Board Biographies
Craig Smith
An active community volunteer for over 20 years, this is Craig’s first time
volunteering for the MFRC. Craig has lived in both Halifax and Ottawa before
arriving in Victoria. Craig has a BBA from Acadia University and an MBA from
Athabasca University. Craig’s expertise in marketing and communications is a
result of working for a number of large international companies. He is currently
employed at a nonprofit organization in Victoria. He is looking forward to working
with such a dynamic and dedicated group of volunteers and staff that make up
the MFRC.
Lieutenant Commander Glen Thomas
Born in Gander, Newfoundland, LCdr Thomas grew up in Ottawa. A graduate of the Royal Military College in 1978 with a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce, he has spent 33 years in the Navy including 21 in the regular forces and 12 in the reserves. Glen is currently the Commanding Officer and Admin Officer at Can Flt Pac HQ Esquimalt and is the Fleet Rep and Treasurer at the Esquimalt MFRC. The father of Matthew and William, Glen currently lives in Saanich. Glen has an interest in badminton, tennis, cycling and hiking.
Helen Bates
Helen has been involved with the MFRC in various capacities for over 20 years. She began volunteering with special events and different projects, then with several family networks, but finally found volunteer nirvana on the Board of Directors. Helen enjoys the strategic and leadership focus of the Board and the organization’s work in addressing the lifestyle challenges of deployment and relocation for military families.
Carl McLean
Carl is a mortgage broker with Rochar Financial Inc, a Dominion Lending Centre Franchise. He is a
member of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce (GVCC), the Mortgage Broker of British Columbia
Association (MBABC) and the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals (CAAMP). Carl has enjoyed a long career with the Canadian military. In addition to his military qualifications and
experience, he holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from Royal Roads University, a Diploma in Real
Property Appraisal and Assessment from St-Francis Xavier University and a Diploma in Real Estate
Trading Services from the University of British Columbia. Carl has lived in Victoria for over 33 years and is very much involved in his community. Carl is married
to Debbie Field and together they enjoy the company of six grown children. Carl is bilingual French and
English. His hobbies are home renovations, hockey refereeing and playing music.
Kathy Easton
Kathy is a Public Health Nurse and recent graduate of Royal Roads University with a Master of Arts in
Leadership. Kathy is passionate about community development and promoting health equity. This is
Kathy's first time volunteering for the MFRC although she has been a part of the military community for over
20 years. Kathy and her husband Dean (currently serving aboard HMCS Vancouver) have been fortunate
to be posted on Vancouver Island where they enjoy camping, fishing and being outdoors year round.
Marie Amoto
Marie is currently employed as the Executive Assistant to the Base Logistics Officer at CFB Esquimalt.
She is an active member on the branch’s Entertainment Committee and her key interests are
communications, advertising, and events. She also attends night classes at Camosun College where she
is working towards a Degree in Psychology. Marie’s goal is to become a registered therapist where she
will conduct PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and/or OSI (Operational Stress Injury) awareness
briefs to soldiers and their families after their tours are completed. Her personal hobbies include
wakeboarding, snowboarding and her Jack Russell Terrier.
Michael Morrison
Michael Morrison has spent most of the past ten years working for the Canadian Navy and the
Department of National Defence in Victoria, British Columbia where he lives with his wife and their two
children. He is currently employed as the Chief of Staff at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt. He also
works as a consultant including work for the Royal Roads University Faculty of Management as an
advisor for MBA students on their final comprehensive project. He is also a participant in the mentoring
program for MBA students at the University of Victoria. Michael is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) with proficiency in accounting, management
and strategy. He also holds an MBA from Royal Roads University, an executive certificate in Strategic
Leadership from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia and a Professional
Logistician (P.Log) designation from the Logistics Institute.
