JOE BICKSON

President

Joe is a seasoned management consultant known for mobilizing complex initiatives that deliver strategic value. His work blends hands-on execution with a flexible style to implement new operating models, empower leadership, and drive cultural change for long-term impact. He has collaborated with stakeholders at all levels—from boardrooms to front lines—across sectors like industrial gases, steel, banking, education, and non-profits. With a background in entrepreneurship and sustainability, Joe began his career at InstituteB, later launching a venture focused on municipal waste solutions in Vancouver. He also volunteers with non-profits supporting mental health and addictions, reflecting his commitment to community well-being.

JO-ANN SCOTT

Director, Programs & Events

Jo-Ann Scott is a senior Human Resources and Occupational Health & Safety professional with over 20 years of experience helping organizations strengthen their people, culture, leadership, and workplace practices. Currently Director of HR & OHS with Marex Constructors Ltd., she leads initiatives spanning employee development, training, leadership coaching, engagement, workforce planning, and organizational culture.

Throughout her career, Jo-Ann has been particularly drawn to the people side of organizational development and creating opportunities for individuals to connect, learn from one another, exchange ideas, and build stronger professional relationships. Her experience includes coordinating training and development initiatives, employee recognition programs, appreciation events, and company-wide activities designed to strengthen engagement and workplace culture.

Jo-Ann is currently ticking an item off her bucket list as she completes the final semester of her Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources Management at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. She also holds an Honours Management Diploma in Human Resources and an Associate Certificate in Mediation from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

As BCODN’s Director of Programs & Events, Jo-Ann brings practical organizational experience, creativity, and a strong commitment to developing welcoming, relevant, and engaging opportunities that connect BCODN members while encouraging learning, conversation, and community.

GAURI ASHISH

Secretary

I recently completed my MA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Adler University and currently work as a Talent Acquisition Specialist. My experience has consistently involved bringing structure to information, coordinating people and processes, and maintaining clear documentation. At Fraser Health, I coordinated meetings, agendas, minutes, and action logs for a 15-member cross-functional working group while supporting the standardization of 15+ project and change management tools. In previous roles, I developed a centralized resource hub containing 25+ templates, process maps, and operational guides, and managed 100+ candidate records within an ATS to improve the accuracy and accessibility of information. In my current role, I continue to build on these skills by coordinating candidate interviews and maintaining organized recruitment records.

I’m interested in serving as Secretary because I enjoy the detail-oriented work that helps a team function well: keeping information organized, capturing decisions clearly, and ensuring actions don’t get lost after a meeting. I’d also value the opportunity to contribute to BCODN while becoming more involved in BC’s OD community.

E. RUTH ANAYA

Member-at-Large

E. Ruth Anaya, DLitt et Phil (PhD), is an Associate Professor whose professional work in teaching, research, and publishing focuses on organizational development, leadership, and change. Her career has spanned countries, cultures, and sectors, including business, healthcare, education, and nonprofit organizations, giving her a broad perspective on how organizations function across differing contexts.

Her work explores organizational change, leadership development, values–practice alignment, and the role organizations can play as a force for good locally and internationally. She is especially interested in how leaders and organizations navigate complexity while aligning purpose, values, decisions, and everyday practice. Ruth has authored and co-authored articles and book chapters in these areas and brings a diagnostic and reflective lens to organizational and leadership challenges.

As a BCODN Member-at-Large, Ruth hopes to contribute as a connector, thought partner, and experienced voice, helping create opportunities for members to contribute their expertise, collaborate across sectors, and translate shared insight into meaningful OD practice. She values BCODN as a community where diverse experience and perspectives can strengthen professional growth, collaboration, and positive organizational change.

LAURA CHEAH

Treasurer

Laura Cheah is a Training and Development professional passionate about helping people grow and realize their potential. With a background in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, she has consulted and facilitated workshops on organizational development and change. Laura is dedicated to guiding clients through self-awareness and resistance to transformation, helping them align with personal and professional goals. Her work focuses on unlocking individual and team potential and fostering innovation tailored to each business vision. Driven by a strong community spirit, Laura believes in giving back and supporting others on their path to success through thoughtful, people-centered development strategies.