Meet the Campaign Executive Committee

As mentioned in the January 24 issue of the Howl, WPGA’s Board of Directors and Campaign Executive Committee (CEC) continue to work with the Province to secure the lease extension and to plan for the launch of the Capital Campaign. We will continue to update families and staff on the lease and launch activities as more information becomes available.  

In the meantime, we would like to introduce the CEC, the Campaign’s primary advisory, planning and administrative committee. The CEC meets regularly to establish the necessary framework for a successful campaign. 

WPGA Campaign Executive Committee (CEC)

Peter Blake, Campaign Chair, has two daughters, Tess and Emma, who have attended WPGA from junior kindergarten and are now in grades 5 and 7. Peter also serves on WPGA's Board of Directors. In addition to his work with WPGA, Peter has volunteered his time with Victoria Street Kids Association, BC Women’s Hospital Foundation and BCIT Foundation. Peter is a chartered accountant and the CEO of Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers.

Daniel Nocente, Campaign Vice-Chair, has a daughter, Fiona, in kindergarten at WPGA. Along with his role as CEC Vice-Chair, Daniel is Chair of the Campaign Finance Committee. Daniel was a Vice-Chairman with National Bank Financial Group and also served as Vice-Chairman of RBC Group. He has extensive non-profit and fundraising experience and currently sits on the Vancouver Coastal Health Board, which includes VGH, UBC and Lions Gate hospitals.

Fiona Burns is a WPGA alumna and Vice-President of the WPGA Alumni Association. Having joined WPGA in its inaugural year when she was in grade 8, Fiona was a member of the school’s first graduating class in 2001. An interior designer with Kasian Architecture in Vancouver, Fiona holds a Display and Design Diploma from Langara College and a Bachelor of Applied Design in Interior Design from Kwantlen Polytechnic University. 

John Dean has two daughters, Brooke and Paige, who are alumnae of WPGA. As both daughters were very involved in fine and performing arts activities at WPGA, John was active in fundraising for arts and music programs at WPGA during their time at the school. A residential developer and real estate agent on Vancouver's west side, John holds an MBA from Queen’s University and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.

Paul Haagenson has three children at WPGA, Mary, Blythe and Ivan, in grades 1, 4 and 7. A lifelong resident of Vancouver, Paul is the President of Live Nation Canada. In his free time, Paul volunteers with youth soccer and also serves on the board of CARAS, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. 

Alex Ng has a daughter, Queenie, who has attended WPGA since grade 2 and is now in grade 9. A former entrepreneur in the public transit and construction fields, Alex divides his time between managing property investments and volunteering with a spiritual organization. 

Inna O’Brian has a daughter, Michella, in grade 2 at WPGA. Inna dedicates considerable time to community arts and health organizations. She is on the development committee for Vancouver Opera and is the former Vice-President for Health Arts Society.

Devi Sangara has three boys, Shaun, Will and Teja, all of whom attended WPGA. An active alumni parent, Devi has a long history of volunteering at WPGA, including acting as PVG Chair from 2007-2009 and serving on the WPGA Foundation, a role she still performs today. Along with her volunteer work with WPGA and working for her family's development companies, Devi is on the volunteer committee for VGH/UBC Hospital Foundation’s "Night of a Thousand Stars" and is Co-Chair of the PALS School for Autism’s annual gala. 

Anuja Varshney has two children at WPGA, Aneesh, in grade 5, and Jaiya, in grade 7. Anuja is Chair of the PVG and recently joined WPGA’s Board of Directors. A chartered accountant, Anuja is very involved in her family's business and the Varshney Capital Corporation Charity Golf Classic, which has raised more than $1 million for BC Children's Hospital Foundation, Learning Disabilities of Vancouver, Room to Read and other organizations. She is also Co-Founder of the Vancouver Westside Indian Cultural Centre.

The CEC is supported by the Campaign Support Committee, which includes 

For more information about the Campaign, or to learn how you can be involved, please contact any of the committee members or email campaign@wpga.ca.