Working together for the North Shore
Behind The Hollyburn Society is a team of people committed to helping our community find a way forward.
Our leadership team guides our programs, people and partnerships across youth services, senior and family services, survivor support, community housing, education and organizational operations.
Working alongside our staff, community partners and the people we serve, they help The Hollyburn Society respond to changing needs across the North Shore and build practical pathways toward safety, stability and opportunity.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Executive Director
Mark Friesen believes that the strongest communities are built when people work together with care, trust, and a shared sense of responsibility. For more than 20 years, he has worked in B.C.’s non-profit sector, bringing partners together to support communities and create meaningful, practical change.
Mark’s work has always been grounded in collaboration. He has led initiatives such as a Housing First Innovation Lab in Metro Vancouver and a regional partnership in the Okanagan, and has worked across sectors to turn ideas into action. As Executive Director of Columbia College, he launched the Institute for Equity and Advancement in Education in 2022, expanding access to education for newcomer youth and people with refugee backgrounds.
A key part of Mark’s leadership is his belief that organizations work best when they are guided by clear values and strong governance. During his time at Vantage Point, B.C.’s leading non-profit capacity builder, he supported boards and leaders to strengthen decision-making and accountability. Working with the Crown Agency Board Resourcing Office of B.C., he helped shift governance training toward approaches focused on the public interest.
Mark holds a Master’s degree in Urban Studies from Simon Fraser University, where his research explored governance at the city-region level and earned several academic awards. He has served on the City of Vancouver Election Task Force, chaired the Our Place Inner City Governance Committee, served on the board of the Ripple Coast Society, and currently serves as Board Chair of Vancouver Phoenix Gymnastics.
Mark lives in Vancouver with his wife and three children. When he’s not working, you’ll usually find him reading, swinging kettlebells, or enjoying a good cup of coffee.
Youth Services Director
Steve leads The Hollyburn Society’s Youth Services team, overseeing programs that support young people facing challenges with housing, education, employment and independence.
Through a range of services and opportunities, the Youth Services team works alongside young people to help them build skills, confidence, connections and pathways forward.
Senior & Family Services Manager
Veronica leads our Senior & Family Services, helping connect people with practical support, resources and housing assistance when they need it.
The team works alongside seniors and families experiencing or at risk of housing instability, helping people navigate challenges, maintain connections and remain part of the community they call home.
Survivor Services Program Manager
Sandra leads The Hollyburn Society’s Survivor Services, supporting a team that works alongside individuals and families affected by violence and abuse.
Our survivor services provide compassionate, community-based support while helping people navigate systems, access resources and take steps toward greater safety and stability.
Director of Housing & Real Estate
Joy leads The Hollyburn Society’s work in housing and real estate, helping strengthen and expand housing solutions for people across the North Shore.
Through community housing and partnerships, The Hollyburn Society works to create more pathways to safe, stable and affordable places to call home.
Finance Director
Jane leads the financial operations of The Hollyburn Society, supporting responsible stewardship of the resources entrusted to the organization.
Her role helps ensure our teams and programs have the strong financial foundation needed to continue serving the North Shore community today and into the future.
Education & Training Specialist
Lori supports education and training initiatives at The Hollyburn Society, helping create opportunities for people to develop practical skills, confidence and pathways toward employment and greater independence.
Leading Together
The challenges facing our community rarely have a single solution. That’s why collaboration is central to how we work.
Our leadership team works alongside staff, clients, community organizations, funders and other partners to strengthen existing services, identify emerging needs and find practical solutions together.
By combining expertise across services, housing, education and community partnerships, we can help people find the support that makes sense for their situation — and continue walking alongside them as they move forward.
Guided by Strong Governance
Our leadership team is accountable to a volunteer Board of Directors that provides governance, strategic oversight and stewardship for The Hollyburn Society.