Looking to the future of GSA – some news to share

It is with mixed emotions that Georgia Strait Alliance is saying goodbye to our executive director, Christianne Wilhelmson who, after 14 years of exceptional leadership at GSA, and 22 years with the organization overall, has decided to leave to explore new challenges and opportunities.

GSA’s mission is grounded in environmental justice. We mobilize and support collective action for the protection of a Salish Sea teeming with life where thriving and just communities live in balance with the environment. Words cannot express our gratitude for Christianne’s fierce commitment to this mission, and for her contributions to GSA’s advocacy for the health of the Salish Sea and its communities for over two decades.

While her contributions to the board, staff, donors and funders are many, highlights of accomplishments during her tenure include advocating for a critical wastewater treatment plan for Victoria, presenting Vancouver’s first ever State of the Waterfront report, creating a culture at GSA where new and creative ideas are encouraged, and leading the organization’s growth.

Please join GSA’s Board of Directors and our staff team in celebrating Christianne’s dedication to GSA, and her commitment and contributions to the Salish Sea and natural environment here, and the communities where we all live, work and play.

Our organization, the communities we serve, and the initiatives we champion are better and stronger thanks to Christianne’s talent and dedication. We wish her all the best as she pursues new opportunities in the next phase of her career.

The GSA Board of Directors has implemented a process for new executive leadership at GSA. An interim executive director will be hired in the weeks ahead while the formal executive search takes place to find GSA’s next permanent executive director.

Christianne’s last day with GSA is April 30, 2024.

Festival of Ocean Films

Christianne and panelists answer questions after films at Vancity Theatre. 2023.

Waterfront Initiative

Christianne at the release of the Vancouver State of the Waterfront report on March 22, 2018.

Water's Edge Day

Christianne and then GSA Board Director and long time supporter Kathy Fletcher attend Water's Edge Day at the Vancouver Maritime Museum.

In 2018, Christianne was nominationed for the YWCA Metro Vancouver Women of Distinction Award - Environmental Sustainability.

While kayaking with her husband on Vansittart Island near God's Pocket, Christianne undertook a shoreline clean up highlighting the diversity of garbage in our oceans.

Clean Air & Water

Christianne on the Lions Gate Bridge with the Lions Gate wastewater treatmnet plant behind her. This was during our private prosecutions against Metro Vancouver for violations of the Fisheries Act in the late 2000s.

Clean Air & Water

Christianne speaking at a public rally at Canada Place in Vancouver as part of a campaign against cruise ship pollution.

ToxicSmart

Christianne leading a ToxicSmart workshop with the Taiwanes Green Club in Vancouver when she led our Clean Air and Water program. Early 2000s