As part of the AIBC’s transition to the Professional Governance Act (PGA), there were several changes to AIBC Council composition.
Under the PGA, Council is now leaner with a higher proportion of lay (public member) representation. There are seven elected Registrant Councillors, four Lieutenant Governor (LG) appointed Lay Councillors, and a non-voting Immediate Past President. Previously, Council consisted of 15 voting members: 10 elected Registrant Councillors, four LG appointed Lay Councillors, and an appointee from the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.
With these changes, three LG appointees and the UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture appointee have concluded their service on Council. The AIBC would like to thank them for their significant contributions and dedication to the governance of the AIBC, which has spanned over many years:
- John Bass
Seven years on AIBC Council as UBC School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture Appointee
- Barbara Brink
Six years on AIBC Council as Lieutenant Governor Appointee
- Michelle Rupp
Seven years on AIBC Council as Lieutenant Governor Appointee
- Ross Rettie
10 years on AIBC Council as Lieutenant Governor Appointee
The AIBC thanks you all for your exceptional service. We are delighted that several individuals will continue their volunteerism at the AIBC through different committees.
Welcome, New Lieutenant Governor Appointees
As mentioned, Council now has a higher proportion of public member representation, which is in alignment with PGA requirements and best governance practices. The AIBC would like to welcome three new Lieutenant Governor Appointees to Council:
John D. Crawford, FCPA, FCA, ICD.D, CFE, CA (Scotland)
John Crawford is a senior business leader with over 30 years of experience in the areas of corporate leadership, board governance, strategy, and financial systems. He is a distinguished Chartered Professional Accountant (Fellow) and was the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award for Chief Financial Officers.
He has held numerous executive officer positions, including as the former Chief Financial Officer and past President and Chief Executive Officer for Pacific Blue Cross. His responsibilities and oversight included leading initiatives to improve business processes, implementing major systems changes, long-term business strategies, governance, and maintaining relationships with stakeholders. He has also served as a board and committee member for a number of organizations in the health insurance sector.
In addition to his extensive financial education and certifications, John holds an Institute of Corporate Directors Designation (ICD.D) through the Rotman Directors Education Program. John was appointed as FCPA.
Dr. Michael Racich, DMD
Dr. Michael Racich has been practicing dentistry since 1982 in Greater Vancouver. He is a member of numerous professional organizations and has lectured on subjects relating to patient comfort, function and appearance. He has also published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, authored four books, and created online video webcasts. For over two decades, Dr. Racich has mentored clinical/didactic study clubs and has provided individual/team-based coaching where clinicians have honed their professional skillsets. He is the current President of the Pacific Coast Society for Prosthodontics.
Dr. Racich has participated with various Dental Associations and Colleges, such as his 2007-2020 tenure with the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia Inquiry Committee. Currently, he participates on the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC Investigation Committee and the Discipline Committee for the Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Dr. Racich is proud to be a public member on the Architectural Institute of BC Council and looks forward to serving the people of B.C. in this capacity.
Laura Wilson, Lawyer & Owner, Wilson Legal Services
Laura Wilson is a practising lawyer in British Columbia. She has a background in civil litigation and regulatory law, having practised at two downtown Vancouver litigation firms, followed by acting as in-house counsel for one of the largest professional regulatory bodies in B.C. This background gives her an informed and practical perspective on the needs and services she provides to her clients.
Laura was inspired to found Wilson Legal Services by her passion for legal research, writing, and analysis, combined with her observation of the needs of fellow legal practitioners for flexible and tailored legal support services.
Role of Councillors and Council
It is important to note that the role of Council in governing the AIBC has not changed, nor have the fiduciary duties of individual Lay or Registrant Councillors. Councillors are still responsible for ensuring the core mandate of protecting the public interest.
Under the PGA, Registrant Councillor terms are three years, with the maximum number of consecutive years that a Councillor can serve being six (unless also serving as a Council officer for a maximum of six years), while LG Appointed Lay Councillors serve a maximum of six years. More information about Council can be found on the AIBC website.
Again – a big thank you to the outgoing Council members, and welcome to our new Lieutenant Governor Appointees!