Board of Directors

Wendy Atkinson, President
Wendy Atkinson has over 25 years of work experience in the arts. At the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts she initiated two performance series. She has worked in book publishing for over 8 years and in 2023 she acquired Ronsdale Press. She plays electric bass with her duo Horde of Two.

Chris Wong, Vice-President
Chris Wong is an author and journalist who has been writing about music since the 1980s. Chris' first book – Journeys to the Bandstand: Thirty Jazz Lives in Vancouver – was published in 2024. Chris also works as Digital Communications Strategy Lead with College of Health and Care Professionals of BC, a healthcare regulator.

Parmela Attariwala, Vice-President
Dr. Parmela Attariwala is a violinist, composer and ethnomusicologist. Born and raised on Treaty 7 territory, she moved to the west coast in 2019 after spending twenty-five years in Tkaronto. In addition to performing traditional Western art music, Parmela has cultivated an extensive repertoire of genre-defying and interdisciplinary works, as well as a teaching practice devoted to vulnerable and underserved youth. Parmela’s academic expertise focuses on the intersection of music, identity, equity and ethics.

Diane Kadota, Director-at-large
Diane Kadota has been a worker and a volunteer in the performing arts since 1987 as a manager and promoter of creative music artists. A passionate advocate and supporter of the city’s diverse music scene, she is a founding member of the VIM and serves on Vancouver’s Music Task Force.

John Korsrud, Treasurer
John Korsrud is a composer, producer, trumpet player and educator based in Vancouver, Canada. He is the leader and principal composer of the Hard Rubber Orchestra. Commissions include the Vancouver Symphony and The American Composers Orchestra. John teaches at Vancouver Community College and Capilano University.

Judith Lee, Secretary
Judith C. Lee is a lawyer and music lover with extensive experience in administrative law, specializing in Workers' Compensation appeals and judicial review. Judith has served as board member for various legal and environmental organizations, advocating for worker rights and environmental protection. She has been married to musician and composer Themba Tana for 35+ years.

Ann McDonell, Past President
Ann McDonell has participated in the Vancouver arts scene as a cultural worker, concert-goer and volunteer since 1982, working with organizations including the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, New Orchestra Workshop Society, Public Dreams Society and the Vancouver Writers Fest. Ann joined the VIM board of directors in 2020.

Past Board Members

Paul Whitney - Retired, Chief Librarian - Vancouver Public Libraries (2015-2023)
Jack Schuller - Retired, Manager - Mainstage Management (2011-2023)
Jared Burrows - Musician & Educator (2016-2020)
Sarah Ballantyne - Music Curator, The Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation for Young Artists (2011-2020)
Chris Kelly - Retired, VSB Superintendent (2014-2020)
Rainbow Robert - Executive Director, BC Alliance for Arts + Culture (2011-2020)
Jessica McInnes, née Thompson - Senior Director of Philanthropy, Convenant House Vancouver (2016-2019)
Jennifer Jones Hewson - Marketing Consultant (2013-2018)
Ken Pickering (In Memoriam) - Artistic Director, Coastal Jazz & Blues Society (2011-2016)
Neelamjit Dhillon - Musician (2011-2016)
Dan Mangan - Musician, Founder of Side Door Access (2012-2016)
Les Staff - Reporter, Anchor, & Producer, CTV (2014-2016)
Matt Gibbons - Founder & President, MRG (2014-2016)
Neil Mangan - Lawyer, Bell Alliance (2014-2016)
Jeremy Berkman - Musician (2012-2013)
Veda Hille - Musician (2011-2013)
Robert Benaroya - Artistic Director, Caravan World Rhythms (2011-2012)