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Board of Directors

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Cathy Lawrence 
President

Cathy's dedication to the Hyack Festival Association spans an impressive 40 years. She previously served on the Board of Directors from 1986-1988 and is excited to return as President in 2025 for her third term. Cathy believes in the importance of community involvement and supporting local events throughout New Westminster and the Lower Mainland. After a long career in Human Resources, you'll find Cathy welcoming guests at the Port of Vancouver Cruise Ship terminal during the summer.

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Penny Cheng
President Elect

Penny has been an active and dedicated member of the Hyack Festival Association since 1992. She's best known for her invaluable support with the Hyack float in both local and international parades. Penny immigrated to Vancouver from Hong Kong at age three, later settling in New Westminster, where she's lived for the past 20 years with her spouse, Korey Simard, and their three children. Outside her work as a Senior Tax Professional, she enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, and relaxing in the family RV.

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Debora Sutherland 
Past President (2024)

Deb has been a dedicated volunteer in her community for many years. She joined the Hyack Festival Association in 2010 as a Board member and rose to become President in 2024. During her time with Hyack, Deb also volunteered as a parade marshal and was a chaperone in the Ambassador Program. By profession, Deb is a Registered Nurse (RN), working as both a healthcare manager and a staff nurse. She and her husband, Paul Fuoco, raised their three sons in New Westminster; two still live in the city, and the third visits often. Deb loves New West's small-town feel, walkability, and vibrant events.

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Jackie Barber 
Treasurer

Jackie has called New Westminster home since 1992, where she and her husband, Kerry (a New Westminster native), raised their two children. Her commitment to the community is evident through years of volunteering, including 8 years as Treasurer for Royal City Hyack's Youth Football and as a founding Board member of the Vivo Children's Choir. With 30 years of experience as a bookkeeper, Jackie brings her extensive professional skills to ensure the Hyack Festival Association runs smoothly.

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April Bredon
Vice President

With 25 years of active volunteering, April has a strong background in community support and organizational leadership. Her past roles include Treasurer for the Tynehead Montessori Parent Advisory Committee and serving on the Board (and as President) for Eureka Camp Society. April's professional experience as General Manager for Valley Therapeutic Equestrian Association, where she focused on team building, volunteer recruitment, marketing, and fundraising, directly benefits her contributions to Hyack.

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Gloria Munro
Secretary

Gloria's commitment to the Hyack Association spans many years, including her time on the Board of Directors from 2009 to 2022. She's been particularly instrumental in the Parade Committee for over a decade, and has also contributed to various other event committees, such as Fireworks and Music Bingo. Outside of her volunteer roles, Gloria is a Chartered Professional Accountant, specializing in small business accounting and tax since 1983.

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Korey Simard 
Director

Born and raised in New Westminster, Korey's connection to Hyack runs deep. He started working on annual festival setup and tear-down events at a young age, then became a member of the Hyack Float Crew in 1993, eventually serving as the key Float Driver from 2006 to 2022. A proud New Westminster resident, Korey graduated from BCIT's Automotive Refinishing Technician program and obtained his Red Seal Certification. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, and taking his dog to the park.

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Catherine Hudson
Director

Thirty-five years ago, Catherine made the move to New Westminster, a decision she and her husband Jim consider one of their best. She served 32 years as a Case Manager with Veterans Affairs Canada, primarily in New Westminster. Catherine remains deeply involved in the community, currently serving as a Director with the Queens Park Resident’s Association and a Director with Heritage New West, including a role on the city’s Community Heritage Commission. She is passionate about New Westminster's community and encourages everyone to get involved and connect with their community.

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Patricia Morales
Director

Patricia Morales represents the Newcomer community of New Westminster. She holds a degree in Business Administration and brings more than 15 years of experience as a business advisor, supporting organizations in aligning their strategies with mission and vision, achieving goals, and fostering systematic continuous improvement across diverse business models. In 2021, she established her own corporation, providing a variety of services to homeowners and small businesses in New Westminster and throughout the Lower Mainland. Alongside her business career, she actively contributes to the Hyack Festival Association, helping to strengthen community engagement and inclusion.

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Lisa Falbo 
Director

Lisa moved to New Westminster in 2005, where she and her husband, Frank, have since raised their daughter. Her journey with Hyack began in 2016 as a committee member for the Hyack Ambassador Leadership Program, an experience she shared with her daughter, a former Hyack Princess. Lisa finds great joy in supporting the community through Hyack and other city events. Beyond Hyack, she volunteers as a coach for the Herbert Spencer PAC girls' basketball team. In her free time, Lisa loves hiking, enjoying local beaches, traveling, and exploring new foods.

Staff

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Penny McIvor 

Office Manager

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Lorena Browne

Events & Marketing Coordinator

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Ren Whitelaw

Events & Marketing Coordinator

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