Meet Our Board
Deb Sexsmith
Chair
Deb joined the 1UP board because of her interest to give back to the organization that helped her so much many years ago as a single mother with two little girls. She has a degree in Business Administration and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. Her career has taken her from local government, University of Victoria and currently at BC Ferries as a Manager in Human Resources. She has lived on Vancouver Island for over 30 years and has served on various non-profit boards and as president of a school parent advisory committee.
Bradley Blois
Vice Chair
Bradley started his career in retail management. After many successful years in leadership, Bradley decided to change career paths and attended Camosun College. While completing a Diploma in Community, Family, and Child Studies, Bradley worked in residential group care for youth displaying severe behaviour due to trauma. After three years working in the human service field the education bug took hold again and Bradley completed a degree in Justice Studies at Royal Roads University. Bradley currently works for Phoenix Human Services Association as the manager of the Employment Department and the Rise Up Youth Employment Program. Bradley joined the 1-Up board to continue giving back to the community and further his knowledge of non-profit governance.
Ian Woodson
Director
Ian is a Camosun College instructor since 2015, teaching Non-Profit and Government Accounting Government of BC, Finance and Budget manager for 18 years. He instructed Government employees on Enhancing Organizational Governance and served on Board of Directors for Oaklands Community Association. He also served on City of Victoria Social Planning & Advisory Committee.
Shirley Bains
Secretary
Shirley is a Chartered Professional Accountant who retired in 2019 from her position as Corporate Controller at British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. Over the years, she volunteered with various societies and charitable organizations. Shirley was a single parent with limited support for many years, raising two children in Victoria. She understands the value of a helping hand, whether it is a loaf of bread, a winter coat, a special birthday gift, counselling, or just the opportunity to socialize with peers. Shirley is committed to offering a meaningful contribution to the Board to help build community and support the way forward.
Bridget Hughes
Director
What attracted Bridget to this organization is the great work they do in the community with helping single parents as she has been a single mother herself with four children. Bridget has a degree in Justice Studies from Royal Roads University and worked in the legal field for 19 years. She is currently working towards her Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation. Her career has taken her from working in law offices, instructing the legal assistant program to working for ICBC as a Claims Specialist. She has volunteered with many community organizations within Victoria over the decades and is looking forward to sharing her knowledge with this organization.
