The Victoria Book Prizes Society is grateful to the work of our standing board members to ensure that the prize is able to stay viable and continue to support the literary landscape of Victoria, BC. All board members live and read in the community here in the Greater Victoria Area.
Christina Haska, President
Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Christina moved to Victoria in 2015, and has been volunteering with local arts organizations since! Christina joined the VBPS board in March 2023, mostly to be surrounded by books, book lovers, and add to her ever-increasing to read pile.
When not with VBPS, Christina can be found cuddling her cute cat, walking around fernwood with her adorable husband and sweet dog, and catching a local flick (usually at the Vic), or a theatre, dance, music, or other live art performance!
Lynne Van Luven, Past President
Moved to Victoria in 1997 to teach journalism and creative non-fiction at The University of Victoria. Born in Saskatchewan, she has a PhD in Canadian literature from the University of Alberta. Books have been her rescue and salvation all her life.
Maureen Colgan, VBPS staff
Since 2007, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Victoria Book Prize Society, following 13 wonderful years in marketing with Orca Book Publishers. Celebrating our local literary talent is both an honor and a joy. When I’m not surrounded by books, you’ll find me backstage in theatre (my happy place), tending to my garden, or reading aloud to Bella, my Maltese Papillon—she’s a very attentive listener.
Susan Henderson
Is a retired librarian who thanks writers and their books for broadening her mind and softening her heart. Willows Waterfront Park is a favourite location for reading, relaxing, and enjoying concession snacks while reading and relaxing.
Kyle Kushnir
Lives with his husband and daughter in Esquimalt, on the traditional territories of the Xwsepsum Nation. His favourite place to read a book is anywhere with a good cup of coffee.
Lindy Pratch
Is a retired library tech who grew up on a farm in northeastern Alberta. She’s a voracious reader with eclectic tastes and talks about books on her YouTube channel @LindysMagpieReads. If she’s not reading, she’s crafting, or on the water with the Gorge Narrows Rowing Club, or in the kitchen cooking with fresh produce from the Esquimalt Farmers Market.
Michael Shepherd, KC
Michael retired from a career with the BC public service in 2018, having spent over 30 years practicing law within the Legal Services Branch of the Ministry of Attorney General with a focus on solicitor’s services in the areas of financial, corporate and commercial law. He was recognised with a Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) appointment in 2012. Michael believes strongly in community service and has served on a number of boards of charitable and other not-for-profit organizations over the years. Michael’s interests include reading, listening to quality music of all kinds, nature walks, lawn bowling, travelling, attending sporting events and the theatre, keeping in shape, and just enjoying being retired. His favorite recent reading experience is reading out loud to one of his three grandchildren.
Liam St. John
Moved to Victoria in 2021 to start working for Orca Book Publishers. Liam has a master’s degree in English Literature (Public Texts) from Trent University and a college diploma in Creative Book Publishing from Humber College. He is a writer, avid reader, musician, and lover of the outdoors.
Liam has been so enthralled by the literary scene in Victoria since he moved here and can be found regularly at launches, open mics, and with his head in free libraries across the city. It was this passion that brought him to the VBPS board in 2023.
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