Allan De Genova, Director & President
Allan is a real estate project marketer and was a Vancouver Park Commissioner from 1993 – 2008.
During his Park Board tenure he was involved with the creation of the Italian Garden at Hastings Park, the refurbishment of Victory Square Park and Cenotaph and served the Board on many projects and committees, including Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Hastings Park Working Committee, and Capital Plan strategy to redevelop Sunset Community Centre and most recently, the renovation and revitalization of Nat Bailey Baseball Stadium.
Allan is a member of the Vancouver Chinatown Merchants’ Association, a Director for the Vancouver Resource Society for People with Disabilities and he is currently an Honorary Lieutenant Colonel with 5th Field Artillery Regiment, Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery.
Bronwyn Barter, Director
Bronwyn is a Labour negotiator with CUPE National, bringing her extensive experience and expertise to the table. Having recently retired from the BC Emergency Health Services as a Chief Paramedic, Bronwyn served throughout BC for 28 years.
Throughout her career, Bronwyn held various leadership positions, including Provincial President of the Ambulance Paramedics and Emergency Dispatchers of BC. Prior to that, she served as the Provincial Vice President for a decade, tirelessly advocating for BC Paramedics and Paramedic Dispatchers and specializing in Labour Relations, Government relations and negotiations.
Bronwyn’s journey in the field began in 1995 when she joined the BC Ambulance Service as a Paramedic. Over the years, she had the privilege of working in different locations, including Kaslo, Trail, Victoria, Vancouver, Osoyoos, and Nelson, both as a Paramedic and Chief Paramedic.
Her contributions to the field have been significant, playing a crucial role in implementing positive changes for Paramedics and Emergency personnel. Bronwyn led initiatives such as the Right to Know legislation, presumptive WSBC legislation, and the BC Community Paramedic program, which has now been successfully implemented throughout BC.
Outside of her professional life, Bronwyn is enjoying the outdoors engaged in water sports , soccer or skiing. She also takes great pride in her daughter, Charlee. Bronwyn’s passion for Honour House is deeply rooted in her recognition of the dedication and passion displayed by all emergency personnel and the various services they provide. She is committed to giving back to the community and supporting those who serve.
Melissa De Genova, Director, Secretary & Fund Raising Chair
In her professional life, Melissa is the Director of Development for the Vancouver Resource Society, a non-profit organization, where she leads initiatives to secure accessible housing for persons with disabilities. She also owns a marketing and event production company.
Melissa holds a degree from Simon Fraser University in political science and has in the past worked in communications and senior management roles for many companies and organizations in both non-profit and private sectors.
As the wife of a Vancouver Police Officer and former Royal Canadian Navy member, Melissa brings a fresh perspective to the Honour House Board. She lives in Vancouver with her husband Blair and daughter Lili.
Tim Armstrong, Director,
Tim Armstrong is a 30 year veteran of the fire service. He was over 28 years serving with Vancouver Fire & Rescue services when he left at the rank of Deputy Chief Special Operations to assume the role of Fire Chief with New Westminster Fire & Rescue, until his recent retirement. Tim has spent most of his career focused on training and advancing specialty skill sets within the fire service. He is currently the President and Chair of the Greater Vancouver Fire Chiefs Association.
He currently sits on a number of regional committees working to enhance public safety and interoperability within the region and across Canada.
Tim has embraced Honour House and its concept of giving back to members of the military and first responders as well as their families in their time of need. He looks forward to working with the board and to educate and heighten awareness with his peers and the community to support this home and all it stands for.
Teresa Sutherland, Director
Teresa Sutherland is Principal at Amacon, one of Canada’s most influential real estate development and construction firms. She is a Graduate of Simon Fraser University and has worked for 24 years in the family business. Teresa served on the board of the Vancouver International Children’s Festival from 2013-16, she has been a member of the St Thomas Aquinas Regional Education Committee since 2013 and chair for the their Development Committee since 2014. She is also the Amacon family representative responsible for managing the Vancouver Christmas Tree Event each year in the city and oversees the disbursement of funds to Amacon’s chosen charities since 2010.
Jeannie Yee, Director
Jeannie Yee joined Honour House in 2016 and has been involved in the marketing and fundraising areas. She was a member of the Vancouver Police Department, becoming the first female Chinese Canadian police officer in Canada. Besides various operational duties, Jeannie had management responsibilities in Human Resources, Training and Recruiting, and was the Executive Officer in the Chief Constable’s Office. She has been the recipient of a variety of awards including three Chief Constable’s Commendations. Jeannie retired at the rank of Inspector in 2018.
Jeannie has a Bachelor of Recreation Education from the University of British Columbia and an Emergency Management Certificate from the Justice Institute of British Columbia.
Jeannie enjoys volunteering and is always looking for different opportunities to do so. Besides Honour House, she has volunteered for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Vancouver Sun Run, Rugby World 7’s and many dragonboating events.
Stephen Welscher, Director
Stephen entered the financial services industry in 2004. With graduate business degrees he brings a solid financial background to the table and serves his clients with a holistic approach in the spirit of family values, life enjoyment, trust and good fellowship.
Stephen and his team specialise in life and health insurance, group benefit plans and investment vehicles for incorporated business owners and professionals. Stephen is a qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the Premier Association of Financial Professionals®. He holds two MBA degrees from universities in both Germany and Singapore.
Over the decades Stephen has volunteered with the St John Ambulance Brigade, Young Men’s Adventure Weekend Society and currently serves on the board as Vice President of the Vancouver Executives Association. While a proud Canadian, Stephen grew up in a multi cultural environment, having lived in Europe, South America, South East Asia and North America. He is fluent in German, is conversational in Portuguese and gets by with Spanish and French. Stephen identifies himself as a true Vancouverite and lives on the North Shore with his wife Lisa and their three adopted dogs, two of which have become outstanding hunting companions. The couple enjoys the outdoors, boating, scuba and love to travel.
Cory Kent, Director
Cory Kent is the office management partner of the Vancouver office of McMillan LLP, and practices in the area of business law.
He graduated from Carleton University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1990, and from the University of British Columbia with a Law degree in 1995.
Cory spent 20 years as a member of the Canadian Naval Reserve, first as a Naval Signalmen, and subsequently as a MARS Officer, serving in ships and shore establishments on both coasts, and in reserve units in Ottawa and Vancouver. Cory retired from the Naval Reserve in 2008 as a Lt(N).
He has been a director on the board of directors of a number of public and private companies, and actively involved in the public capital markets as an officer or director for the past 25 years.
Chuck Puchmayr, Director
Chuck Puchmayr is a retired New Westminster City Councillor and a retired Member of The Legislative Assembly of BC. He is currently the President of the Lookout Housing and Health Society and founder of A Beef With Hunger Society.
Chuck has been the recipient of several awards which include the 2008 New Westminster Citizen of the Year, the 2013 Queens Jubilee Medal, the 2016 New Westminster and District Labour Council Community Service Award, and the Indians Abroad for Pluralist India, medal of courage.
