The Victoria Book Prize 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!
Susan Henderson, Member at Large
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, Treasurer
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, Member at Large
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, Secretary
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.
Maureen Colgan
Maureen was lucky to work with the Victoria Book Prize Society for 18 years – they flew by – and she is grateful for this Honorary position so she can keep one finger in this extraordinary literary community.
She will spend her off hours with her new fur baby Ruby Holler, entertaining friends & family, working in the garden, improving her Mah Jong game, and working in theatre when she’s not an audience member.
The Victoria Book Prize Society acknowledges that we live and work on the traditional territories of many First Nations, including but not limited to BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin), MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat), P’a:chi:da?aht (Pacheedaht), Pune’laxutth’ (Penelekut), Sc’ianew (Cheanuh), Songhees, SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout), T’Sou-ke, W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), W̱SIKEM (Tseycum), and xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt).
As an organization dedicated to celebrating story, we honour the first storytellers of these lands and commit to an ongoing process of listening and learning.
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