Meet the BEST team

Our team is united by a shared commitment to creating sustainable, vibrant, and livable communities. Together, we work to make sustainable transportation an easy, accessible, and enjoyable choice for everyone.

SEE OPEN ROLES

Our Board of Directors

  • A young man with medium-length blond hair, smiling, wearing a red and blue checkered shirt, against a plain light gray background.

    Tylor Sherman

    Board Co-chair

    Tylor is a creative technologist and co-founder of Denim & Steel, blending engineering and design to create innovative solutions. He’s a music lover who enjoys city walks with his dog, Sophie, and his favorite playlist.

  • A woman with long hair, glasses, and a beige trench coat smiling outdoors on a rooftop with city buildings and a cloudy sky in the background.

    Nina Maravic

    Board Co-chair

    Nina brings over 10 years of project management experience to BEST. She’s passionate about promoting sustainable transportation and livable communities. In her free time, she loves nature, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

  • A smiling man in a black jacket standing near a body of water during sunset with mountains in the background.

    Gary Cooke

    Treasurer

    Gary, a Systems and Safety Assurance Engineer from Ireland, works on major rail transit projects like the Broadway Subway and Surrey Langley SkyTrain extensions. He previously served on the board of an intercultural learning charity in Ireland. After six years in Greater Vancouver, he’s excited to support BEST’s mission with his volunteer and professional experience. In his free time, he enjoys camping, hiking, skiing, and kayaking year-round.

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    Vanja Bartula

    Member at Large

    Vanja’s appreciation for public transit and cycling stems from her efforts to reduce her carbon footprint. She’s passionate about environmental sustainability and enjoys weightlifting, hiking, and cycling in her free time.

  • A woman with short dark hair wearing a white top, a silver necklace, and pink lipstick, smiling at the camera indoors.

    Pomponia Martinez

    Member at Large

    Pomponia supports clean energy in transportation and commutes by EV. She teaches business and HR and brings systems management expertise to BEST. She’s dedicated to fostering environmentally sound solutions.

  • A woman with long brown hair smiling, sitting indoors in front of a bookshelf filled with books.

    Jeannie Furmanek

    Member at Large

    With over 10 years of experience at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, Jeannie is dedicated to supporting seniors and championing transportation equity. She is passionate about fostering inclusive communities and creating programs that reflect the diverse needs of residents.

  • A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and a tan coat standing outdoors near a body of water, with buildings and trees in the background on a cloudy day.

    Cathy Yan

    Member at Large

    Cathy is a PhD Candidate at UBC in the Genome Science and Technology program. Her research focuses on how profiling the molecular characteristics of cancer cells can improve treatment options for patients. Outside of the lab, she is a climate organizer focusing on policy issues local to Richmond, BC.

  • Paul Riley

    Member at Large

    Paul is an operations leader in the not-for-profit sector who believes in the power of community-driven change. As a board member, he brings a focus on connection, equity, and practical leadership. Paul sees active transportation as a way to honor reciprocity with the land while building sustainable communities.

Our Team

  • Laura Jane

    Executive Director

    Laura has spent over a decade championing healthier, more sustainable ways for people to move around. Prior to joining BEST, she spent four years leading active transportation programs for the City of Vancouver, where she launched numerous new initiatives including its School Streets Program. She also worked for a combined seven years at HUB Cycling, including as Executive Director. Laura is passionate about building vibrant and inclusive communities.

  • Farinaz Rikhtehgaran

    Director of Programs

    Farinaz has a strong background in Gerontology and Urban Planning and Design, with over four years of experience in seniors' transportation and mobility, built environment accessibility, and aging in place, working with non-profits and academic institutions. She also has international experience as an urban planner with consulting companies.

  • Alex Mehta

    Bike Valet Program Manager

    Bringing over a decade of experience in logistics and project management and a Bachelor of Science and diplomas in Operations Management and Agile Development from BCIT, Alex excels at streamlining processes and optimizing operations. Outside of work, he enjoys biking, hiking, and spending time with his family.

  • Cesar Martinez

    Business Development Coordinator

    Cesar’s passions lie in entrepreneurship, marketing, sports, and community impact. He combines his expertise in sales and consumer behavior with a love for fostering community engagement through sports. His work with start-ups has fueled his drive to create positive change, and at BEST, Cesar aims to make BC more accessible and inclusive.

  • Reid Valaitis

    Program and Communications Coordinator

    Reid is a passionate advocate for active transportation who believes everyone should be able to navigate their community safely and conveniently without a car. He has five years of digital media experience and a background in urban planning focused on sustainable transportation. Outside work, he enjoys surfing, biking around Metro Vancouver, and cheering for a hockey team that disappoints him every year.

  • David Minic

    Active Transportation Coordinator

    David is a passionate cyclist and proud Vancouverite with a vision for livable, sustainable communities where everyone can thrive. He’s a firm believer in active transportation as a path to cleaner air, less traffic, and healthier, happier lives. On his down time, you’ll find David exploring new trails, reading by the beach, or whipping up creative dishes in the kitchen.