The Douglas College Foundation Philanthropy Advisory Committee plays a pivotal role in guiding our institution's philanthropic efforts. Comprising a diverse array of highly experienced professionals from various fields, including philanthropy, finance, wealth management, human resources, law, business, real estate and community development, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their collective wisdom and strategic insights helping us advance our mission to improving access to education and helping students in financial need.
John Evans
Philanthropy Advisory Committee Member
After many years in the human resources profession, in 2011 John retired from his position as Senior VP and CHRO with the British Columbia Automobile Association, where he had served as an executive team member since 1993. Previous experience involved diverse private and public sector roles with Federated Co-operatives Limited, Expo 86 Corporation, and in the B.C. post-secondary education and healthcare sectors.
As a long-term member of the B.C. Human Resources Management Association, John took a keen interest in mentoring students seeking careers in the HR profession. He also served on BCIT's Human Resources Advisory Committee from 2003 to 2010. John served on the Douglas College Board from 2016 to 2019, which included roles as Human Resources Committee Chair and Board Chair, and from 2020 to 2023 with the Douglas College Foundation.
Kathy Welch
Philanthropy Advisory Committee Member
After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of New Brunswick Kathy embarked on a career as a Management trainee in Banking and Finance. Along the way, she completed several finance and business programs through continuing education programs offered by local colleges and universities. She is a huge believer in career-ready programs and continuing education which, among other programs are offered at Douglas College.
Her career path also includes working for several years in a Human Resources capacity, as well as in Financial and Tax planning. She has been involved in volunteering in her community and she is a member of the Lions Gate Hospital auxiliary. Some of her other interests include collecting art, home renovations, organizing international events for a collector car club, travel and acting. Kathy is fluently bilingual in both official languages.
Ruth Appanah
Philanthropy Advisory Committee Member
Collaborative, results-driven executive leader with over 20 years’ experience in institutional environments within complex, multi-site academic, health care and research facilities. Exceptional skills in strategic planning, operational leadership, stakeholder engagement, human resources planning, capital and financial planning, and collaborating with senior leadership (i.e. Government, health care, First Nations and Academia).
Champion of positive transformational change and continuous quality improvement, developing and executing successful visions aligned with business objectives. Ruth is passionate about operational excellence in health care and academia that embeds inclusion, diversity and anti-indigenous racism in all facets of her work.
Shelley Forsythe
Philanthropy Advisory Committee Member
Shelley serves ultra-affluent clients, families, and enterprises across North America and provides them with strategic guidance on their master plan of personal, financial, family, and enterprise goals. She has extensive experience in the financial services industry, which includes banking, investment management, financial planning, trust company, leadership, and family office experience.
Shelley has earned eight professional designations in various disciplines, including the Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP), Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and Master Financial Advisor-Philanthropy (MFA-P). She has authored several thought leadership pieces relevant to her expertise. Shelley specializes in facilitating family governance and legacy conversations, as well as curating customized workshops to promote education, harmony, and effective communication across generations.
She frequently collaborates with families and their multi-disciplinary advisory teams to create the architecture of governance frameworks, processes and accountabilities for intergenerational wealth continuity. One of Shelley’s sons attended Douglas College.