Wendy McNeil
Acting CEO
With over 23 years of dedicated service to HAVAN, Wendy McNeil has been a driving force in shaping the association’s core pillars of marketing, education and member engagement. Stepping into the role of Acting CEO in mid-2024, Wendy has taken on complex industry-wide advocacy issues and ensuring the association’s voice is heard on key matters such as Development Cost Charges (DCCs), energy efficiency, and housing delivery.
Wendy’s tenure is marked by a deep passion for the residential construction industry and the members with whom she collaborates. Under her leadership, HAVAN has seen significant advancements in public and industry-facing initiatives, expansion of its industry-focused educational programming, and is building support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives to address the industry’s labour shortages. Her ability to balance tenacity and grace has earned her the respect of peers and stakeholders alike.
Before joining HAVAN in 2001, Wendy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UBC and a Diploma of Technology in Marketing Management (with honours) from BCIT. She brings a unique blend of strategic vision, project management expertise, and an innate ability to build collaborative networks that amplify HAVAN’s mission and impact.
Born and raised on the West Coast, Wendy grew up in Richmond and now resides in Surrey with her husband and two active sons. When she’s not championing the industry, Wendy enjoys exploring local eateries, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.
Renée Auer
VP Membership & Sales
For more than 15 years, Renée and the Membership Committee have worked tenaciously to increase HAVAN’s membership and introduce new events, programs and services of value to members.
Prior to HAVAN, Renée worked at such international companies as J. Walter Thompson, Eveready and the American Marketing Association (Toronto Chapter). She also owned and operated an award-winning tourism business and consulting company in the 1990’s in Toronto.
Renée loves film noir, classic movie musicals, visiting museums and art galleries, and cooking at home. She also speaks three languages. Her natural curiosity makes her want to learn more from those around her. She is also a confident public speaker.
Dawn Sondergaard
Senior Director, Marketing Communications
A native Vancouverite, Dawn grew up on the North Shore, earning her Marketing and Advertising Diploma from BCIT. Not one to sit still, she has lived and worked in three countries, travelling to over 30 (using at least nine different modes of transportation, including two tour buses, both of which, she admits, were mistakes.)
Described as a natural people person, Dawn is passionate about communication. She brings with her 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, advertising and public relations. Working with international media firms BBDO, News Ltd. and Jupiter Images to local strategic communication firm Greenspirit Strategies Ltd. and as a retailer owner of Kuddel Muddel Kids, Dawn proclaims it’s all about the people.
Diana Dilworth
Director of Government Relations
The newest member of the HAVAN team, Diana brings a strong background of expertise in engagement, developed over 30 years working in corporate, government and non-profit organizations.
Having previously worked in the community housing sector, she is strongly committed to advancing the goal of a stable, affordable home for everyone. And as a long-term elected official, she is aware of the collaboration needed between all stakeholders to achieve that goal.
Pre-COVID, Diana loved travelling and spending time in NYC with her adult daughter whom lives in the States. Recklessly optimist, she is planning to trek the El Camino from France and across Spain next summer.
Carolyn Beale
Manager of Membership & Sales
Carolyn Beale joined HAVAN in 2015. She brings her passion for outstanding customer service and care to the association, and enjoys the opportunity to connect with prospective and new members while contributing to exciting association events and initiatives.
Having previously spent 15 years living in the Fraser Valley, Carolyn returned to BC (from Ontario) to welcome her first grandchild into the world. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, live music, food and wine, and the adventure of exploring Vancouver’s many and varied attractions.
Vanessa Swanson
Manager of Online Education & Marketing (On Mat Leave)
Vanessa is the Manager of Online Education & Marketing, and has been with HAVAN since 2015. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction) in Communication with a Minor in Business from Simon Fraser University. With an eye for detail and an ability to deliver results, she brings to the association creativity and passion for communication, marketing, and design.
Prior to joining HAVAN, Vanessa acquired event management, design, and digital marketing experience working for SFU’s Meeting & Event Services, non-profit organizations, and various freelance projects. In her free time you might find her competing in recreational volleyball leagues, raising houseplants, at the gym, and exploring BC and beyond. She resides in Surrey with her husband and dog.
Sonali Rayas
Sr. Manager of Education & Marketing
Sonali is a dynamic marketing professional with a fervent passion for branding, marketing, advertising, graphic design, and everything in between. Over the past decade, she has actively collaborated with businesses to understand and meet their marketing needs and goals. As an innovative and results-driven marketer, Sonali excels in strategic planning, digital marketing, and branding. She holds a post-graduate diploma in Advertising & Marketing Communications from the United Kingdom and a diploma in New Media Design and Web Development from BCIT.
An avid traveler, Sonali is always on the lookout for new adventures with her family. In her free time, she enjoys creating art projects with her two daughters.
Justine Nadia
Senior Events Manager
Justine is HAVAN’s Senior Events Manager and current staff liaison for the Young Professionals Committee.
With a diverse background in event and project management, strategy, branding, and graphic and web design, she thrives on creative pursuits. For Justine, events are the perfect opportunity to turn ideas into beautiful, unforgettable experiences and connect with others in a meaningful way.
Born and raised in Indonesia, Justine moved to Beautiful British Columbia eleven years ago to study Communication and Design at Simon Fraser University, earning her Bachelor of Arts in 2018. When she’s not managing events, she enjoys reading, staying up to date with all things film, exploring new restaurants with friends, and has recently developed a passion for craft cocktail making.
Sheri Lemire
Office Manager
Sim Kaur
Marketing & Events Coordinator
With a decade of experience across marketing, event management, and sales, Sim brings a dynamic, client-focused approach to every project. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from BCIT and continues to expand her expertise with certifications in digital marketing and Google analytics. Passionate about fostering meaningful connections, Sim excels at building community engagement and developing impactful digital strategies. An adventurer at heart, she has explored 17 countries—and counting! Always eager for new opportunities, Sim is ready to connect and create!
Donovan Arseneault
Manager, Policy & Research
Originally from Nova Scotia, Donovan made Vancouver his home while attending Simon Fraser University. There, he completed a double major in Political Science and Business in 2024, when he joined HAVAN as the Manager, Policy and Research. His passions for policy analysis, housing affordability, and mitigating the climate crisis, along with a keen interest in the goings-on of all levels of government, all drew him to HAVAN.
In his free time, Donovan enjoys relaxing hobbies such as reading, cooking, and the occasional outdoor activity such as hiking or tennis. Now that he’s out of school, he hopes to travel the world in the coming years.
