
Patrick Buchannon
CEO
Patrick has been the Executive Director, and now CEO of New Chelsea Society since 1997. Under his leadership, New Chelsea Society has nearly quadrupled its portfolio of housing units and has grown considerably its capacity and reputation as the third largest nonprofit housing provider in the Lower Mainland. Patrick holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from UBC, a Certificate in Senior Management from the Banff Centre for Higher Learning, and is also a Chartered Member of the Charter Institute of Housing – International. He was one of the CIH Western Canada Founders. He served on the Board of Directors of the BC Non-Profit Housing Association for 6 years, and was a member of the Burnaby Mayor’s Task Force on Community Housing in 2018-19. He has served on the boards of a number of local non-profit organizations including the George Derby Care Society and the Veteran’s Memorial Housing Society. He is also an accomplished bagpiper and the Staff-Sergeant Emeritus & long time Secretary-Treasurer of the New Westminster Pipe Band.

Jennifer Walsh
Director of Finance
Jennifer joined New Chelsea Society in July 2009 and has since led the accounting team and the organization through huge growth. Prior to working for New Chelsea Society, she worked in various accounting departments in various roles and industries, earning her CMA designation in 2006. She has always been interested in working in the Not for profit sector and continues to enjoy being able to contribute her skills, knowledge and experience to further the vision and mission of New Chelsea Society. She has a passion for helping to make housing affordable and she is very proud to be part of this team. Jennifer also is the President of the Port Alberni Association for Community Living (PAACL) and she volunteers as a Financial Literacy Presenter though CPABC.

Scott Stewart, CertCIH
Director of Operations
Scott has been with New Chelsea since January of 2016, and was brought on board as an Operations Manager to oversee 715 units as well as assist in the takeover of New Chelsea’s newest property – Stamps Place – from BC Housing. Prior to New Chelsea, Scott worked for the Provincial Government and for North West Hydraulics. Scott completed his Professional Property Manager and Property Management Certificates as well as his Social Housing Management Certificate at Langara College. In the spring of 2019 Scott achieved his “Certified” designation – CertCIH – with the Chartered Institute of Housing. When not at work you can find Scott in the workshop he has assembled, either teaching others about woodworking or working on personal projects himself – unless it is sunny out – and then you will find him on the golf course.

Shehzan Nathoo
Director of Administration & Human Resources
Shehzan is responsible for providing high level administrative support to senior management, the board of directors, and all committees. She serves as the staff benefits administrator, looks after all the personnel records, produces newsletters and marketing materials and other administrative publications such as staff manuals and board governance manuals. She also manages the daily office operations and supervises the head office administrative staff and social media coordinator.

Darryl Lucas
General Manager at Chelsea Park
Darryl joined New Chelsea Society in February 2023 to be the General Manager at Chelsea Park. Prior to working with New Chelsea Society, he worked in various management roles with non-profits as well as FHA and VCHA. Darryl holds a BSc from SFU, an MBA from City University and a Counselling degree from the University of the Fraser Valley. He served on a number of boards of local non-profits such as the Ridge Meadows Hospice Society and the Alouette Home Start Society. Darryl’s 35-year career in the social service sector has helped develop his passion for helping others. He, along with his wife, are involved with Community Living of BC in the Home Sharing program. This program enables individuals to live, with Darryl and his wife, independently in a loving, caring home. Darryl’s other passion is rugby. He played for 38 years and refereed for 25 years. Don’t be surprised to see Darryl walking up and down the sidelines of a rugby game talking about how good he used to be.