Quadra Island Foundation Committees

Karen has been enjoying all of the outdoor activities that Quadra has to offer since first visiting in 2003. As soon as they stepped foot on the island Fred and Karen knew they had found a little piece of paradise, purchasing property in 2004 and building their vacation get-away and then retirement home over the next 15 yrs (with the support of Quadrate Ventures). After finally being able to retire full time to the island in 2021, Karen has been volunteering with the Quadra Island and SRD Emergency Management Programs.

Karen has spent 35+ years working to build strong and resilient individuals, organizations and communities. As a systems thinker, she is always looking for the synergies and possibilities that emerge through collaborations, innovation and bold thinking. She holds a Bachelor degree in Psychology and a Masters in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Alberta, and a Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University. She is also trained in strategic design planning and future-focused thinking, leadership development, organizational evaluation, community development, and conflict resolution. Over her career, Karen has worked as a strategic leader and consultant for not-for-profit organizations and municipal, provincial and First Nation governments.

Karen and Fred have three adult children who reside in BC, AB and ON. She is looking forward to working with the QIF and continuing to build a resilient and thriving community for generations to come.

Karen has been enjoying all of the outdoor activities that Quadra has to offer since first visiting in 2003. As soon as they stepped foot on the island Fred and Karen knew they had found a little piece of paradise, purchasing property in 2004 and building their vacation get-away and then retirement home over the next 15 yrs (with the support of Quadrate Ventures). After finally being able to retire full time to the island in 2021, Karen has been volunteering with the Quadra Island and SRD Emergency Management Programs.

Karen has spent 35+ years working to build strong and resilient individuals, organizations and communities. As a systems thinker, she is always looking for the synergies and possibilities that emerge through collaborations, innovation and bold thinking. She holds a Bachelor degree in Psychology and a Masters in Adult and Higher Education from the University of Alberta, and a Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University. She is also trained in strategic design planning and future-focused thinking, leadership development, organizational evaluation, community development, and conflict resolution. Over her career, Karen has worked as a strategic leader and consultant for not-for-profit organizations and municipal, provincial and First Nation governments.

Karen and Fred have three adult children who reside in BC, AB and ON. She is looking forward to working with the QIF and continuing to build a resilient and thriving community for generations to come.

Marc and his wife Jennifer run a regenerative, mixed farm on Quadra Island called Foot Forward Forest Farm. There, you will find a wide variety of plants and animals growing and working together to provide for their family and their community.

Marc has a passion for community. He has a decades long history of community building and community development having served on or led numerous volunteer boards and organizations. In 2013 his dedication to community was acknowledged by the Mayor of Calgary when he was awarded the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal for Community Service.

Currently Marc serves not only as the Vice-President of the Quadra Island Foundation but as a director on both the Rural Islands Economic Partnership Board and the Quadra Island Recreation Society. His firm belief that only strong communities will be able to thrive in the uncertain times ahead motivates him and his volunteer efforts.

Mitsuru “Mich” Hirano moved to Quadra Island in 1979, attracted by a challenging job, the island’s rugged natural beauty and pioneering spirit. Mich met the love of his life, Juaneva Smith, on Quadra and they married soon thereafter. Mich has been involved in Quadra’s community affairs for many years serving as School Trustee representing the Quadra, Cortes and Read island communities’ for 6 years and as Chair of the School Board for 3 of those years. Mich was also involved in Quadra Recreation’s Community Center Building Committee and helped in the development of the tennis courts at Blenkin Memorial Park. Mich and Juaneva were away from Quadra for 15 years, seeking warmer weather and career opportunities, but returned to live in retirement on Quadra in 2015.

Mich has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Environmental Studies Degree from York University. Mich has a background in business, land use planning, and specializing in community economic development. Mich has working experience in Canada and the United States advising senior government officials, business leaders, First Nation governments, native Hawaiian and cultural organizations on matters related to land use planning, permitting and economic development. Past memberships include: Canadian Institute of Planners, Planning Institute of BC, American Institute of Certified Planners, and American Planning Association.

Mich is glad to be part of Quadra Island Foundation because it’s a way to give back to the community