Board of Directors

“Darren’s career has been shaped by his core values of fairness and family, guiding him through more than two decades in co-operative and sustainable banking in several risk and finance roles. Since 1997, he has held various leadership roles in finance and organizational development, bringing a deep commitment to both financial stewardship and fostering positive workplace cultures.

Throughout his career, Darren has excelled at balancing big-picture strategy with the intricate details necessary for organizational success. Known for his leadership, Darren’s approach combines clear communication and thoughtful guidance, ensuring that both organizational growth and member benefits are prioritized. He has a strong track record in mentoring and coaching, helping to develop engaged, empowered teams that are critical to the success of the organizations he serves.

Darren has held a variety of roles in areas such as asset liability management, budget development, performance reporting, and regulatory compliance. His broad experience has allowed him to contribute to sustainable financial practices while emphasizing the importance of people-centreed leadership and flexibility.

As a Board Director of the Phoenix Society since 2016 and current Board President, Darren brings his expertise in organizational strategy and his passion for community impact. His approach is grounded in compassion and a commitment to social justice, which aligns perfectly with Phoenix’s mission to support vulnerable populations. Darren is deeply committed to fostering environments where individuals feel supported, respected, and empowered.”

Nancy Gordon is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the Medical Technology Industry. Her leadership journey is driven by a deep sense of compassion, as she leads a dedicated team of sales professionals and product engineers in her current role as Director of Sales for Canada for Optos Canada Inc. Nancy’s extensive management expertise spans negotiation, marketing, and human resources, all grounded in her unwavering focus on execution and delivering meaningful results for all involved.

Her heart has always been devoted to community service, and Nancy has long been an active member of her local community. She served for many years on the Board of Little House Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Society in South Delta, where she worked passionately to support individuals navigating their recovery journey. When Little House merged with Phoenix Society in May 2021, Nancy wanted to ensure the continuity of their vital programming and education that so richly serve the community. With this purpose in mind, she was honored to join Phoenix Society Board of Directors, where she currently serves as Vice-Chair. Nancy is proud to be part of an organization that is deeply committed to uplifting individuals and families through recovery, healing, and transformation.

Nancy’s passion for helping those affected by addiction extends far beyond her work with Phoenix. As a Group Chairperson and the BC Regional Representative for NarAnon, Nancy brings her heart and expertise to those touched by addiction. Her dedication to these communities is grounded in her belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive with the right support.

A long-time resident of South Delta, Nancy finds inspiration in the beauty of the land and the peace it brings to her soul. Outside of her work, she enjoys the simple joys of life—spending time in nature, traveling, and sharing treasured moments with her husband and two grown children. For Nancy, family is the foundation of her strength, and their unwavering love and support continue to fuel her personal and professional journey.

With every step she takes, Nancy exemplifies what it means to serve with kindness, dedication, and compassion. Her work with Phoenix Society and beyond is a testament to her belief that together, we can build a more compassionate world, one person, one recovery, and one community at a time.

With a heart deeply committed to uplifting communities, Elain Duvall has dedicated her career to creating safe, supportive spaces where people can thrive. With a profound sense of purpose, Elain has devoted her work to the development of non-profit and co-operative housing, always with the intention of serving those who are often marginalized or overlooked. Her journey began with Columbia Housing Advisory, where she poured her passion and energy into the development of affordable, co-operative housing for 10 years, culminating in her role as Executive Director.

Her steadfast dedication to community-building continued as she transitioned to the public sector, serving in the City of Vancouver’s Housing Centre, where she worked tirelessly to ensure that the most vulnerable in her community had access to safe, dignified homes. Elain’s role as Development Manager at Progressive Homes Ltd. allowed her to continue her mission to build homes that would empower and support service recipients in meaningful, transformative ways.

During this period, Elain also co-authored a groundbreaking report for the Province of British Columbia after conducting extensive consultations throughout the province. This report, filled with compassionate insights and actionable recommendations, sought to address the affordable housing challenges of the time and remains an important contribution to ongoing efforts toward equity, justice, and healing in the housing sector.

Elain’s connection with Phoenix Society grew when she served as a development consultant for the Phoenix Centre, where she was touched by the deeply compassionate work being done to help service recipients on their journeys of healing and transformation. Inspired by the mission of Phoenix, Elain joined the Board of Directors in 2016, bringing her rich experience and knowledge in housing development and community advocacy to an organization that aligns with her core values of empathy, kindness, and social justice.

In addition to her work with Phoenix, Elain has had the honor of serving 10 years on the Board of Vancity, including three years as Board Chair, where she provided thoughtful, compassionate leadership to guide the credit union in its mission to support communities with care and integrity. She also served as a Governor for the Real Estate Foundation for nine years and has been a member of the Board of Directors for PavCo, a crown corporation. Her governance experience in these roles reflects her deep commitment to building systems of care that nurture and uplift communities and service recipients alike.

As the Board Treasurer for Phoenix Society, Elain continues to serve with compassion, integrity, and a vision of hope, empowerment, and healing for all those who come to Phoenix seeking support. Her work, fueled by a spirit of generosity and shared responsibility, makes a lasting impact, creating spaces where service recipients can find dignity, connection, and the resources they need to heal and thrive.

Elain’s journey is one of service, dedication, and compassion. She is guided by a profound respect for the land, the Indigenous communities who have cared for it for millennia, and the people Phoenix serves. Through her work, she continues to make the world a kinder, more just place, where all people, especially the most vulnerable, can heal, grow, and succeed.

With a heart full of purpose and a spirit dedicated to creating positive change, Jag Gill brings over 26 years of experience in the financial services industry to his role as Regional Manager, Community Business & Investment at VanCity Savings Credit Union. Through his work, Jag has come to understand how financial institutions can be a powerful force for good, nurturing communities and fostering prosperity. His deep belief in this potential infuses his efforts on Phoenix Society Board, where he has served since 2016, sharing his expertise to help the organization continue its transformative work.

Jag is especially passionate about building strong, compassionate teams, cultivating environments of care, respect, and understanding where people feel seen, heard, and valued. He embraces the Phoenix Society’s commitment to supporting service recipients, ensuring they have the tools and support they need to thrive and rise above the challenges they face. His approach is deeply rooted in empathy, inspired by the understanding that everyone deserves a place of belonging and the opportunity to heal.

Jag’s connection to Phoenix Society is personal, born out of his own experiences and his desire to make a difference in the lives of those who have been touched by addiction. Having witnessed firsthand the pain and destruction that addiction can bring, he is motivated to be part of the solution, contributing his experiences to create a path of healing and hope for others. This desire to give back and support individuals and families in need drives his work on the board and fuels his commitment to Phoenix’s mission of empowerment and transformation.

Beyond his professional life, Jag feels deeply connected to his family and his community. A proud resident of Coquitlam, he cherishes moments spent outdoors with his wife and two children, finding peace and balance in the natural world. Whether spending time in nature or working towards positive change, Jag strives to live a life grounded in compassion, respect, and service to others. His journey is one of continuous growth, and through his work with the Phoenix Society, he is committed to supporting the healing and empowerment of service recipients, helping to create a world where every individual is uplifted and supported.

Jag’s work is not just about business or leadership – it is about weaving a tapestry of care, connection, and meaningful change that touches the hearts of all who cross his path. His efforts embody the spirit of unity, understanding, and love, ever committed to making the world a better place for those who need it most.

Adrienne Robbins is a passionate and visionary leader with over 18 years of experience in the technology sector, where she has built a successful career centreed around innovation, collaboration, and people-first approaches. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Data Elephant, a consulting firm specializing in helping Canadian organizations better leverage data for innovation and decision making, Adrienne brings a deeply human perspective to modern technology. She is driven by a mission to simplify complex data challenges, providing customized solutions that align with her client’s industry, culture, and team.

Adrienne’s career journey has spanned a range of industries, including oil and gas, government, mining, retail, high tech, and telecommunications. Throughout her career, she has been committed to creating trust-based partnerships, empowering organizations to evolve, transform, and thrive in an ever-changing digital landscape. Her work has taken her across Canada and the U.S., where she has collaborated with both start-ups and large global enterprises at the executive level to drive impactful business change.

Prior to founding Data Elephant, Adrienne held leadership roles at Xerris (acquired by Accolite Digital) and Slalom, leading sales, client relationships, marketing, HR, and operations team through growth, and acquisitions. Her ability to build and nurture strong relationships while leading business development and strategic initiatives has been a hallmark of her success.

Beyond her professional expertise, Adrienne’s heart lies in giving back to the community. As a current Board Director of Phoenix Society, she brings a wealth of experience in leadership and business transformation while championing the values of compassion, inclusivity, and social impact. Adrienne is deeply committed to supporting underserved communities, and her role with Phoenix allows her to contribute to the organization’s mission of helping individuals achieve healing, growth, and empowerment.

Adrienne’s approach to leadership is grounded in empathy, integrity, and a sincere desire to make a positive difference. Her work reflects her core belief that technology should serve people, and she is passionate about helping organizations create lasting change while fostering inclusive, supportive environments for both service recipients and employees alike.