Meet the Team

Wendy McNeil

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 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

Dawn Sondergaard

Senior Director, Marketing Communications

Dawn Sondergaard Twitter (https://twitter.com/dsonder1) Dawn Sondergaard LinkedIn

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

Diana Dilworth

Director of Government Relations

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

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.

Carolyn lives in White Rock and enjoys spending time with family and friends, travelling, live music, food and wine, and the adventure of exploring the area’s many attractions.

Vanessa Swanson

Vanessa Swanson

Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications

Vanessa Swanson LinkedIn

Vanessa is the Senior Manager of Marketing & Communications at HAVAN, where she has played a key role in growing the association’s digital presence and member engagement since 2016.

With a over ten years of experience in marketing strategy and event management, Vanessa is known for her attention to detail and creative approach. She brings energy and innovation to every initiative – whether delivering events, creating content, or elevating the association’s brand.

Before joining HAVAN, Vanessa obtained a Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction) in Communication, with a Minor in Business from Simon Fraser University. Through roles with SFU’s Meeting & Event Services, non-profit organizations, and freelance projects, she has built a solid foundation in event coordination, digital marketing, and design.

When she’s not behind the scenes, Vanessa enjoys travelling, staying active, and spending time with her family. She resides in Langley with her husband, young daughter, and Riley the rescue pup.

Sonali Rayas

Sonali Rayas

Senior Manager, 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.

Mehar Arora

Mehar Arora

Digital Marketing and Program Specialist

Mehar Arora LinkedIn
With a background in digital marketing, business intelligence, and technology, Mehar brings a creative and data-driven approach to every initiative whether developing campaigns, supporting digital platforms, improving engagement, or helping share HAVAN’s story with members and the wider residential construction community.
Before joining HAVAN, Mehar built experience across different industries and marketing domains, developing a strong foundation in digital marketing, marketing automation, digital communications, CRM tools, and campaign support. He holds a Post-Graduate Diploma in Digital Marketing from Douglas College and a Bachelor of Computer Technology from Amity University in Noida, India. He is also passionate about continuously upskilling in AI tools and emerging marketing techniques to improve efficiency, creativity, and audience engagement.
Outside of work, Mehar enjoys working out and spending time around the water. He loves water activities with snorkeling being one of his favourites. He also has a passion for collecting shoes and enjoys adding unique pairs to his collection.

Nicole Gandy

Event Manager

Enjoys bringing events to life, with over a decade of experience delivering both in-person and virtual experiences. What drives her is how events spark inspiration, foster meaningful connections, and create impactful change.

Before joining HAVAN, she managed a wide array of events in learning and development within the financial sector, with a focus on emerging soft skills, she than transitioned to executing training and onboarding programs tailored to technical applications and adoption of AI in the tech industry.

She completed her Advanced Diploma in Sustainable Business Leadership in 2025 with distinction and holds an Event Marketing Management Certificate, both from BCIT. She is dedicated to incorporating sustainability into event design, aiming to lower environmental impact and create lasting, positive change.

Outside of the office, Nicole enjoys spending time in nature with her husband and their two dogs, Utah, and Callie—the doggy loves of her life. To unwind, she enjoys reading and watching documentaries. She also engages in journaling and meditation as part of her self-care routine.