Meet Your 2026 Board of Directors Election Candidates
We have now verified the nominations and are pleased to inform you that ten (10) candidates will stand for the four (4) open seats in the 2026 Board of Directors election. We sincerely thank all of the nominees for stepping up to contribute their time and experience in service of the Society’s public interest mandate.
Candidates
Please click on the names of the candidates below, listed in alphabetical order, to review their respective statements.
Andrea Banks
Commissioned June 7, 2017
Place of Practice – Vancouver, BC
I am seeking re-election to the Board of Directors of the Society of Notaries Public of British Columbia. These are consequential years for our profession, and I would be honoured to continue serving you as we prepare for the transition to Legal Professions BC.
I came to the notarial profession after a career in corporate management in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. I hold an MBA, a Master of Arts in Applied Legal Studies from Simon Fraser University, and the CPA designation. Since being commissioned as a Notary Public in 2017, I have run my own practice in downtown Vancouver so I understand firsthand the demands of serving clients while meeting our regulatory obligations.
Even before I joined the Board, I put my financial and governance experience to work as a member of the Finance Committee, helping to oversee the Society’s budget, reserves, and the costs of the single legal regulator initiative. As a Board member, I continue to serve on the Finance Committee, along with being Vice Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Discipline Committee.
If re-elected, my priorities will be careful stewardship of members’ dues and the Society’s funds, with transparent reporting on the Society’s financial position and protecting the public through fair and effective regulation.
We notaries have earned the trust of British Columbians through our integrity and reliability. My goal is to see that trust and the distinct value of our profession carried forward into the new regulatory framework.
I would be grateful for your vote.
Kathryn Johnson
Commissioned May 8, 2014
Place of Practice – Smithers, BC
I have had the privilege of serving as a Notary for just over twelve years. My office is in beautiful Smithers, and my files come from across Northern BC — Hazelton, Burns Lake, Houston, Telkwa, Stewart, and communities all over the North. Many of the people I serve have no Notary closer than a few hours’ drive. That shapes how I practise: it is not an abstract commitment to access; it is the daily reality of the work.
My focus is real estate and wills, and estate planning — the moments in people’s lives where careful, patient service matters most.
Throughout my practice I have mentored new Notaries, and each summer I take on university and high school students so they can see what running a professional practice actually involves. I have done that for years while raising my family, before holding any Society committee role.
Outside the office, I have been an annual sponsor of the Bulkley Valley Health Foundation Gala and the Men’s Northern Open golf tournament — local events that fund health care and bring the region together.
I have always wanted to serve the Society, but until now, did not have the time to dedicate to it. With my children at school, that time has opened up.
I am standing because I want to contribute to the profession’s work — developing my knowledge of administrative law, and engaging with the transition to a single legal regulator as it unfolds. Northern BC has very few Notaries in comparison to the rest of the province. I would bring the Board the perspective of a rural practitioner: what it takes to serve communities at a distance, and what those communities need from the Society.
linda caisley
Commissioned May 1, 2008
Place of Practice – Kelowna, BC
I have been a BC Notary since 2008 and have worked in the legal services industry for more than 40 years. I am a founding member of The Notary Group and have previously served on the Board of the Society of Notaries Public of BC.
Access to justice has been an important focus of my practice. I have worked to find practical ways of providing legal services to people in smaller BC communities where few, or sometimes no, local legal service providers are available. I believe geography should not determine whether someone can obtain competent legal assistance, and that technology and innovative service delivery can help close those gaps while maintaining appropriate professional standards and public protection.
I helped establish TNG Legal Services MDP, an innovative multidisciplinary practice that brought BC Notaries and lawyers together in a single practice. It was a challenging experiment that gave me first-hand experience with the practical realities of the two professions working together and navigating very different regulatory frameworks. That experience is particularly relevant as the professions move toward a single regulator. I also co-authored a book on acting as an attorney under a power of attorney.
I believe effective professional regulation requires transparency, accountability, consistency and fairness. Rules should be clear. Decisions should be evidence-based and capable of being explained. Good governance requires Directors who come prepared, ask difficult questions, respectfully challenge assumptions and consider the practical consequences of the decisions being made.
I have never been reluctant to ask questions or express a different point of view. I believe respectful disagreement is part of good governance, while keeping the Board’s responsibility to protect the public firmly in view.
I bring extensive practical experience, independence, curiosity and a willingness to do the work.
Michael Chang
Commissioned May 5, 2011 (currently non-practising)
Place of Practice – Vancouver, BC
I am a Notary Public in Vancouver with more than 10 years of experience in the profession. Prior to my commission as a notary, I worked in the financial industry. My educational background includes graduating from the University of British Columbia with a focus on Political Science and Asian Area Studies, as well as graduating from Simon Fraser University with a Master of Applied Legal Studies. Beyond my professional practice, I am deeply involved in community service. My volunteer experience includes serving on local school committees and serving as a past Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Chair. Additionally, I have a history of volunteering with youth organizations and currently volunteer for several youth groups.
Michelle Broughton
Commissioned May 3, 2007
Place of Practice – Maple Ridge, BC
I am seeking re-election to the Board of Directors of the Society of Notaries Public of BC for 2026-2028.
I was commissioned as a BC Notary in 2007 and have been on the Board since 2022. During that time, I have worked with the Society as a Director, Chair of the Membership and Admissions Committee, Chair of the Audit Committee, and sat on the Discipline Committee and various ad-hoc committees. For the past three years, I have been an instructor with the Notary Education Program for the Business and Practice Management course. My eighteen years as a member of the Rotary Club of Haney, include serving as President, Secretary, and International Chair. I have a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University.
These experiences have given me a strong understanding of the responsibilities of leadership, collaboration, governance, fiscal management, professional discipline, education, and our responsibility to protect the public while supporting our members.
The transition to a single legal regulator under the Legal Professions Act is a major change, with the added challenge of incorporating the unique characteristics of BC Notaries within the new regulatory framework. This year is the 100th anniversary of the Society and is an opportunity to highlight the Society’s long history of ensuring that BC Notaries provide trusted legal services to the public.
During the past nineteen years as a Notary Public, I have been committed to going above and beyond for my clients to make sure things are done right, and I welcome the opportunity to continue to provide the same level of commitment in my role as a Board member.
Thank you for your consideration.
Odina skovgaard
Commissioned May 3, 2012
Place of Practice – Westbank, BC
My name is Odina Skovgaard and I was commissioned as a Notary Public in 2012 after completing the MA ALS program. I opened my practice in Peachland in 2012 and moved to Westbank in 2020. Since 2013 I have had the opportunity to work with many committees within the Society– namely the Education Committee, the Membership & Credentials Committee, the Audit Committee and the Information & Privacy Committee. In the past I have had the opportunity to present at the Notary Spring Conference. I am an active mentor with the Society.
I now wish to serve as a member of the Board of Directors so I can continue to have an impactful role in the governance of the Society.
ROSALYN MOW
Commissioned May 2, 2013
Place of Practice – Vancouver, BC
Rosalyn was commissioned in 2013 and is a practicing notary in Vancouver. She has had the honor to serve on the Board of Directors for the Society of Notaries Public for the past 2 years, sitting on the following committees: Membership & Admissions, Legislation, Bylaws and Rules, Finance and Discipline. With the anticipated amalgamation under the Legal Professions Act there has been much interest and uncertainty. As a Director, she sees the importance of being best equipped and prepared for what is inevitable. Only then can we move forward knowing we have obtained the best outcome, without regrets, while protecting the public’s interest.
Outside of the office, Rosalyn is passionate about health and fitness and has a Bachelor of Nutritional Sciences from the University of British Columbia. She is the BC representative for Pole Sports under the Canadian Pole Sports Federation, petitioning for pole sports to join the Olympics. She is a certified pole fitness instructor, coach and judge and has taught in person workshops across Canada. She is a mother to 2 young children. She has pride in being a BC Notary Public and hopes this will become a multi-generational career.
ROXANA ROOHANI
Commissioned June 8, 2016
Place of Practice – North Vancouver, BC
For the past ten years I have served clients as a notary in North Vancouver practicing alongside my mother, whose more than 30 years in the profession first inspired me to follow this path. Before becoming a notary, I spent close to a decade in retail banking. Both experiences taught me how much trust people place in regulated professionals, particularly when making important decisions about their families, homes, and finances.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Legal Studies. My studies strengthened my commitment to fair, principled decision-making. I have also served on various committees at the Vancouver Club for the past five years, gaining practical experience in thoughtful, collaborative governance.
The Society is approaching a significant transition with the Legal Professions Act. I would bring a working notary’s perspective to the board, along with a commitment to careful oversight, sound judgment, and the public interest. I understand the responsibility that comes with serving as a director, including the need to give difficult decisions the time and attention they deserve.
It would be a privilege to contribute to the Society and support our profession through this important chapter.
Vicki van as
Commissioned June 8, 2016
Place of Practice – Ladner & Osoyoos, BC
It has been an honour to serve the public as a Notary for the past ten years and, since 2022, to serve on the Society’s Board, including as Chair. I am grateful for the opportunity to seek another term of service.
I graduated from Simon Fraser University’s MAALS program in 2016, following an MBA from the Edinburgh School of Business and more than 20 years of experience in marketing, sales, project management and organizational change. I also served on the Board of The People’s Law School from 2016 to 2021, gaining valuable experience with an organization dedicated to serving the public.
As Chair, I have seen firsthand the importance of strong governance, thoughtful oversight and sound decision-making in fulfilling the Society’s public interest mandate. The Board’s responsibility is to ensure that the Society remains focused on protecting the public through effective education, professional standards, discipline and regulation.
Our profession is entering a significant period of change with the transition to the new regulatory framework under the Legal Professions Act, which will bring notaries, lawyers, and paralegals under a single regulator. My previous experience in organizational change management has given me a practical understanding of the importance of deliberate planning, clear communication, adaptability and accountability during periods of transition. I believe these skills will be valuable as the Board navigates this change while maintaining its focus on the Society’s public interest responsibilities.
As the Society approaches its 100th anniversary on November 2, 2026, I am proud to be part of a profession with a long history of serving the public. I remain committed to excellence in education, professional standards, discipline and regulation, and to the integrity, accountability and public confidence that underpin our profession.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
yvonne whiting
Commissioned June 7, 2017
Place of Practice – Summerland, BC
I am seeking the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors because I strongly believe in the important role BC Notaries play in protecting the public and maintaining confidence in our profession.
As a Notary for more than nine years, I have developed a deep appreciation for the responsibility that comes with acting in a legal capacity. My recent experience during the evacuation of Summerland, where I live and work, reinforced this belief. During a time when our entire community was displaced and faced significant uncertainty and disruption, our team continued to be relied upon for guidance, to complete important legal transactions, and to help keep essential services functioning.
That experience also highlighted something I believe is fundamental to our profession: public trust is not built by any one Notary. Rather, it is built collectively through the consistent professionalism, integrity, competence, and adherence to the standards and regulations expected of every Notary.
I would bring to the Board practical experience, a strong commitment to professional standards, and a clear understanding of the responsibility that comes with serving the public. I would approach the role thoughtfully and collaboratively, with a focus on the Society’s public interest mandate and the continued integrity and trust of the profession.
We encourage all members to take some time to review these statements in advance of voting and carefully consider each candidate’s qualifications and experience in your decision. You may also access any disciplinary history on our website, here.
Voting
The election will open on October 13, 2026 and close on October 26, 2026. Members will receive an email directly from Simply Voting with instructions on how to cast your ballot.
The results will be announced at the Society’s Annual General Meeting on November 2, 2026, and published thereafter.
Your participation is an important part of shaping the Society’s future, and we appreciate your thoughtful engagement throughout the election.