Meet our team.

Aaron Stone, CEO of South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP), is a visionary leader championing place-based economic strategies that harness Vancouver Island’s unique strengths. 

With a laser focus on investing in innovation for high-value sector development, community wealth building, circular economy initiatives and economic Reconciliation with First Nations, Aaron drives inclusive growth that aligns with Greater Victoria’s values and natural assets. His leadership prioritizes emerging sectors — including life sciences, clean-tech and the blue economy — to create household-supporting jobs while safeguarding coastal ecosystems and cultures.  

A seasoned advocate for community-led development, Aaron’s 25-year career blends tech entrepreneurship, local governance and regional strategy. As Mayor of Ladysmith, he forged groundbreaking partnerships with Stz’uminus First Nation, reinvigorated the downtown shopping district and secured award-winning community plans and infrastructure investments. At SIPP, Aaron is doubling down on collaboration, uniting leaders to leverage place-based solutions for resilient, equitable prosperity. Aaron also received recognition on the BC 500 list published by Business in Vancouver for two years in a row, which recognizes the most influential business leaders in B.C.

For Aaron, true progress means investing in people, planet and partnerships, proving that values-driven economies thrive.  

Dallas Gislason has played instrumental roles in many industry-leading economic development projects across Canada and the USA over the last 20 years. Here on Vancouver Island, Dallas worked with several collaborators to create a regional alliance model designed to convene Greater Victoria’s many stakeholders and governments around the pursuit of a more diversified, innovative and sustainable economy. That alliance, now known as SIPP, launched in 2016 with 29 members and now has over 70. Dallas has served on several boards over the years, such as Business Retention and Expansion International, the International Council on National Youth Policy, Junior Achievement of Saskatchewan, the Camosun Technology Access Centre, the Greater Victoria Placemaking Network, among others.

Dallas has received many accolades over his career, including being the youngest-ever recipient of the Premier of Saskatchewan’s Award of Excellence in Leadership in 2007. He holds a Master’s of Global Management (MGM) degree from Royal Roads University, a Graduate Certificate in Economic Development from the University of Waterloo, and is a certified facilitator in Business Retention and Expansion (BREI, USA), Industry Cluster Facilitation (Cluster Navigators, New Zealand), and Organizational & Team Performance (The Pacific Institute, USA).

Tarrin Sam is a proud member of the Songhees Nation, hailing from the Sam family, and a dedicated advocate for Indigenous-led economic growth. With extensive experience in communications, media, and community engagement, she previously served as Communications Coordinator within her Nation, where she strengthened connections, amplified voices, and advanced community initiatives.

As Acting Executive Director of the Indigenous Prosperity Centre, Tarrin leads the organization with vision, integrity, and a deep commitment to Indigenous economic empowerment. She is responsible for guiding strategic priorities, fostering strong relationships with Nations, businesses, and partners, and ensuring IPC’s programs and initiatives respond to community needs. Tarrin brings passion, dedication, and a collaborative leadership style to her role, working to strengthen Indigenous-led economic opportunities and build a resilient, community-driven future across the region.

Jason Goldsworthy joined the COAST team as Executive Director in April 2023. With over 20 years of international experience in managing engineering businesses and projects, Jason brings leadership, technical and commercial aptitude to the team. His experience spans multiple industries including renewable energy, urban development, environmental consulting, mining, and commercial and infrastructure construction.

Jason has worked with large multinational corporations as well as being involved in several startups. He has acted on several corporate boards in both Canada and Australia. He holds a PHD in Engineering from the University of Adelaide, Australia, and is a member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.

As editor-in-chief of Douglas magazine from 2011 to 2020, Kerry has played a key role in telling South Vancouver Island’s stories of innovation and entrepreneurship and shaping the vibrant business narrative of this region. Kerry was also editor-in-chief of YAM, a lifestyle magazine, and Spruce, a home and renovation media brand.

Kerry has focused her career on developing clear and compelling communications across multiple mediums. After graduating from UVic’s Department of Writing, she worked at newspapers and magazines throughout B.C. before co-founding Artemis PR + Design, a communications agency. She is a frequent guest speaker on business and media topics and recently co-hosted “Conversations in Crisis” on CHEK TV, interviewing business owners during the pandemic.

Kieran uses his strong interpersonal skills from years of experience in the tourism and hotel industry. He recently completed his Bachelor of Business Management, co-majoring in Tourism and Marketing, and he has a passion for destination management and the growth of our region. 

Kieran has substantial experience working with local governments and a keen interest in business development. He applies his skills to SIPP’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) strategies, attracting new organizations to Greater Victoria and managing several of our local projects and the overall running of SIPP operations. 

Ben joined SIPP as a Digital Marketing and Communications Specialist. He’s a UVic grad who’s worked for various organizations, including BCI and Island Health. These experiences helped him hone his passion for delivering meaningful stories about healthcare and economic development. In this role at SIPP, he’s excited to continue this passion and use a data-driven approach to develop Greater Victoria’s economic story.

Anika Fernandez was born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, and has been living on Vancouver Island for the past ten years. Anika has blended cultural roots, with Kʼiche Mayan heritage on her father’s side and English and Scottish ancestry on her mother’s. She attended the University of Victoria, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on Indigenous Studies. During her time at university, Anika developed a strong passion for integrating new-age media and storytelling into academic and professional spaces, recognizing their power to inform, connect, and inspire.

This passion led her to her current role as Communications and Marketing Coordinator at the Indigenous Prosperity Centre, where she supports Indigenous economic development initiatives by amplifying community-led programs, businesses, and opportunities. Anika is deeply committed to creating meaningful and lasting change in the region and is eager to help the Indigenous Prosperity Centre advance its goals and positively impact the communities it serves.

Amanda’s varied career encompasses journalism, public relations, advertising and sponsorship sales and event management. Most notably, she’s worked with Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, marketing numerous events for the non-profit arts organization, for CTV Vancouver Island in various roles including events and sponsorship manager, creative producer, on-air host and advertising sales and for South Island Prosperity Partnership, providing event management, sponsorship coordination and communication support.