Speakers

Mary Lou Newbold started working in the optometry profession in 1987 with Dr. Stephen Taylor as a part time receptionist. Over 30 years later, Mary Lou oversees a staff of 15 and shares ownership in “the leading eye care" business in Victoria.  At Mayfair Optometric Clinic, Mary Lou is responsible for finance, marketing including social media strategy, human resources, community engagement and patient experience.
As an alumna of Royal Roads University with graduate certificates in Leadership & Management as well as Values Based Leadership, Mary Lou makes continued learning a high priority.  Co-op students from Camosun College and the UVIC Gustavson School of Business have completed work terms under her direction, and Mayfair Optometric Clinic as an organization has mentored many optometry and optical students as well as learners interested in other areas of business over the years.

She has lectured for Pacific University Island Eyes conference in Hawaii several times and enjoys teaching topics such as leadership, social media and professional business management.

Outside the office, Mary Lou is a strong supporter of community engagement, and is heavily involved with the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, and the Victoria Chamber of Commerce.  Mary Lou is the current President of Think Local First Society, and is an Ambassador on the Member Engagement Committee with the Victoria Chamber.  She was named Chamber Member of the year for 2022.

Past achievements include Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9SlZHNpAGo
BC Section Coach of the Year (Figure Skating), 3 X Times Colonist Readers Choice Award, Business of the Year (11 – 25 Employees) Victoria Chamber of Commerce, and Top 3 Finishes in Victoria Best of the City Awards, Best EyeGlass Shop, and Best Eye Care!

Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy argues that "power posing" -- standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don't feel confident -- can boost feelings of confidence, and might have an impact on our chances for success.

Ian joined Police Victim Services BC, as Executive Director in May 2019, with a focus on establishing relationships, professional and organizational development and prosperity for the organization and sector. Prior to PVSBC, he was Principal, IPB Consulting, providing essential advice to free enterprise and NFP sector organizations built on enduring relationships, trust and transparency.  Ian’s career with the Provincial Government included executive roles in human resource management and employee relations, law enforcement, public gaming and aboriginal relations including treaty negotiations.  His leadership expertise spans business, governance, philanthropy, homelessness, affordable housing and major sport events. His current community involvement includes Co Chair of the Advisory Cabinet and Event Chair of Hungry Hearts with the Our Place Society, member of 100+ Men Who Care Victoria, and community events including anything to do with classic cars. Ian is married to Anne, they have 3 adult children who have blessed them with 8 grandchildren.

Jeff Bray grew up in Vancouver, B.C. After graduating from UBC, Bray embarked on a 13-year career with the BC Government. In 2001, Bray was elected the MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. For 8 years Jeff was the Manager of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Shaw in BC. Jeff is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. Jeff is Co-Chair for The Coalition to End Homelessness, President of the BC Business Improvement Association, on the International Downtown Association Canada leadership Council, Board Member of the International Downtown Association, Past President of the Former MLA Association of BC, former Vice-Chair of the Royal BC Museum Foundation

The Hawker Typhoon JP843 is being built at our facility in British Columbia with the goal of once again returning a Hawker Typhoon to the skies. The project is being constructed using surviving parts from Typhoon recoveries, factory drawings, and highly accurate reverse engineering practices to bring the aircraft back to its former glory. It is our goal to see JP843 fly with the mighty Napier Sabre engine, and we are investing heavily in our work to make this happen.

The restoration/rebuild of JP843 is the passion of all members involved, and our team of eleven highly experienced aerospace and design professionals are volunteering their time and expertise to see this through to flight. If you would like to help the project by making a donation, please select “donate” from the shop tab above, and you will be re-directed to a secure site.

 

Ian Slater, Project Lead, apprenticed as a Millwright/Machinist/Industrial Mechanic prior to joining the Canadian Air Force in 1997 as an Aircraft Structures Technician. He is a licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineer “S” (Structures) with experience in both civilian and military structures overhaul, repair and restoration. Ian has experience on 16 fixed and rotary wing aircraft types. During his service with the Canadian Air Force, Ian served with many units throughout Canada and the Middle East including 438 and 440 Squadrons, two of the three Canadian Wartime Typhoon units. Ian has been working towards the goal of an airworthy Typhoon since 1991.