CHRIS RICKETTS (ESQUIMALT-ROYAL ROADS) - BIOGRAPHY

Chris Ricketts is a builder of award winning homes, and a builder of community who has invested decades in service to a variety of local volunteer boards, projects and organizations. He is a natural leader who knows what it takes to create plans, manage and adapt to changing circumstances, and succeed at achieving goals in the workplace and in the community.

Chris was born and raised in Greater Victoria, growing up in Esquimalt and graduating from Esquimalt High School. Chris attended the University of Victoria to study computer science, working part-time in the construction industry. Eventually, the satisfaction of being able to build something as important as a family home won him over, and he's been building beautiful homes for families throughout Southern Vancouver Island ever since.

Chris understands the issues of the community he calls home. He lives in Colwood with his partner Shari, and has built homes in the area for most of his career. He has served as President of the WestShore Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Colwood Rotary Club and director with the Esquimalt - Royal Roads BC Liberal Riding Association.

Chris understands what it takes to lead organizational change and work as part of a team. In 1996, he joined the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) of Victoria to further his professional development and in 2002 he became President. 3 years later (2005), Chris became President of the Canadian Home Builders Association of British Columbia (CHBA BC). During his leadership, Chris oversaw the operations of ten locals across the province, with a membership of over 1700 builder companies. This leadership role required Chris to work closely with the provincial and federal governments on building issues, and helped bring important changes such as implementing the Built Green BC program. The opportunity enabled Chris to refine his listening and negotiating skills, and strengthened his ability to bring diverse opinions together to find pathways to cooperation and shared success.

Chris is looking forward to bringing his versatile toolkit of skills to continue the work of building positive change for a healthy, prosperous and strong British Columbia.