Staff
The Maritime Museum of BC is run by a small staff with many dedicated volunteers, including those who serve on the Board of Directors.
Executive Director
Brittany Vis (she/her)
1-250-900-8939 | bvis@mmbc.bc.ca
Brittany is a third generation Dutch immigrant originally from Stó:lō Nation territory in Abbotsford BC. She has a BA in English and History from the University of Victoria and a Master’s of Library and Information Science degree from Western University. In addition to her library background, she has specialized training in archives and museums, including exhibit design. She loves all things ocean related and is a big fan of stories and uncovering hidden secrets in the Museum’s collection.
Brittany has been involved with the Maritime Museum of BC since 2012 and has held a variety of roles with it since then. She currently serves as Executive Director, overseeing museum operations. When she’s not at work she can be found exploring Vancouver Island sites, walking her dog, or curled up with a good book and a mug of tea.
School and Public Programs Manager
Laura Robin (she/her)
1-250-900-9150 | lrobin@mmbc.bc.ca
Laura is originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where she received her B.A. in History and B.Ed. from the University of Saskatchewan. A teacher by training, Laura worked in elementary school classrooms for 5 years before moving closer to the ocean and coast she now teaches about at the Maritime Museum. A great love of museums and informal education environments led Laura to complete her Master’s of Museum Education from the University of British Columbia in 2019.
At the Maritime Museum, Laura creates and leads curriculum-based school programming, public programs for toddlers, adults, and seniors, and manages the delivery of outreach and onsite programming to members of all of Victoria’s diverse communities.
Collections and Exhibits Manager
Heather Feeney (she/her)
1-250-900-8951 | hfeeney@mmbc.bc.ca
Heather is originally from Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario – home of the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Germany.
She received her B.A. in Art History nearby at the University of Guelph, followed by a diploma in Museum Management and Curatorship from Fleming College in Peterborough.
Shortly after graduating, she found herself drawn to collections management, working at a variety of large and small museums as well as historic houses. After a number of years amongst the dinosaurs in Drumheller, Alberta, Heather moved to Victoria in 2022.
As the Collections and Exhibits Manager, Heather now cares for the Museum’s collection, manages a dedicated team of volunteers, and works to create upcoming exhibits.
Events and Development Manager
Anya Zanko (she/her)
1-250-900-9148 | azanko@mmbc.bc.ca
Anya is from Ridgeway, Ontario–the site of the 1866 Battle of Ridgeway–on the lands of the Haudenosaunee people, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the Attiwonderonk.
She received a B.A. (Hon.) in English Literature and History from McGill University and a Master’s of Museum Studies from the University of Toronto. After working for a few years in professional development and conference management, she moved to Lekwungen territory in 2020. Previously, she worked in community museums and with genealogy groups, focusing on database and archival management.
When not at work, she is patterning and making textile objects from secondhand materials, and going for walks by the ocean.
She is the Crabtoberfest crab mascot, and manages the logistics for all of the Museum’s exciting events throughout the year, and assists with grants, marketing, and social media.
Volunteer and Visitor Centre Coordinator
Sarah Board (she/her)
1-250-900-9021 | sboard@mmbc.bc.ca
Growing up in Victoria, Sarah’s love for the ocean began as a child on the beaches of Qualicum. Her parents claim that it was very difficult to pry her away. Sarah has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Victoria and her Masters in Museum Education from the University of British Columbia. She also is a licenced Early Childhood Educator and has a Foundations in Volunteer Management Certificate. She has worked in ocean education for over twenty years and has supported volunteers is various capacities throughout that time. Sarah is an avid dancer and supporter of the Victoria performing arts scene.
As the Volunteer and Visitor Centre Coordinator at the Maritime Museum, Sarah oversees and supports the many valued volunteers and ensures the museums visitors feel welcomed.
Events and Marketing Assistant
Haeden Walker (he/him)
events@mmbc.bc.ca
As the Events and Marketing Assistant at the Maritime Museum, Haeden assists the Events and Development Manager, Anya, in creating captivating and exciting projects our visitors love to share and be a part of. Haeden is from the traditional territories of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations (“Victoria”). Having lived in Victoria his whole life has given him a deep appreciation for the ocean and the surrounding environment.
Haeden is currently working towards a BCom degree from the University of Victoria. He knows he will be able to apply much of the knowledge and experience he gains from the Maritime Museum of British Columbia into the continuation of his education and his future career path.
When not at work, he is usually found walking along the ocean, hiking up Mount Work, or in the ocean surfing during the season.
Fall/Winter Internships
Public Engagement Intern
Westley Wilson (he/him)
programs@mmbc.bc.ca
Westley grew up on the Westshore of Greater Victoria, on the lands of Teechamista and the Lekwungen-speaking people of the Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations – bouncing the line between Colwood and Metchosin. He is a recent graduate out of the University of Victoria with a BA in Anthropology and minors in Religious Studies and Medieval Studies. With a grandfather working in wildlife conservation and fisheries, a family from the East Coast, Westley grew up in a very much Maritime adjacent childhood. These days, he spends his free time prowling low tide with his dog, lounging in caught snippets of sun (also usually with his dog), or planning out DND campaigns for his friends.
Contacting Us About Donations
As a non-profit museum, we accept different kinds of donations. Here’s your quick guide to the best person to contact for the kind of donation you would like to make:
For donations to the Collections, please email info@mmbc.bc.ca.
For donations to the annual Massive Marine & Outdoor Garage Sale, please contact Anya Zanko at azanko@mmbc.bc.ca.
For year round donations of marine goods, contact Steve Ohman at Tradewinds Boaters Exchange at 778-351-0011
To make a monetary donation, please contact us at info@mmbc.bc.ca
We thank you in advance for any donation you wish to make!