top of page

Staff

20250802_200644.jpg

Meet Your Coordinators!

Lorena & Ren are on a mission to bring people together through memorable events. As longtime New West residents, BCIT grads, and active community members, they channel their lived experiences as part of the LGBTQ+ and mixed-Indigenous communities into creating inclusive celebrations. Catch them volunteering around town or stop to say hello—they’re always eager to connect and collaborate!

Board of Directors

IMG_0795.JPG
Penny Cheng
President

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.

IMG_0782.JPG
Cathy Lawrence 
Past- President (2025)

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.

IMG_0234.JPG
Patricia Morales
Vice-President

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.

IMG_3421_edited.jpg
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.

August7th 5.jpg
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.

WhatsApp Image 2024-02-08 at 12.22.38_612383df.jpg
April Bredon
Director

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.

IMG_8392.JPEG
Catherine Hutson 
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.

IMG_5102.JPEG
Penny McIvor
Director

Penny McIvor has called New Westminster home since 1999, where she and her family are all active Hyack volunteers. A member and past President, Penny has been a cornerstone of the Hyack Festival Association for over 15 years, contributing to every facet of its events and operations. She formerly served as the organization's bookkeeper for seven years and continues to volunteer her expertise in office administration and payroll. Professionally, Penny runs her own successful bookkeeping business, specializing in small businesses and non-profits. Deeply community-minded and social, she believes in making her community a better place for everyone through networking and volunteering wherever she goes. Her motto is a simple reflection of her approach: Life is short—Live Large.

IMG_9928.JPEG
Eunice Michaud
Director

Eunice emigrated from Indonesia to study at Douglas College in 2014, instantly charmed by New Westminster’s riverside charm. Her community involvement led her to Hyack, where she volunteered as an Administrative Assistant, earning the Youth Volunteer of the Year award in 2020. After time away focused on her career and citizenship journey, she returned to New Westminster in 2025 and happily rejoined Hyack. As a Junior Bookkeeper, Eunice is furthering her studies in accounting and tax preparation, with a dream to offer these services back to the community. In her free time, she loves hiking, exploring local food spots, and taking stay-cations around the Lower Mainland.

20250701_101535.jpg
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.

bottom of page