Meet Our Board
Matthew Wilson
Board Chair
Matthew is an ecologist who works in the non-profit sector in the field of wetland conservation and restoration. He has been working with wetlands since completing his master’s degree at the University of Alberta, first as Alberta's provincial wetland biologist, leading the development and implementation of provincial wetland assessment and management. In his current position, he leads planning and implementation of large-scale wetland and floodplain restoration projects.
Through his past and current experiences, he has gained skills in leadership, project management, program and policy development, financial planning and budgeting, Indigenous and stakeholder engagement, environmental outreach and education.
He continues to be inspired by the wonders of our environment and spends as much personal time in nature as he can. Matthew believes it is vital for each person to find their own way of connecting with nature. This can help each person better understand their individual relationship to the environment and how they can help to care for nature's immense resources and values.
Maureen Butler
Treasurer
Inspired by her children’s enjoyment of Swan Lake’s programs and visits to Swan Lake with their Grandma, Maureen rejoined the Board in May 2024.
As a CPA, Maureen has considerable experience accounting for charities and businesses and brings that strength to the Board. She welcomes the challenges of helping charities organize their financial information.
Jane Cameron
Secretary and Chair of Governance
Following a lifelong passion for the natural environment, Jane recently completed the Restoration of Natural Systems Program at UVic. Jane spends as much time as possible outdoors, exploring new elements of the Victoria-area coastal environment. As a trained educator, it is a pleasure to support the effective stewardship and ongoing management of this special urban Nature Sanctuary, which affords visitors of all ages rich environmental learning opportunities.
Jane’s background includes professional experience in non-profit board governance, strategic planning, organizational development and project management, as well as public sector and private consulting work.
Brian Lawson
Director
Brian’s introduction to nature was through bird watching and hiking, and later, as a volunteer with habitat restoration and land preservation. These activities always felt rewarding and impactful. Prior experience as an employment lawyer, and as a board member on a variety of conservation and community Boards, in different capacities, has helped shape his perspective.
Brian is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, and its precious urban natural oasis, through participation as a Director on the Board.
Don Leitch
Director
Don Leitch has extensive executive experience in both the public and private sectors. He served as the Clerk of the Executive Council, Deputy Minister to the Premier, and Head of the Manitoba Public Service in Manitoba on two occasions, the first for over eleven years. In 2021 he was asked to return as Clerk where he served from 2021-2023.
He was the President & CEO of the Business Council of Manitoba from 2014 to 2020. Don also served as Deputy Minister in British Columbia for economic development, international trade and investment, small business, and tourism. Subsequently he led the establishment of Travel Alberta as a Crown Corporation and was CEO. During his career Don has been a senior member of several major economic and public policy commissions and reviews, has participated on many panels, and has also provided commentary on economic and policy issues.
For several years Don chaired the Deputy Minister Task Force on Securities Reform established by the provincial governments to reform and harmonize securities laws and regulations across the country.
Don brings a wealth of board experience having served on numerous boards and committees provincially and nationally, including the boards of the Forks-North Portage Development Corporation, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, The Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Poverty Reduction Council at the United Way of Winnipeg. Don has been on the International Advisory Committee of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and was elected Chair of the Board of Directors of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in June 2017 serving as Chair until the fall of 2023 and continues as past Chair. Currently Don is also on the board of the Canada West Foundation joining in 2021.
For his contributions to public service Don was awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (Manitoba) and received both the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal and Platinum Jubilee Medal.
Don earned a Master’s Degree in Natural Resources Management and a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Manitoba.
Don continues to advise and consult with various organizations in the public and private sectors.
Sharlot Beatty
Director
Sharlot is a Training and Development Specialist with over 10 years of experience. She has worked for several local not-for-profit organizations including the Vancouver Island Construction Association, Beacon Community Services, Worklink and the Cool Aid Society.
She is extroverted, creative and prioritizes fun. Sharlot is motivated by helping others define and reach their goals. She has a deep love of and respect for the natural world and is excited about the opportunity to contribute to its preservation and protection through her efforts as a board member.