Staff

Elizabeth Batista

Executive Director
604.664.9192

Elizabeth moved to BC from Ontario decades ago and is proud to call Steveston her home. A member of the Society and former board director since April 2015, she is honoured to lead such a dedicated team.  Her career has spanned multiple industries and roles and she has always been drawn to serving her community.  Whether it’s fish, history, storytelling or community stewardship, she is grateful for the opportunity to further the mission of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society.  

Rob Hart

Senior Manager, Operations
604.664.9134

Raised in Richmond, and a graduate of Steveston High, Rob left the area to work in heritage tourism and transportation with BC Rail. He was pleased and surprised to return to work in Steveston at a world-class site like the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Rob has a B.A. in Asian Studies and manages the Cannery Store, rentals, and administrative functions for the Society.

Heidi Rampfl

Collections & Exhibits Manager
604.664.9007

As a lifelong lover of all things historic (as well as a bit of a packrat), Heidi has found her ideal job working with the Cannery’s artifact and archival collections. She believes that you can never know too much about the collection and is always ready to roll up her sleeves and do a little research. If you’ve got a question or have something new to add to our collection, she’s the one to talk to.

Leanne Jung

Visitor Experience Manager
604.664.9006

Even though she was originally from North Delta, Leanne has become fairly localized within the Steveston community, having worked for the City of Richmond as a Program Facilitator at the Richmond Museum, Britannia Shipyards, Steveston Museum and the Steveston Tram before the pandemic. As well as, playing for the senior women’s softball team, the Steveston Athletics, since 2018! With years of experience in working at different museums across the Lower Mainland, Leanne has dedicated much of her work in bridging communities together by facilitating thoughtful engagement and dialogue through educational and experiential programming within these spaces.  

Tatyana Beck

Curatorial Program Manager
604.664.9282

As a third-generation Ukrainian Canadian and an active member of the local Ukrainian community, themes of heritage, diversity, and inclusion have been a source of passion my whole life. My connection to my own culture inspires me to create experiences that resonate with other communities from all backgrounds. Working in Steveston, and at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery in particular, is a dream come true. The sense of connection within the community is so strong! 

Yukiko Takahashi-Lai

Events & Volunteer Coordinator
604.664.9203

Yukiko fondly remembers visiting the Cannery as a child, being born and raised in Richmond. She made her first steps into the heritage industry when she gave tours through her homemade museum at the age of eight. As a Chinese-Japanese-Canadian professional, they emphasizes the importance of diverse, honest histories in the shaping of contemporary pedagogy. Their goal is long-term community enrichment that inspires lifelong learning.

Wayne Louie

Marketing and Communications Coordinator
604.664.9234

Wayne brings a deep commitment to advancing non-profit organizations, preserving cultural heritage, and celebrating the arts. Through strategic partnerships, innovative marketing, and authentic storytelling, he helps organizations build meaningful connections with their communities. With a passion for design and a strong historical perspective, Wayne specializes in promoting the visual and performing arts, contributing to the growth and visibility of the sector.

Rachel Meloche

Education Programs Coordinator
604.664.9261

Having worked at the Cannery in various capacities off and on since 2010, Rachel is thrilled to return in the role of Education Programs Coordinator. She is passionate about non-traditional education, and using built heritage to teach history. A long-time resident of Richmond, Rachel is excited to share the history of the West Coast fishing industry with educational groups of all ages. 

Kim Anderson

Maintenance Officer

A former fisherman, Kim has extensive experience working in engine rooms. Kim has an uncanny ability to construct exhibits, repair virtually any part of the Cannery building, and drive a forklift. Kim’s favourite part of his job is working with all the great people on staff. His personal motto is, “I would rather just go build something!”

Olivia Brocklehurst

Visitor Services Coordinator
604.664.9009

In addition to her BA in History from the University of British Columbia, Olivia has worked at museums and historical sites in Vancouver, Whistler, Toronto, and Scotland, as well as a wide range of other jobs- everything from treeplanting, to children’s birthday parties, to selling fancy hats. Olivia is excited to bring her diverse (and random) experiences working with people, industries, and communities to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. She’s dedicated to helping people experience history and culture in fresh, meaningful ways and believes deeply in the power of heritage to bring communities together.

Jamie

Head Interpreter

Favourite part of my job: Helping people make connections between our present-day community and those who lived and worked here long before us. Also that I get to listen to seagulls laughing all day.

I’m inspired by: The view of the harbour and the waters beyond when we open the rolling door in the morning.

My guilty pleasure is: Dark chili chocolate.

I speak: English and Turkish

Leslie

Senior Interpreter

Favourite part of my job: Talking to guests about the natural world and the history of the local area.
When I was little, I wanted to: Work with animals and the environment.

I speak: English.

Nicole

Senior Interpreter

Favourite part of my job: Greeting visitors and hearing how the cannery stories related to them.
When I was little, I wanted to be: An explorer.

I’m inspired by: Travel.

My guilty pleasure is: Smoked salmon

I speak: English.

Agnes

Senior Interpreter

Favourite part of my job: Meeting people from different places and walks of life while sharing our heritage.
I’m inspired by: Local history and stories.
I speak: French and English fluently. I can say “thank you” in at least 8 other languages!

Angela

Senior Interpreter

When I was little, I wanted to be: A teacher.
I’m inspired by: My lovely co-workers.
My one superpower would be: Invisibility.
I speak: English.

Antonia

Senior Interpreter

Favourite part of my job: Surprising visitors with awesome Cannery facts.
I’m inspired by: Nature & music.
My guilty pleasure is: Anything chocolate & Taiwanese chicken nuggets.
I speak: English.

Candace

Interpreter

Favourite part of my job: Learning more about the ‘cannery stories’ of those who used to work here.
I’m inspired by: Everyone I meet.
When I was little I wanted to be: A geologist.
I speak: English and French.

Kevin

Interpreter

Favourite part of my job: Meeting tourists and telling them interesting facts about the site.

I am inspired by: Hearing the stories of marginalised communities who fought for justice.

My guilty pleasure is: Any fried foods.
I speak: English, French, and a little Punjabi.

When I was little I wanted to be an: Archaeologist.

Lauren

Interpreter

Favourite part of my job: Meeting new people and socializing with customers!

My superpower would be: Invisibility. 

My guilty pleasure is: Taki chips!!!
I speak: English.

Stephany

Interpreter

Favourite part of my job: Giving tours because I get to talk about my passions with people from all over the world!

I am inspired by: Indigenous connections with nature.

My guilty pleasure is: Relaxing by the pool eating chips and chocolate (something salty and something sweet!)

I speak: English, French, and I’m learning Anishinaabemowin!

Elizabeth

Cannery Store Sales Associate

Favourite part of my job: Meeting with and talking to customers. I love trying out different restaurants around Richmond, especially sushi!

I speak: English, Filipino and Mandarin.