Staff

Kirstin Clausen

Executive Director

The first heritage building restoration project Kirstin (she/her) led was the Northern Alberta Railway train station in Peace River, AB in 1988. Since then she counts herself blessed for having been able to have worked in museums that have active engagement with heritage planning and preservation of historic buildings. She was with the Langley Centennial Museum (Fort Langley) for 9 years and Britannia Mine Museum as its Executive Director for 20 years. Kirstin is a passionate administrator and believer that heritage is within everyone’s capacity to benefit from. Reach out to Kirstin about Heritage BC's governance, operations & sector advocacy.
 

Leslie Bush

Community Heritage Coordinator

Leslie (he/him) has worked in and advocated for the Arts, Culture, Heritage sector for over a decade, bringing his skills in community engagement, not-for-profit administration, and strategic planning to a wide range of initiatives and organizations. Most recently with the Edmonton Heritage Council, he connected people in the community with funding and support to research, interpret, preserve, and advocate for our shared heritage. Once described as a ‘serial volunteer,’ Les is an active advocate for sustainable and resilient communities, an avid cyclist, ambitious home cook, and aspiring artist. Contact Leslie about the Heritage Legacy Fund and you community heritage-related questions.
 

Scott Swan

Database, Membership and Development

Scott (he/him) brings many years of experience in non-profit operations, with a strong focus in membership and volunteer engagement, database management, and development. When he’s not working you can find him with his nose in a book, volunteering in the community, or planning his next travel adventure. Chat with Scott about membership, sponsorships and data-related questions.
 

Dr Maria Paula Arias

Heritage Program Coordinator

Maria Paula (she/her) is an experienced museologist and cultural strategist with over a decade of work across museums, heritage organizations, and cultural institutions. She is passionate about meaningful audience engagement and specializes in inclusive, community-centered approaches to cultural planning and interpretation. Originally from Colombia, Maria Paula brings an international perspective and a deep commitment to equity, creativity, and public impact. Her work bridges people and place, fostering meaningful connections through heritage that is dynamic, relevant, and rooted in care. Contact Maria about the BC Heritage Conference and Heritage Awards.
 

Katie Varney

Communications Specialist

Katie (she/her) brings over 20 years of experience working with non-profit, public, and cultural institutions in Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary. She specializes in communications, community engagement, and cultural development, and is passionate about the intersection of public space, art, and human-centred design. Katie has a MA in Communications and Cultural Studies and BFA in New Media. She enjoys bringing people together for shared cultural experiences. In her downtime, you’ll find Katie hustling at flea markets, adventuring with her daughter and husband, hanging out at the beach, or tinkering with her (temperamental) vintage Westfalia. Reach out to Katie about the website, newsletter, media relations and Heritage Week.
 

Maria Buhne

Grants and Administrative Assistant

Maria (she/her) comes with a background in both museums and heritage grant administration. Her interest in museums and heritage began early, volunteering and working in a variety of museums around her home town as a child and teenager. These experiences inspired her to study the cultural importance of house museums during her undergraduate and graduate studies —work that took her to heritage sites across Canada, the UK, and Europe. Maria ran a grant program for the Victoria Heritage Foundation, where she supported heritage homeowners with restoration projects through grants and education. She believes that ongoing support for both tangible and intangible heritage programs can help to strengthen communities, now and into the future. Maria spends most of her downtime as “mum”, going to music classes, playgroups, and parks with her toddler. She is also known to squeeze in the occasional wine bar or the theatre date with her husband or friends every now and then. Maria provides support for the grant programs.