Meet the BEST team

Our team is united by a shared commitment to creating sustainable, vibrant, and livable communities. Together, we work to make sustainable transportation an easy, accessible, and enjoyable choice for everyone.

Our Board of Directors

  • Tylor Sherman

    Board Chair

    Tylor is a creative technologist and co-founder of Denim & Steel, blending engineering and design to create innovative solutions. He’s a music lover who enjoys city walks with his dog, Sophie, and his favorite playlist.

  • Serena Yu

    Treasurer

    With a background in business relationship management and program coordination, Serena is passionate about advancing community-focused, sustainable transportation initiatives through strong financial oversight and cross-sector collaboration.

  • Vanja Bartula

    Member at Large

    Vanja’s appreciation for public transit and cycling stems from her efforts to reduce her carbon footprint. She’s passionate about environmental sustainability and enjoys weightlifting, hiking, and cycling in her free time.

  • Jerry Gosling

    Member at Large

    Jerry brings decades of leadership in community wellness and advocacy to BEST. He’s passionate about creating age-friendly transportation solutions across BC and has served in various roles supporting seniors’ mobility.

  • Pomponia Martinez

    Member at Large

    Pomponia supports clean energy in transportation and commutes by EV. She teaches business and HR and brings systems management expertise to BEST. She’s dedicated to fostering environmentally sound solutions.

  • Nina Maravic

    Member at Large

    Nina brings over 10 years of project management experience to BEST. She’s passionate about promoting sustainable transportation and livable communities. In her free time, she loves nature, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

  • Jeannie Furmanek

    Member at Large

    With over 10 years of experience at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, Jeannie is dedicated to supporting seniors and championing transportation equity. She is passionate about fostering inclusive communities and creating programs that reflect the diverse needs of residents.

  • Cathy Yan

    Member at Large

    Cathy is a PhD Candidate at UBC in the Genome Science and Technology program. Her research focuses on how profiling the molecular characteristics of cancer cells can improve treatment options for patients. Outside of the lab, she is a climate organizer focusing on policy issues local to Richmond, BC.

Our Team

  • Pablo Zacarías

    Executive Director

    Pablo understands how public and active mobility fosters community resilience. He co-founded Rodante—Mexico’s largest bicycle music festival—using art and bikes to advocate for better transportation policies and create vibrant public spaces. In his free time, Pablo is an active part of the local arts scene: writing songs and performing stand-up comedy.

  • Farinaz Rikhtehgaran

    Project Manager

    Farinaz has a strong background in Gerontology and Urban Planning and Design, with over four years of experience in seniors' transportation and mobility, built environment accessibility, and aging in place, working with non-profits and academic institutions. She also has international experience as an urban planner with consulting companies.

  • Alex Mehta

    Operations Manager

    Bringing over a decade of experience in logistics and project management and a Bachelor of Science and diplomas in Operations Management and Agile Development from BCIT, Alex excels at streamlining processes and optimizing operations. Outside of work, he enjoys biking, hiking, and spending time with his family.

  • Crystal Teves

    Human Resources Manager

    Crystal is passionate about sustainability and active transportation. She commutes by train or bus, using the time to enjoy music, podcasts, or unwind, while advocating for healthier lifestyles and eco-friendly communities. In her role, she fosters a team culture aligned with BEST’s vision for a sustainable, connected future.

  • Sammy Purewal

    Controller

    Sammy is our financial whiz and money maestro! With a knack for balancing the books and big ideas, Sammy ensures BEST stays on track to create livable, sustainable communities. When not crunching numbers, you’ll find Sammy exploring the globe or shredding the slopes—because spreadsheets are great, but powder days are better.

  • Cayley McCallum

    Marketing Lead

    Cayley is a marketing master with a keen eye for creating content that sticks. She has over five years of experience in content marketing internationally. In her spare time, she finds joy in taking long walks outside (preferably by the water) and has a deep appreciation for living and leading sustainably.

  • Karissa Schreyer

    Events Coordinator

    Karissa has a background in English and Psychology and over 8 years of experience navigating Vancouver by public transit. She worked as an event coordinator for an e-bike rental service, sparking her passion for sustainable transportation and community engagement. Outside of work, she loves tap dancing, attending concerts, and creating bold abstract makeup looks.

  • Silvana Martinez

    Research & Project Coordinator

    During Silvana’s time studying Human Geography from UBC, she discovered her passion for community work, leading her to roles in the non-profit sector, including supporting newcomers with employment and organizing public events at SFU Public Square. Silvana is excited to combine her love for urbanism and community in her role at BEST, promoting equitable access to all.

  • Cesar Martinez

    Business Development Coordinator

    Cesar’s passions lie in entrepreneurship, marketing, sports, and community impact. He combines his expertise in sales and consumer behavior with a love for fostering community engagement through sports. His work with start-ups has fueled his drive to create positive change, and at BEST, Cesar aims to make BC more accessible and inclusive.

  • Gustavo Villela

    Project Coordinator

    Informed by his background in public policy, Gustavo is driven by his wish to make Metro Vancouver a more accessible and equitable home for everyone. He is passionate about topics as varied as ancient Greece to sustainable transportation. In the wild, he can be found buying books that he will forget to read.

  • David Minic

    Active Transportation Coordinator

    David is a passionate cyclist and proud Vancouverite with a vision for livable, sustainable communities where everyone can thrive. He’s a firm believer in active transportation as a path to cleaner air, less traffic, and healthier, happier lives. On his down time, you’ll find David exploring new trails, reading by the beach, or whipping up creative dishes in the kitchen.