The premier, non-profit provider of refurbished computers to BC schools and communities


Board Executive

Peter Silvanovich (Chair) - psilvano@ca.ibm.com
Susan Steen (Vice-Chair) vpsquamish@wcra.org
Rochelle Grayson (Secretary-Treasurer

Directors

David Brear - dbrear@shaw.ca
Tim Winkelmans -tim.winkelmans@gov.bc.ca
Monica Kosmak -kosmakova@shaw.ca
John Nosotti -john.nosotti@gmail.com
Paul Chahil -


M. Peter Silvanovich (Chair)

Peter is Business Transformation Executive, Sales & Distribution, at IBM Canada Ltd. - a leading provider of advanced information technology products and services to the Canadian marketplace. Dr. Silvanovich joined IBM Canada in 1976 as a marketing trainee and has since held various positions - Manager of Information and Marketing Services - Western Region, CIO Trading Areas, Manager of Plans and Controls - Western Region. Currently he has overall responsibility for internal I.T. services at IBM Canada Ltd.

Dr. Silvanovich holds a B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. from the University of Manitoba and has completed executive programs at the University of Arizona, York University, and U.B.C.

Dr. Silvanovich has served as President and Chairman of the Board of B.C. Technology for Learning since its inception in 1995; he has been an advisor to the board of the Vancouver Aquarium; and a founding member of the Quality Council of B.C. He is also President and Chairman of the Board of Destination ImagiNation.

Susan Steen (Vice Chair)

Susan has been recruited to the Board of BC Technology for Learning Society to capture her expertise in delivering a successful not-for-profit organization, experience in board development, and in working with Industry Canada and other CFS stakeholders during her tenure with CFSC. She has been on the board since 2008.

Susan earned her Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University in English and History in 1969 and a Certificate in Museum Management in 1970. She is a member of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals and the Canadian Society of Association Executives.

Susan has been recruited to the Board of BC Technology for Learning Society to capture her expertise in delivering a successful not-for-profit organization, experience in board development, and in working with Industry Canada and other CFS stakeholders during her tenure with CFSC. She has been on the board since 2008.


Rochelle Grayson (Secretary-Treasurer)

Rochelle has an extensive background in the business and not for profit sectors. She recently left her position as President for Work at Play to focus attention on her roles as co/founder of currently Social Media and Social Entertainment Consulting and TWEMES.COM.

Rochelle holds and MBA in Finance and Business Strategy from the University of Chicago and a BA in German Literature and has completed intensive media training. She is trilingual, speaking English, German and Spanish.

2008 was a busy year for Rochelle as she was recognised by Canadian Women in Communications as “Trailblazer – Excellence in Leadership”, Business in Vancouver’s “Top 40 Under 40” and nominated by the Women’s Executive Network as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

Rochelle is serving seven other not for profit organizations in Vancouver in addition to Computers for Schools, sitting on the boards for New Media BC and Canadian Women in Communications. She has been recruited for her financial background and social networking savvy.

David Brear

Dave has been teaching across K-12 grades in the BC public school system 1974. He has also taught university courses and KnowSchool. Dave is presently working for Coquitlam Open Learning, SD#43, working with students from Kindergarten to Grade 9, in distributed learning. Prior to teaching, he was a paint chemist working for International Paints in Montreal and North Vancouver.

Dave holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry and Math as well as an M.Ed in Administration.

Dave holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry and Math as well as an M.Ed in Administration. Dave has been involved with computers and online learning for many years and has presented many computer workshops. Hobbies include Lego dacta Robotics, Digital Story Telling, ePortfolios, Web 2.0 Learning Tools, biking, swimming and hiking.

Dave is a founding member of the BC Computers for Schools program and has participated on the board since 1995 and the Board Executive since 2007.


Tim Winkelmans

Tim is currently Manager, Distributed Learning in the BC Ministry of Education. Since 1992, he has been a manager and director for various distance learning initiatives with the Ministry of Education, the Open Learning Agency, and the Ministry of Labour and Citizens Services.

Tim has a B.Ed (University of Victoria, 1984) in secondary mathematics and biology and an M.A. (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, 1989) in Computer Applications in Education. He taught secondary science and math courses in Victoria, BC before entering the public service.

Tim has served on the Board of BC Technology for Learning Society since July 2006.

Monica Kosmak

Monica has over ten years’ experience in environmental policy in the private and public sectors, specializing in recycling and Zero Waste. She has worked as an environment technician in the mining industry, an environmental auditor at the University of British Columbia, and most recently as an environmental policy analyst at the Greater Vancouver Regional District. While at the GVRD, she coordinated the 21 municipal recycling programs in the region; she was also Co-Chair of the BC Local Government Product Stewardship Council, and served on the advisory committees for Tire Stewardship BC and the Electronics Stewardship Association of BC. Monica recently began a career as a freelance writer and environmental journalist, and has published in Solid Waste & Recycling Magazine.

Monica graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies & Geography.

She has been recruited for her expertise in complexities of the e-waste discussion, and ability to promote the effectiveness of re-use prior to recycling. She has been a member of the board since 2008.

John Nosotti

John recently retired from a 38 year career with the Federal Government serving in both the Departments of Communications and Industry in various management capacities in both Ontario and BC including Radio Frequency Authorizations, Spectrum Operations and District Director, Northern BC/Yukon District Office.

John also had a distinguished career in Canada's Militia serving as a Lieutenant Colonel and is the recipient of the Canadian Decoration for long service with three bars (42 years), and most recently specializing in cadet training.

Since retiring, John has become the President of the Greater Vancouver Branch of the Navy league of Canada, a hardware technician with Computers for Schools and was the Movements Officer, HMCS Quadra Summer Cadet Camp this past summer.

John attended collage at St. Clair Collage of Applied Arts and Technology and graduated in 1968 with a diploma in Electronic Technology. He is a member in various military and Scottish associations, as well as the Anglican Church.

John has been recruited for his expertise and experience with the Federal Government as well as his unique insight into operational aspects of CFS through his tenure as a volunteer technician over the past 2 years. He has been on the board since 2008.

Paul Chahil

Paul is a highly motivated, respected and an innovative leader with a proven record in client and partner management, service delivery operations, leadership, contract management, project management, and financial management. He has over fourteen years of financial management experience, including three years of fiscal budget management in excess of $20M per year and seven years of profit and loss responsibilities.

Paul has been with TELUS for the last four years and is currently responsible for TELUS IS Operations - PC Lifecycle services.

Previously, he has been responsible for managing IT service delivery for the following companies: Ballard Power Systems, BC Rail, Westcoast Energy, EDS, and ICBC. His key responsibilities were to maintain and build lasting relationships and deliver to contractual obligations.

Paul resides in Penticton BC and has two children, Justin 11 and Serena 8. Paul has been recruited to continue our importance alliance with TELUS and for his extensive business background.