Meet the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors of the British Columbia School Superintendents Association (BCSSA) provides governance and strategic leadership to advance the Association’s mission. Guided by BCSSA bylaws and policies, the Board sets the vision, establishes foundational priorities, and ensures accountability for organizational performance. Its responsibilities include shaping policy, overseeing financial stewardship, supporting the Chief Executive Officer through delegated authority, and fostering collaboration with educational partners. Through this work, the Board champions excellence in public education and strengthens leadership capacity across the province.
 
Mark Pearmain, President
Todd Manuel, 1st Vice-President​
Karla Mitchell, 2nd Vice-President
Andrew Holland, Treasurer
Angus Wilson, Fraser Valley Chapter Director
Chris Kennedy, Metro Chapter Director
TBA, Thompson Okanagan Chapter Director
Peter Dubinsky, Kootenay Boundary Chapter Director
Tracey MacMillan, Northern Chapter Director
Cheryl Lenardon, Professional Learning Committee Chair
Dr. Balan Moorthy, Membership Services Committee Chair
Christel Brautigam, Director
Trent Dolgopol, Director
Mike Bowden, Indigenous Chapter Director
Gino Bondi, BCSSA CEO

President bio

Mark brings over 30 years of experience in the education sector to this role. He is deeply committed to the principle of “challenge up, empower down,” and is recognized for his ability to collaborate effectively with all stakeholder groups. Mark is driven by a belief in creating the conditions where students and educators can achieve their full potential. His core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, and clear communication are grounded in his transparent and solutions-focused leadership style.

As President, Mark will represent the diverse perspectives of our membership and continue to build on BCSSA’s commitment to strong governance, expanded leadership learning opportunities, and a strengthened collective voice in supporting public education in British Columbia.

Vice-President​ bio

Todd Manuel

Todd Manuel is the Superintendent of Schools for School District 67 Okanagan Skaha, where he leads district strategy, educational and system improvement, and collaborative engagement with students, staff, families, and Indigenous Rightsholders. With over 25 years of experience across school, district, and provincial roles, he is known for fostering system coherence, championing student voice, and supporting innovative, equitable learning environments. Todd has contributed extensively to provincial committees and sector leadership initiatives, including work in strategic planning, student reporting governance, and leadership development. He is recognized for his relational leadership, commitment to public education, and dedication to strengthening outcomes for all learners. 

Thompson Okanagan Chapter Director

TBD

Biography coming soon.

Treasurer bio

Andrew Holland

Andrew Holland has served students in public education for 33 years.  He is currently the Deputy Superintendent in the Surrey School District and prior to this, he was an Assistant Superintendent, Principal, Vice-Principal, and teacher.  Andrew has a passion for school district leadership, operations, change and continual improvement.  He is the Treasurer of the BC School Superintendent’s Association, and he also serves on the Board of the Metro Superintendent’s Chapter.  Andrew has a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Education, and Masters of Leadership degree.  He is currently enrolled in the Masters of Business Administration at the U.B.C. Sauder School of Business.

Fraser Valley Chapter Director

Angus has worked in education for nearly 30 years, first as a teacher, vice principal, and principal, at both the elementary and secondary levels, before becoming a Superintendent in 2008. Formerly Superintendent for Haida Gwaii, Angus has been Superintendent of Schools for Mission Public Schools since 2016.  Beyond education, Angus enjoys manual transmissions, surfboards, and rolling polyhedral dice. 

Metro Chapter Director

Chris Kennedy

Chris Kennedy has served as Superintendent of Schools and CEO with the West Vancouver School District since 2009. His career in public education has included roles as a classroom teacher and school principal at both the elementary and secondary levels. Chris completed his Doctorate in Education at the University of Kansas in 2021.

President bio

Mark brings over 30 years of experience in the education sector to this role. He is deeply committed to the principle of “challenge up, empower down,” and is recognized for his ability to collaborate effectively with all stakeholder groups. Mark is driven by a belief in creating the conditions where students and educators can achieve their full potential. His core values of respect, integrity, collaboration, and clear communication are grounded in his transparent and solutions-focused leadership style.

As President, Mark will represent the diverse perspectives of our membership and continue to build on BCSSA’s commitment to strong governance, expanded leadership learning opportunities, and a strengthened collective voice in supporting public education in British Columbia.

Kootenay Boundary Chapter Director

Peter Dubinsky

Peter Dubinsky is the Superintendent of SD10 (Arrow Lakes) and the Director for the Kootenay-Boundary Chapter.  Peter served as a Director of Instruction in the Metro Chapter, was a five-year member of the BCSSAS Membership Services Committee, and brings current experience in a rural district, providing a unique perspective on the diverse learning environments in BC.  Peter is committed to enhancing the learning opportunities for all students and supporting the growth of educators. 

Northern Chapter Director

Tracey MacMillan

Tracey MacMillan is the Superintendent of Coast Mountains School District 82 and recently began serving as President of the BCSSA Northern Chapter. She is beginning her 11th year as a Superintendent and her sixth year serving northern communities in British Columbia.

Throughout her career, Tracey has worked in rural, remote, urban, and Indigenous educational settings across British Columbia and Nunavut, including serving as Superintendent in both the Stikine and Coast Mountains school districts. Her experience spans school, district, and provincial leadership, including one year as Assistant Deputy Minister with the Department of Education in Nunavut. She currently also serves on the Coast Mountains College Board of Governors.

A strong advocate for northern, rural, and remote school districts, Tracey has been actively involved in regional and provincial initiatives, including serving as a founding member of the Northern Healthy Schools Partnership with Northern Health. She also previously served as the Northern Chapter representative on the BCSSA Membership Services Committee, including one year as Chair and BCSSA Board Representative.

Tracey is passionate about collaboration, relationship building, leadership development, and ensuring a strong northern voice in provincial conversations. She values the collegiality that exists across the North and is committed to supporting opportunities for networking, professional learning, advocacy, and collaboration among northern educational leaders.

Professional Learning Committee Chair

Cheryl Lendardon

Cheryl is the Superintendent of the CaribooChilcotin School District and brings more than 30 years of K–12 experience to her role. A BCSSA member since 2010, she has been deeply committed to supporting the professional learning and growth of educational leaders across the province. She is honoured to serve on the BCSSA Board of Directors, working alongside system leaders dedicated to strengthening public education in British Columbia. Through her service, Cheryl contributes to advancing the Association’s vision and supporting members in leading education across the province.

Membership Services Committee Chair

Balan Moorthy

Dr. Balan Moorthy is a seasoned education leader in British Columbia with over 36 years of experience as Superintendent, Principal, and Vice-Principal, currently serving as the Superintendent of Schools for Fraser Cascade (SD78). He holds a PhD in Education focusing on Truth and Reconciliation, anti-racism, and equity, and a Master of Education in Educational Administration. Dr. Moorthy is recognized for fostering collaborative school cultures, boosting graduation rates, and supporting diverse learning needs, particularly through innovative Indigenous education initiatives. His research emphasizes the experiences of Indigenous women in education, providing leaders with insights to promote equitable and culturally responsive learning environments.

Director Bio

Christel Brautigam

Christel Brautigam is an educational leader dedicated to equity, inclusion, and student success. As an Assistant Superintendent for the Richmond School District, Christel has led initiatives in diversity, Indigenous education, and inclusive learning. Christel is excited to serve on the BCSSA Board of Directors and support the work to collaboratively advance educational excellence in BC.

Indigenous Chapter Director

Mike Bowden

Mike Bowden is the District Principal of Indigenous Education for School District No. 73 (Kamloops–Thompson), working in partnership with local First Nations, the Indigenous Education Council, and district leaders to advance equitable and culturally grounded education. He leads district-wide Indigenous education strategy, including student achievement, leadership development, and language revitalization initiatives. As Spokesperson for the BCSSA Indigenous Chapter, Mike is committed to strengthening Indigenous leadership representation and supporting system-wide collaboration toward reconciliation in education across British Columbia.

CEO bio

Gino Bondi is the Chief Executive Officer of the BC School Superintendents Association, representing senior education leaders from British Columbia’s 60 public school districts. Drawing from his  more than 30 years in public education, Gino supports the professional learning and leadership development of superintendents and senior leaders in school districts while advancing a strategic and principled voice for public education across the province. He is committed to strengthening public education through collaboration, advocacy, and the development of ethical, visionary leadership that supports equity, excellence, and success for all learners.