since 2018, she has been the Executive Director at The Village Langley, Canada’s first village-style dementia support community. Adrienne led the pre-operational, planning and opening activities, and they’ve been in operation since Summer 2019.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Provides subject matter expertise on veteran services and systems of care
- Supports program relevance and alignment with participant needs
- Contributes to strategic discussions and organizational planning
- Brings sector knowledge and operational leadership experience to the Board
- Provides HR expertise and guidance on people, culture, and organizational development
