HIM is a nonprofit society that aims to strengthen the health and well-being in communities of self-identified GBQ men and gender diverse people in BC.
About HIM Board of Directors
HIM’s Board of Directors is the governing body responsible for high-level oversight of HIM. We engage with HIM staff and the community to establish strategic direction and vision for the organization. We monitor HIM’s finances, hire and manage its Executive Director, and make sure that HIM adheres to all applicable regulations.
Each of us is initially elected to a two-year term and, subsequently, can be re-elected two more times. Collectively, we are community volunteers who present from diverse backgrounds, identities, educational levels, skills, jobs, and lived experiences.
The Board as a whole meets every month, and four working committees responsible for specific areas of governance get together as often as needed to complete our annual governance work plan.
Members of the Board
Zandt Bryan (he/they)
Board Co-Chair and Structure and Support Committee Chair
Zandt (he/they) currently works as the Sexual Health and Prevention Program Manager for the Washington State Department of Health. He oversees and supports programs which partner with communities and the medical system to detect, treat, and prevent STIs, including HIV, as well as viral hepatitis, substance use disorder, and drug overdose. Zandt joined public health work after their HIV diagnosis in 2004. They stay passionate about the work by connecting with colleagues and members of the community to build shared perspective and create structural interventions, services and experiences that are accessible, acceptable, and accountable to those most affected by infectious disease, substance use, and drug overdose. Zandt is originally from Texas and loves this gorgeous region they’ve lived in since 2012. They are likely to be found outdoors looking for wildflowers or their favorite trees, wandering seashores, or seeking higher elevations. Living in BC for six years but recently transplanted to the West End, Zandt is still learning how to really live a city life. He’s always open to a friendly “howdy” and recommendations on how to make Vancouver even more his home.
Jesse Harink (he/him)
Board Co-Chair and Programs Advisory Committee Chair
Jesse Harink (he/him) thrives in the intersection of technology and strategy, significantly impacting the tech sector. Innovative contributions to employee experience and scaling programs mark his professional journey. Alongside his career, Jesse has actively engaged with local non-profit initiatives, focusing on community health and wellness. A staunch supporter of the queer community, he frequently participates in and supports local events, bringing enthusiasm and solidarity. Jesse enjoys outdoor adventures, biking, hiking, or spending quality time with his corgi, Kort. He’s also known for participating in community activities inspired by his favourite reality TV challenges. A lover of the West Coast’s natural beauty, Jesse can often be spotted enjoying the diverse landscapes or engaging in a day at the beach. He’s warm and boisterous and always up for a friendly chat or dance.
Ben Kazakov (he/him)
Board Secretary, Programs Advisory Committee
Ben (he/him) is a CPA who currently works in the airline industry on route development and capacity planning. Before moving to the airline industry, Ben worked in audit and assurance while pursuing his Chartered Professional Accountant designation. In addition to serving on the Board of HIM, he volunteers at The Corner, a drop-in program for folks involved with survival sex work. Ben joined the Board to help ensure HIM’s long-term financial sustainability to continue improving the overall wellbeing of our community. His free time is spent travelling and taking his beagle pup on adventures.
Dr. Tribesty Nguyen (he/him)
Board Member/Director, Health Advisory Committee
Tribesty (he/him) is a resident physician currently completing specialty medical training in public health and preventive medicine. He has worked in an array of policy development and analysis settings, including with the BC Ministry of Health and in various global health, international development, and community organizations. In addition to his MD, he has completed BScs in microbiology and biology, an MA in health equity and policy, and a master of public health. He is on a lifelong pursuit of furthering social justice and equity. In his spare time, he enjoys cuddling with his dog, going for walks (usually to a bubble tea shop), and tending to his 80+ indoor plants that he has somehow miraculously squeezed into a tiny west end apartment.
Conner Copeman (he/him)
Board Member/Director, Structure and Support Committee
Conner Copeman (he/they) is a quadriplegic ex-city councillor who’s proud to bring more than his own chair to the table. Conner brings a wealth of policy experience, bureaucracy and political connections from his time as a city councillor in the village of Cumberland on Vancouver Island. As part of his daily living, he actively manages a team of care aides. After moving to Vancouver he sought ways to ensure that the experience of living as a disabled gay man is considered during decisions being made for the queer community in the city.
Conner was a victim of a homophobic hate crime that left him paralyzed when he was just 18 years old. Now wheelchair bound, with limited use of his hands, he deals with some mental health challenges and advocates for the disabled community to ensure that all have full access to services. These life experiences allow him to look at issues from a perspective that is often not at the table on other boards, as he’s been known to bring forward difficult questions for consideration.
Dr. Jae Ford (they/nekm)
Board Member/Director, Health Advisory Committee
Jae (they/nekm) is a trans nonbinary Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer lnu with Mi’kmaw ancestors from Ktaqmkuk on their mother’s side and Euro-settler ancestors on both sides of their family. They are on a journey of reconnecting with their Mi’kmaw heritage, culture, language, and teachings.
Jae is completing their specialty medical training in Public Health and Preventive Medicine and holds an MD and a Master of Public Health. Jae’s professional experience focuses on structural and systemic inequities and their impacts on health equity, health promotion, and access to safe and affirming care for marginalised communities including Indigenous, queer/trans, and Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer communities.
They are honoured to be a Peer Facilitator with Qmunity’s peer support group Transgathering and a member of the Two-Spirit Dry Lab. They have previously served as a director on the board of Planned Parenthood – Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Health Centre and supported their 2S/LGBTQIA+ youth leadership camp, Camp Eclipse. In their spare time, they enjoy cuddling with their two calico kitties, urban hiking, and spending time by or on the ocean.
Mark Sutherland (he/him)
Board Co-Chair and Health Advisory Committee Chair
Mark (he/him) is a nurse who has worked in a multitude of settings including organ transplant, pediatrics and sexual health. Since completing his Masters of Science in Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Mark has also worked as a nurse educator and health care policy analyst.
Mark hopes that his culmination of experiences ranging from direct patient care to navigating health systems will be valuable to HIM’s board of directors. Mark is a great admirer of HIM’s programming and is excited to be involved in an organization that has a positive presence in our community and continues to strengthen the overall health and well-being of gay, bi, queer men and gender diverse people.
Kevin Truong (he/him)
Board Treasurer
Kevin (he/him) is the Director of Finance & CFO of a nonprofit that works with folks struggling with substance use through a trauma-informed philosophy. Prior to that, he worked in the credit union community, where he led corporate planning and financial strategy for technology products supporting local credit unions across Canada. Kevin has also worked in various consulting and audit roles with the Big 4.
He has also been actively involved with Rainbow Refugee in Vancouver, as well as other local non-profit groups focused on sexual health, harm reduction, and stigma.
In his spare time, he enjoys being active and in the outdoors. His recent summer highlights were surfing in Tofino, cycling the Sunshine Coast, and playing soccer every Wednesday. When the weather isn’t as dry out, he loves doing a good crossword, trying a new recipe, or snowboarding our local mountains.
Dr. Jay Khatra (he/him)
Board Member/Director, Health Advisory Committee
Jay (he/him), currently an Anesthesiology resident physician at UBC, brings a rich background of experience in LGBTQ2+ advocacy and healthcare. Before transitioning to medicine, Jay served as the program coordinator at the Crisis Centre of Northern BC, where he spearheaded the development of evidence based LGBTQ2+ suicide prevention workshops. Throughout his medical training, Jay conducted research with the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS and held the role of LGBTQ2+ medical education representative at UBC Medicine. Additionally, he serves as a board member on the Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Advisory Committee at Doctors of BC. Jay is driven to leverage his personal experiences to contribute to HIM’s mission of enhancing the health and well-being of GBQ men and gender diverse individuals in BC.
Zoran Stjepanovic (he/him)
Board Member/Director, Structure and Support Committee
Zoran Stjepanovic (he/him) works in the philanthropic sector with Capilano University Foundation. With a background in fundraising and a member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, Zoran hopes to provide his knowledge and skills to support H.I.M.’s fundraising initiatives. Zoran looks forward to meeting HIM’s community of supporters all of whom help strengthen the health and well-being of self-identified GBQ men and gender diverse people in BC. When he’s not working or volunteering, Zoran enjoys travel, reading and spending time with friends.
Laxinder Singh (he/him)
Board Member/Director, Programs Advisory Committee
Laxinder (he/him) believes in the values of being empathic and radically candid, fostering trust, working in collaboration and implementing inclusive practices. His work background involves Technology Consulting, working with clients on developing digital transformation roadmap strategies, data analytics, project management, change management and implementation of software projects. In his free time, he loves to read nonfiction, go for long walks and teach data courses!
Alex Arsenault (he/him)
Board Member/Director, Structure and Support Committee
Alex (he/him) is a lawyer specialized in Aboriginal law supporting Indigenous communities on the West Coast and Indigenous causes nationally. Alex brings to HIM his skills and experience supporting community in matters related to governance, human rights, and community-wellbeing. Originally from the Maritimes, Alex is Acadian and enjoys most things beach and water. He can typically be found playing volleyball, tennis, and enjoying patio season.
Kohen Elander (he/him)
Board Member/Director, Programs Advisory Committee
Kohen Elander (he/him) is a Registered Clinical Social Worker offering outpatient counseling support through Vancouver’s hospital system and his private practice. Passionate about promoting mental, social/relational, and sexual wellness, he is dedicated to building resilience and dismantling the many stigmas and barriers faced by the community. When not enjoying life in Vancouver’s West End, Kohen can often be found hiking local trails or attending yoga classes. He also loves exploring the diverse landscapes and communities throughout British Columbia. Feel free to say hello if you see him out and about!