Ron Rapp

Ron Rapp

CEO

As V.P. Construction, Morningstar Homes for 15 years, Ron oversaw the planning, design, delivery, and customer service for over 2000 homes. His experience also encompasses low and high rise multi residential, seniors housing and long-term care facilities, subsidized housing, and industrial and commercial projects, complimented with a with a broad range of exposure to, and or a direct hand in land acquisition, planning and development, product design and site planning, sales and marketing, construction, and after sales service.

Wendy McNeil

Wendy McNeil

Vice President of Marketing and Education

Wendy brings her passion for marketing and project management to this organization, and enjoys networking and collaborating with her team and members on the numerous award-winning events and marketing initiatives HAVAN offers.

Prior to joining HAVAN in 2001, Wendy graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from UBC and a Diploma of Technology in Marketing Management (with honours) from BCIT.

A born-and-raised in Vancouver, Wendy currently resides in Surrey with her husband and two young (and very active) sons. She loves travelling, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying all that Vancouver has to offer — from incredible eateries to the great outdoors.

Renée Auer

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

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 HAVAN

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

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

Vanessa Swanson

Manager of Online Education & Marketing

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

Sonali Rayas

Brand Manager

Sonali is passionate about everything to do with Branding, Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Design and everything in between. In the last 10 years, she has played an active role in working with businesses and understanding their marketing needs and goals. An innovative and results-driven marketing professional who combines a strong knowledge of strategic planning and marketing, new business development, traditional and digital media, brand management and graphic design, Sonali 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.

She has been hit by wanderlust and is always on the lookout for new travel experiences with her family. During her free time, she enjoys doing art with her two daughters and cooking up a storm in her kitchen.

Jay Chada

Jay Chadha

Manager, Policy and Research

Jay joined HAVAN’s Government Relations team in July 2019. Driven by his passion for real estate, he attended BCIT and graduated with a diploma from the Professional Real Estate program. Some of Jay’s past experiences include working as a Real Estate Investment and Acquisitions Analyst, and as a Jr. Development Manager for multi-family developments in Vancouver and Calgary.    

Jay prides himself on being a people person and places high importance on building lasting relationships. When he’s not reading the latest council meeting minutes, you’ll find him travelling, searching for good food or waking up at 4 am to watch soccer.

Justine Nadia

Events Manager

Justine is pleased to re-join Homebuilders Association Vancouver as Events Manager, after previously working for HAVAN in a marketing & events capacity between 2017-2020.

After being “away” for two years furthering her own career & portfolio, Justine is keen to share her fresh ideas and contribute to HAVAN’s growth. Her unique background in event & project management, graphic & web design, and digital marketing—as well as recent experience in the finance, insurance, and property management industries—continue to make her an asset to the HAVAN team.

Born and raised in Indonesia, Justine moved to Beautiful British Columbia 8 years ago to study Communication & Design at Simon Fraser University, earning her Bachelor of Arts in 2018. When not at her desk (or out at a HAVAN event), you will find her relaxing at a cozy reading nook at home, out for a run by the New Westminster Quay, playing the piano, or trying out new recipes with cauliflower as the main ingredient.

Sheri Lemire

Sheri Lemire

Office Manager