Leadership Team
CHRISTIAN GRANEGGER - BOARD CHAIR
Christian brings more than 40 years of international leadership experience, working with organizations ranging from innovative start-ups to global multinational corporations. He holds a degree in Telecommunications Engineering and has built a distinguished career spanning technical engineering, business development, executive management, and corporate leadership. The first 33 years of his career were with Siemens AG, one of Germany’s largest technology companies. During this time, he held a variety of technical and management positions and completed long-term international assignments in countries including India, the Philippines, and Egypt, gaining extensive experience in multicultural leadership and complex business environments. He further broadened his strategic management expertise through a high-impact assignment with McKinsey & Company in Denmark, where he contributed to organizational transformation and business consulting initiatives. Prior to immigrating to Canada in 2012, Christian spent 11 years in Dubai, serving in senior regional leadership positions with Siemens and Nokia, where he directed sales operations across the Middle East. He was subsequently appointed Managing Director of the newly established regional office for Trovicor, overseeing business development and organizational growth. He later became a co-founder and partner of Ytrail AG, a Swiss-based software development company specializing in innovative digital solutions. Today, Christian and his family reside in Oak Bay, British Columbia. In addition to his professional career, he is actively engaged in the non-profit sector and currently serves as Chair of Seniors Serving Seniors Association of BC, where he is committed to strengthening governance, fostering innovation, and enhancing services that improve the lives of older adults. His wife leads an international social development consulting firm from their home in Oak Bay.
GWEN GADDES - PAST CHAIR
Gwen has 45 years of experience in clinical nursing in a variety of settings including acute care medical-surgical units, clinical teaching with Camosun College nursing students in acute care, rehab and geriatric units and community-based health care delivery as a home care nurse, intake nurse, and a case manager. In her position at Island, Health Gwen has volunteered as a member of the Senior’s Services Directory Committee since 2001. She enjoys traveling with her husband.
BEVERLEY WILDEN - VICE CHAIR
Bev has called Victoria home since 1990 when she obtained work as a clinical nurse specialist in geriatric psychiatry. Prior to that, her career spanned many provinces, including Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia. Ontario and Manitoba. She has volunteered with a number of organizations and committees to try to benefit seniors. The most recent being on the Board for the Institute on Aging and Lifelong Learning (formerly Centre on Aging). She and her husband have 2 grown children. Her hobby is traveling with her husband whenever they can and while they can.
CURRENTLY VACANT - TREASURER
MARIA HEWITT - SECRETARY
Maria is a retired health policy analyst with volunteer experience as a lay navigator at the BC Cancer Centre. She is engaged in many other volunteer opportunities through Patient Voices. She holds a doctorate in public health.
ANN BOZOIAN - BOARD MEMBER
During her working career, Ann held a variety of senior positions in the British Columbia government and at Island Health, primarily in the areas of policy development and strategic planning. In her work, her primary focus was on ensuring that services were client-focused and delivered with care and compassion. While supporting her elderly parents during their final years, Ann became aware of the helpful information and services offered by Seniors Serving Seniors. Ann received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta and has been a resident of Victoria since 1987
BETH-ANN PANMAR - BOARD MEMBER
Beth-Ann Parmar is a healthcare leader and Director of Primary Care with Island Health, where she provides strategic and operational oversight across community-based primary care services. A Registered Nurse by background, she brings extensive experience in seniors’ care, community health, and system transformation. Beth-Ann is passionate about advancing equitable, person-centred care and supporting the well-being and independence of older adults. She has called Victoria home for over a decade, where she lives with her husband and their two daughters. She is pleased to contribute to Seniors Serving Seniors as a member of the Board of Directors.
CAROL FULLER - BOARD MEMBER
Carol is a solution driven senior human resources professional with over 40 years of progressive generalist experience in public sector and not-for-profit organizations. She has an in depth understanding and experience in all areas of human resources including labour relations and negotiations, recruitment and retention, compensation and benefits. Carol works collaboratively and in partnership for desired outcomes with all levels of an organization including Board, Senior Executives, Managers and staff. I consider myself a highly energetic and people centred individual who has excellent interpersonal and communication skills. I offer a level of education, training and experience equivalent to a university degree. In 2007 I completed the Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Royal Roads University. In my spare time I enjoy taking our dog Bruno for walks, knitting and reading the next Book Club Book.
CHRISTOPHER RIDGE - BOARD MEMBER
JULES ANDRÉ BROWN - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (P/T)
Jules André-Brown serves as Executive Director of Seniors Serving Seniors BC. He brings over 15 years of experience in community-based organizations, with a focus on governance, program development, and sustainable funding.
His work spans arts, culture, and social service organizations, including roles with ArtStarts, BC Family Caregivers Association, and Spectrum Society for Community Living.
Jules supports organizations through clear planning, strong financial stewardship, and practical systems that help people stay connected and supported. He values collaboration with volunteers, staff, and community partners, and brings a steady, thoughtful approach to leadership
LEAH SONG - RETURN TO HEALTH COORDINATOR (P/T)
Leah holds a degree in Public Health with a minor in Public Administration and has spent more than a decade supporting older adults in diverse clinical and community settings. Through her work, she has developed a deep understanding of older adults’ needs, especially for those returning home after hospital stays. To Leah, older adults carry wisdom, strength, and dreams that deserve to be honoured. She believes that life after retirement is not a time of limitation, but a time that truly belongs to the individuals themselves. Through the Return to Health Program, Leah walks alongside older adults during difficult moments, helping them reclaim their independence and embrace healthy aging.
JASMINE RETZER – VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR (P/T)
