The day to day work of Union Gospel Mission is carried out by a team of dedicated professionals who have a passion for bringing Christ’s love to those struggling with poverty, addiction, and homelessness. Many staff were once volunteers and donors, and wanted to make their commitment to Vancouver’s poor a full-time job. Some staff were once guests of UGM and have personally experienced the transformative power of UGM’s programs. Together with the guidance of visionary senior leadership, UGM employees are committed to eradicating homelessness and to working themselves out of a job.
While we can’t introduce you to every staff member, we’d like you to meet our Senior Leadership. These are the men and women who are charting the course for UGM as we seek to engage the community, care for the poor, and transform lives across Metro Vancouver.
William B. Mollard - President
William Mollard has served as Chief Operating Officer for The Salvation Army BC Division, and has held several executive healthcare positions in hospitals and care homes across Canada. Outside of his tremendous success in executive leadership roles, Bill has been Senior Pastor of two churches in Metro Vancouver, and is decorated with the Canadian Medal of Bravery (1987).
Happily married to his wife, Darlene, for 28 years, Bill says, “It’s been the joy of our lives to enjoy each other.” With a heart for the poor and a desire to make a real difference in the lives of those in need in our communities, Bill Mollard brings a valuable perspective to UGM.
Dan Russell, DMin - Director of Programs
Dan joined the staff of UGM in January 2007. As Director of Programs, Dan is responsible for the overall delivery of UGM programs into the community. He loves the opportunity to care for the poor in the name of Christ, and seeks to foster an environment of mutual respect and dignity that is extended to those we serve.
Before coming to UGM, Dan and his wife Karen served as missionaries in Austria for 14 years. With a Doctorate of Ministry from Carey Theological College, Dan is passionate about excellence and integrity in a faith-based organizational context. He’s also passionate about his three awesome kids, Andreas, Christopher and Mikaela.
Genesa Wheaton, CFRE - Director of Resource Development
Genesa comes to UGM with a strong background in not-for-profit management, professional fundraising, government relations, board development and strategic planning. In her role as Director of Resource Development, Genesa is responsible for providing oversight and leadership to the following areas: Annual Giving, Principal and Planned Giving, Communications and Media Relations, Volunteer Resources and Creative Technologies.
Prior to UGM, Genesa was a Senior Consultant for Ketchum Canada Inc (KCI), Canada’s largest fund raising consultancy firm providing strategic and on-site counsel to the not-for-profit sector. As well, she has worked for Keats Camp, Greater Vancouver Youth for Christ and The Salvation Army.
Grace Lynn Melnick, CHRP – Director of Human Resources
Grace Lynn brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Director of Human Resources at Union Gospel Mission. During the past seven years, Grace Lynn led a successful Human Resources consulting practice, as President of Melnick & Associates Consulting Inc., providing services to many clients including Trinity Western University, Thrifty Foods and the City of White Rock. Before entering the consulting field, Grace Lynn acquired extensive experience as a manager and Human Resources Advisor with several provincial government ministries.
The child of Missionary parents, Grace Lynn is an active member of the Northview Community Church in Abbotsford and is currently working on her Master of Arts in Leadership at Trinity Western University. Grace Lynn is blessed with two adult sons, a lovely daughter-in-law and an adorable grandson.
Genesa Wheaton, CFRE - Director of Resource DevelopmentGenesa comes to UGM with a strong background in not-for-profit management, professional fundraising, government relations, board development and strategic planning. In her role as Director of Resource Development, Genesa is responsible for providing oversight and leadership to the following areas: Annual Giving, Principal and Planned Giving, Communications and Media Relations, Volunteer Resources and Creative Technologies.Prior to UGM, Genesa was a Senior Consultant for Ketchum Canada Inc (KCI), Canada’s largest fund raising consultancy firm providing strategic and on-site counsel to the not-for-profit sector. As well, she has worked for Keats Camp, Greater Vancouver Youth for Christ and The Salvation Army.
Teri Jones, MBA, MA, CMA – Director of Administration
Teri comes to UGM with many years experience in the not-for-profit sector, particularly the Christian higher-education sector. Her experience includes roles in both academia as a professor of business at Trinity Western University, and in administration as the CFO/Director of Finance at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford. She holds a CMA designation and an MBA from York University. As Director of Finance & Administration, Teri is responsible for oversight of UGM’s financial planning, as well as support services related to technology, facilities, kitchen, and housing.
A longstanding member of Olivet Baptist Church in New Westminster, Teri is also an active volunteer at her church, and is passionate about bringing dignity and hope to people from all life situations.
Maurice McElrea - President Emeritus
Maurice McElrea has been providing leadership and vision to the Mission since 1980. Under his leadership, Union Gospel Mission grew dramatically to meet the ever-increasing demand for our services.
As President, Maurice was responsible for overseeing the Mission, giving direction to the senior management, providing strategic vision (along with the Board of Directors), and was the Mission's principle spokesperson.
Genesa Wheaton, CFRE - Director of Resource DevelopmentGenesa comes to UGM with a strong background in not-for-profit management, professional fundraising, government relations, board development and strategic planning. In her role as Director of Resource Development, Genesa is responsible for providing oversight and leadership to the following areas: Annual Giving, Principal and Planned Giving, Communications and Media Relations, Volunteer Resources and Creative Technologies.Prior to UGM, Genesa was a Senior Consultant for Ketchum Canada Inc (KCI), Canada’s largest fund raising consultancy firm providing strategic and on-site counsel to the not-for-profit sector. As well, she has worked for Keats Camp, Greater Vancouver Youth for Christ and The Salvation Army.