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 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.

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, she emphasizes the importance of diverse, honest histories in the shaping of contemporary pedagogy. Her goal is long-term community enrichment that inspires lifelong learning.

Pam Andrews

Visitor Services Coordinator
604.664.9009

Born and raised on Vancouver Island, Pam comes to the Cannery on the heels of a decade spent travelling, learning, and canning her own food. After spending time in Eastern Canada, Pam is thrilled to be back on the West Coast. With her passion for local history, and a dedication to education, Pam loves talking with visitors, hearing their stories, and sharing the history of Steveston with them.

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!”

Wayne Louie

Marketing and Communications Coordinator
604.664.9234

Wayne grew up in Vancouver with fond fish tale memories from Vancouver’s Chinatown and he is honoured to propel non-profit organizations, uplifting heritage and celebrating Asian, Indigenous art and culture. He is an art and design-loving, historically curious marketer who also specializes in marketing the visual and performing arts.

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.

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.

Nadya

Senior Interpreter

Favourite part of my job: My coworkers, meeting new people from around the world and raising the salmonids babies.

I’m inspired by: Animals, nature, and my friends!

My guilty pleasure is: Going to way too many concerts/metal shows.

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.

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.

Iver

Interpreter

Favourite part of my job: Meeting new people and Educating public on collections objects.

I am inspired by: Theoretical physics 

My guilty pleasure is: Minecraft
I speak: English, French and ASL finger spell

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.

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.

Kevin

Interpreter

Favourite part of my job:
I’m inspired by:

My guilty pleasure is:

I speak:

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.