In Summer 2006, I attended a conference in Victoria, Gaining Ground, where I was first introduced the concept of sustainability. After a few months of reflection and study, I created a business plan for a Sustainable Real Estate Services division and presented it to the President and CEO of Colliers International at the end of 2006. Since then, with the help of Nancy Searchfield, Vice-Chair of the CaGBC and Colliers broker, I continued to push for Colliers to adopt a sustainability focus. Through interacting with green building advocates, I have gained a new perspective on the impacts of buildings and the application of socially responsible business principles. I have also become more involved in local community issues through involvement in the Victoria Downtown Residents Association.

Since proposing a sustainable real estate services model to Colliers, a Colliers Global Sustainability Council was established by the CEO, and I participated in the drafting of a Sustainabilty Statement for the company. I have also created marketing brochures entitled "Introduction to Green Buildings" and distributed these to the local client market, conducted a Webinar on the same topic to Colliers employees, and was featured in an in-house magazine article featuring Green Buildings. I am a member of the initial Colliers Canada Sustainability Council and am involved in Colliers actively addressing green building issues.

I was involved in the setting up of the Vancouver Island Branch, as part of a governance committee over the summer of 2007. I was nominated to the interim Board in the Fall, and have acted on this Board to the present. I have been active in pursuing Colliers sponsorship as a Friend of Cascadia and recently was involved with the launch event for the Vancouver Island branch.

My experience in real estate as a broker has given me a financial perspective to work from when determing the feasibilty of sustainable programs. Through my position in Colliers, I hope to bring a regional impact on business practices. My involvement in the Colliers Global Sustainability council and on the Vancouver Island branch has broadened my understanding of the decision making process in complex organizations.

Personally, I have adopted a sustainable philosophy to guide my behaviour, including my professional career. I view Cascadia as an organization that shares my own personal values and will be professionally rewarding, and help the environment - a positive triple bottom line!