The External Advisory Board provides independent, external perspectives to Western Community College and supports the institution through strategic advice on industry trends, workforce needs, community engagement, partnerships, and opportunities for continued institutional development.
The Board brings together accomplished leaders from business, education, Indigenous leadership, aviation, hospitality, community development, real estate, and public service. Their collective experience helps WCC strengthen connections between education, employers, industry, and the communities we serve.
Board Members
Anita Huberman — Chair
Senior Executive Leader, Public Affairs & Community Builder
Anita Huberman is a senior executive, public affairs leader, and community builder with more than two decades of experience advancing economic development, education, and civic engagement across Metro Vancouver and British Columbia.
She is best known for her 18-year tenure as President & CEO of the Surrey Board of Trade, where she led one of BC’s largest business organizations and expanded its influence in government relations, workforce development, infrastructure advocacy, and regional economic strategy.
Anita currently serves as Board Chair and Global Public Affairs Officer at Western Community College, supporting institutional growth, international partnerships, workforce pathways, and community engagement. She also serves as an Honorary Captain (Navy) with the Royal Canadian Navy.
Dr. Verna Billy-Minnabarriet — Member
Indigenous Education Leader & Advocate
Dr. Verna Billy-Minnabarriet is a proud member of the Secwépemc Nation from the St’uxwtews (Bonaparte Indian Band) in Cache Creek, British Columbia. A respected education leader, researcher, and advocate, she has dedicated her career to advancing Indigenous education and strengthening economic development opportunities for First Nations communities.
Throughout her career, Dr. Billy-Minnabarriet has championed community-based education as a pathway to empowerment, self-determination, and long-term economic sustainability. She has represented Indigenous organizations at provincial, national, and international levels and has supported education, training, community economic development, and capacity-building initiatives.
Raman Bindra — Member
Director of Airport Operations | Aviation & Transportation Leader
Raman Bindra is a senior aviation operations leader based in British Columbia. He holds an MBA and a BSBA and serves as Director, Airport Operations at Abbotsford International Airport, where he leads strategic airport management, operational planning, and aviation partnerships.
His career reflects extensive expertise in airport operations, transportation, logistics, operational resilience, and regional economic development. Raman has also spent several years leading and supporting a global network of airports, contributing to operational resilience and performance initiatives in locations including New York, The Bahamas, and Cyprus.
Based in British Columbia, Raman brings both a regional and international perspective to aviation leadership, with a professional network and experience extending across Canada and internationally.
Sandra Cawley — Member
Real Estate Valuation Expert & Governance Leader
Sandra Cawley is an experienced real estate appraiser and development consultant based in Vancouver. She has practised since 1981 and serves as a Principal and Regional Leader at Ryan ULC, specializing in commercial real estate valuation, market studies, and development consultancy across multiple sectors.
Sandra was a principal at Burgess Cawley Sullivan & Associates before its acquisition by Ryan. She has also served as Vice-Chair of the University of British Columbia Board of Governors and as a Director of UBC Properties Trust. Scholarships established at UBC in her honour support Indigenous students in Education, Nursing, and Social Work.
Tom Doull — Member
Hospitality & Golf Industry Leader
Tom Doull is a hospitality and golf industry professional associated with Morgan Creek Golf Course in South Surrey. His leadership experience encompasses guest experience, event management, hospitality operations, community engagement, and business development.
Through his work with Morgan Creek, Tom has contributed to strengthening the organization’s position as a destination for golf, tournaments, corporate events, and community activities. He brings valuable hospitality, tourism, business, and community perspectives to WCC’s External Advisory Board.
Mike Macleod — Member
Hospitality Leader & Industry Advocate
Mike Macleod is an experienced leader in the hospitality and tourism sector with deep roots in British Columbia’s service economy. His career spans front-line hospitality, tourism operations, senior sales and business development, and industry leadership across Canada and the United States.
He has worked with properties including the Westin Bayshore and Sun Peaks Grand Hotel & Conference Centre and has held leadership roles with the BC Hotel Association. His experience includes member relations, business development, strategic partnerships, sponsorships, training programs, conferences, and industry initiatives.
Mike brings significant insight into hospitality workforce needs, employer engagement, industry partnerships, and career development.
Susan Papadionissiou — Member
Community & Policy Leader
Susan Papadionissiou has been active in regional community development and social policy initiatives throughout the Lower Mainland, including work related to homelessness, early childhood development, and family supports.
Her experience includes leadership and coordination with The Children’s Partnership of Surrey–White Rock and involvement with the South Asian Early Childhood Development Task Group. Her work bridges community planning, research, advocacy, and multi-sector collaboration to improve outcomes for families and communities.
Dylan Van Rooyen — Member
Community Investment Leader & Public-Service Professional
Dylan Van Rooyen is a community investment leader and public-service professional with 15 years of experience as a full-time member of the Surrey Fire Service. As Senior Manager of the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society, he oversees a significant community portfolio supporting programs related to food security, children and youth, education, health access, and emergency family support.
His experience includes strategic planning, donor relations, major events, financial stewardship, community partnerships, and sustainable funding initiatives. Dylan has also served on community boards supporting children, youth, and community safety and has received several provincial and national honours for his contributions.