Leadership Team

Dr. Matt Vickers is a distinguished Indigenous business leader and policy expert with decades of experience in economic development, Indigenous reconciliation, and government relations. With lineage from the Tsimshian Nation, Gitxaala, and the Heiltsuk Nation (Bella Bella), he holds Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from two universities. A former Senior Manager with the Royal Bank and Partner at MNP, he has advised First Nations and governments across Canada and internationally. Currently the Owner and CEO of Vickers & Associates and Co-Chair of Honouring Nations Canada (Fulbright Canada), Dr. Vickers is widely recognized for his leadership in Indigenous economics, inclusive governance, and workplace diversity, and has received numerous awards for his advocacy and business leadership.

Dave is a career railroader with 35 years of experience in senior management roles at Canadian Pacific Railway (CP). Throughout his career, he demonstrated strong leadership and operational expertise. As a Superintendent of Rail Transportation, he ensured safe and efficient train operations while overseeing the Mechanical and Engineering departments across multiple territories of the CP system. This required coordination, regulatory compliance, and a commitment to safety standards. Dave advanced to Director of CP’s major overhaul facilities, responsible for managing comprehensive maintenance and refurbishment operations for cars, locomotives, and engineering equipment. He oversaw large-scale projects and maintenance programs while managing budgets exceeding $100 million. His expertise in budgeting, resource allocation, and team leadership contributed to operational efficiency and reliability. Dave has a deep understanding of rail infrastructure, equipment management, and strategic planning. His rail industry experience drives safety, innovation, and continuous improvement in rail operations.

Alex is a seasoned entrepreneur, public leader, and advisor with a strong track record in business development, municipal governance, and First Nation administration. He served two terms as Mayor of Ladysmith, held positions on the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD), UBCM, and Ladysmith’s Economic Development Commission, and was Administor and Economic Development Officer for the Snuneymuxw First Nation (Nanaimo). In business, Alex co-founded MMC Software International and founded both Planet Halo Security and Cloud Hawk Security Inc., the latter holding a global patent for Guardian Fire Shield™—a Canadian-invented, aerospace-manufactured fire suppression technology now used internationally, including by the World Bank Group. He continues to support Indigenous and community initiatives and has recently served on the Nanaimo Airport Authority (YCD) Board of Directors.

Teak began his marine career in 1990, learning boat building alongside his father and brother. He worked as a Shipwright and progressed from refastening planks to corking to full rebuilds of commercial vessels, and later worked as a tug skipper, beachcomber, hand logger, and commercial fisherman. He went to sea with Princess Cruises aboard the Sky Princess as a bridge watchman and returned to BC Ferries in the early 2000s before returning to shipwright and marine surveying work. He co-founded Commodore’s Boats in Richmond, BC. He worked as a tractor tug Captain ship docking with Samson Tugboats, and later established his own crane and marine transport business. He now holds a 150-ton Master's ticket. With well over 25 years of experience in the marine industry, Teak is President of IRC's Marine Division and is an Indigenous entrepreneur and investor.