Across British Columbia, visionaries, innovators, and trailblazers are making incredible impact in our communities and industries. Each year, the Business in Vancouver (BIV) BC500 celebrates leaders from a wide range of sectors whose contributions help shape life and business across our province. We are proud to highlight several members of the BCIT are amongst this year’s honourees, and we congratulate the 2026 BC500 recipients for their outstanding leadership and achievements.
BCIT leadership recognized
Three members of BCIT’s senior leadership have been recognized in this year’s BC500 for their outstanding contributions to post-secondary education, Indigenous leadership, and economic development.
Jeff Zabudsky – BCIT President
BCIT President Dr. Jeff Zabudsky has over 30 years of domestic and international experience in post-secondary and polytechnic leadership roles. Jeff is a champion for applied education, having been Provost for the American University of Bahrain, CEO of Bahrain Polytechnic, and President and Vice Chancellor of Sheridan College, and others.
Kory Wilson – Executive Director, Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships, BCIT
Kory Wilson is the Executive Director of Indigenous Initiatives and Partnerships at BCIT and also serves as Chair of the BC First Nations Justice Council. A justice-driven, truth-telling speaker, Kory is a committed leader in education and inclusion with over 20 years of experience.
Michael Bonshor – Managing Director, First Nations Business Development Association
Michael Bonshor is the Managing Director of the First Nations Business Development Association and President of Vancouver-based Visions Frist Nations Financial Services. He has over two decades of experience working with First Nations communities across Canada. Michael, a BCIT Financial Management alumnus, is also the departing BCIT Board of Governors Chair, having served from July 31, 2022 to July 31, 2026.
BCIT alumni making an impact across British Columbia
BCIT is also proud to celebrate alumni and honorary degree recipients whose leadership continues to strengthen industries and communities throughout the province.
Ryan Benn – CEO and Group Publisher, Alive Publishing Group Inc.
Ryan Benn is the multi-award recognized CEO and Group Publisher of Alive Publishing Group Inc. and Canada Wide Media. A BCIT Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, as well as BCIT Marketing Management alumnus, Ryan is an inspirational leader with a history of business, board management, and non-profit investment.
Colin Bosa – Owner and CEO, Bosa Properties
CEO of Bosa Properties, member of the BCIT Board of Governors, and BCIT Marketing Management alumnus, Colin Bosa leads a human-centred property development and management company with over 23,000 homes built or in development.
Ethan Faber – Director of News and Current Affairs, CTV Vancouver and Bell Media
Veteran journalist and BCIT Broadcast and Media Communications alumnus, Ethan Faber leads as Director of News and Current Affairs at one of the top news websites in BC, CTV News Vancouver.
Markus Frind – Proprietor, Frind Estate Winery
Markus Frind is a BCIT Computer Systems Technology alumnus, BCIT Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, as well as the Founder of one of the world’s most successful dating sites, PlentyOfFish. Markus currently acts as Proprietor of Frind Estate Winery
Jason Grant – President and CEO, BC Assessment
Jason Grant is the President and CEO of BC Assessment where he has led large-scale platform modernizations, ensuring excellence in property assessments. Jason is also a BCIT Marketing Management alumnus.
Jillian Harris – Founder, Jillian Harris Design
Jillian Harris is the Founder of Jillian Harris Design and Co-Founder of The Jilly Box. A BCIT Interior Design alumna and former Bachelor and Bachelorette contestant, Jillian shares her design knowledge with her online audience of over one million followers.
Harry Hertscheg – Executive Director, Vancouver International Wine Festival
Harry Hertscheg is a passionate media, arts, and cultural organizations leader and a BCIT Management Systems alumnus. Harry has led organizations such as the Vancouver Fringe Festival and the Vancouver East Cultural Centre and now heads the Vancouver International Wine Festival as Executive Director.
Bhupinder Hundal – News Director, Global BC
Bhupinder Hundal leads as the News Director and Station Manager at the nationally recognized newsroom, Global BC. Bhupinder is also a BCIT Broadcast and Media Communications alumnus who serves as the BCIT Journalism Advisory Board Chair.
Geena Jackson – Founder and President, Bears’ Lair and Bears’ Lair Dream Camps
Geena Jackson is the Creator and Executive Producer of Bears’ Lair TV and Bears’ Lair Dream Camps. Geena is also a member of the BCIT Broadcast and Online Journalism Advisory Committee and is a BCIT Broadcast and Media Communications alumna.
Kristy James – President and CEO, Burnaby Hospital Foundation
Kristy James is the President and CEO of Burnaby Hospital Foundation where she is a leader in the advancement of healthcare infrastructure and systems. Kristy is also a BCIT Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and BCIT Fundraising Management alumna.
Kirk Kuester – Executive Managing Director, Colliers
Kirk Kuester is the Executive Managing Director at Colliers and a BCIT alumnus in Marketing Management. Kirk is a leader in the commercial real estate industry with extensive experience and market knowledge in the industry.
Carol Lee – Chair, Vancouver Chinatown Foundation
As Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, Carol Lee, OBC, is focused on revitalizing Chinatown and leading cultural and economic development efforts. Carol is also the Co-Founder and CEO of Linacare Cosmetherapy and holds a BCIT Honorary Doctorate.
Stuart McNish – President and Founder, Oh Boy Productions
Stuart McNish is the President and Founder of Oh Boy Productions and a BCIT alumnus in Broadcast and Media Communications. Over 35 years, Stuart has been heavily involved in video journalism, heaving been host of Conversations Live on The Vancouver Sun.
David Podmore – Co-Founder, Concert Properties
David Podmore, OBC, is the Co-Founder of Concert Properties and a champion of philanthropy, having raised millions for healthcare and trades training institutions. David is a visionary icon of the Canadian real estate industry and holds a BCIT Honorary Doctorate.
Kam K. Raman – Regional Head, Retail Markets, RBC
Kam K. Raman is the Regional Head, Retail Markets BC at RBC Royal Bank of Canada, having over 25 years of experience across sectors. Kam is also Director, Board of Directors at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC, and a BCIT Financial Management alumna.
Ray Walia – CEO, Launch Ventures
Ray Walia, FCPA, FCMA, is the CEO of Launch Ventures whose work is focused on building the next generation of AI for human performance. A BCIT Business Management alumnus, Ray has backed over 30 companies across industries, such as entertainment, health tech, and climate tech.
Kay Wong-Alafriz – CFO, Kabam
Kay Wong-Alafriz, FCPA, is the CFO of Kabam whose wealth of expertise covers industries such as Technology/FinTech, Hospitality and Gaming, and Commerce and Trade. A BCIT Financial Management alumna, Kay is a leader in redesigning business for the digital era.
BCIT is proud to recognize all of the 2026 BC500 honourees. Together these exceptional leaders reflect the strength of our institution and our global community of more than 215,000 alumni worldwide, alumni, whose innovation, leadership, and service continue to create positive change across British Columbia and around the world.
See Business in Vancouver for the full list of BC500 2026 honourees.