Victoria Brain Injury Society Board Meeting Minutes - Tuesday, January 21st, 2026
Minutes from the VBIS board meeting discussing executive director reports, facility planning, and the grant application to View Royal.
Victoria Brain Injury Society
Tuesday, January 21st, 2026
In attendance: Shannon Kowalko, Fatimah Banki, Steven Gordon, Tracy Thompson, Brad Norris-Jones, Ed Adams
Staff: Pam Prewett, Sharleen Law
Regrets: Leigh Anne Swayne, Steve Wellburn, Lindsay Byers
Meeting begins at: 5:03 pm
Approval of minutes and agenda: Brad and Steven Motion to approve the previous minutes: Brad and Steven
Reports
Executive Director – Sharleen/Pam
- The new ED’s time has been spent with lots of learning to get onboarded, connected with various community committees and staff to represent going forward. There will be VBIS representation throughout. Meeting with the Mayor on a monthly basis. Training happening with staff and updating.
Facilities Committee - Pam
- Visited a new place in West Shore and our old director has offered to help out VBIS which would have a Dec 15th move date. The office is a very ideal space and parking wise. 1200 square feet. There will be some accessibility modifications needed but overall a great option with 3 months free rent as a tradeoff. Market rate for rent and 5 year term. The board read through the contract and sign.
- Discussion around clients experiencing barriers in accessing services due to difficulties with transportation, the board resolves
Motion to apply to the Town of View Royal Grant-in-Aid to fund outreach in this area: Steven, Brad, motion passes
Governance & HR Committee – Steven
- Nothing to report. One staff member left the team and there is a new team member.
Marketing and Events - Shannon
- Gala update: Save the date cards have been sent to some donors (~50 or so).
- The remainder of donors will be receiving invites via email.
- Gala Committee meeting starting next week and will be ongoing every 2 weeks going forward.
- ~40 auction items so far.
Finance – Pam
- Low on grants this month. A couple of more are coming in and we are in an okay position.
Chair’s Report - Shannon
- No new report. Potential new board member.
New Business
- Change the board meeting times to occur every 3rd Wednesday going forward instead of Tuesday to accommodate ED’s schedule. We’ll see how the schedule works for everyone and adjust if needed.
In Camera:
New board member Ed Adams joined.
Motion to adjourn: Brad and Steven
Meeting ends at: 5:50Pm
Next meeting: will be held on Wednesday February 18th, 2026 starting at 5:00pm