Staff

Dr. Shea Henry

Executive Director

Shea (she/her) has been working as an archaeologist, historian, archivist, heritage advocate, and not-for-profit leader for over 20 years. She is passionate about community building through the shared and unique heritage found across British Columbia. After teaching and learning in the Archaeology and Indigenous Studies departments at Simon Fraser University she moved into public education through museums and heritage management with Coquitlam Heritage Society and then for the last eight years as the Executive Director of the Maple Ridge Museum and Archives. Shea strongly believes that through public engagement and advocacy we can all benefit from the wealth of opportunities that heritage creates.
 
Reach out to Shea about Governance, Operations and Advocacy | [email protected], 604-417-7243 ext. 101
 

Katie Varney

Communications Specialist

Katie (she/her) brings over 20 years of experience working with cultural non-profits and public institutions in Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary. She specializes in communications, community engagement and programming, and cultural development. She is passionate about the intersection of public space, art, and human-centred design. Katie has a Masters in Communications and Cultural Studies and Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media. In her downtime, you’ll find Katie hustling at flea markets, travelling with her family or tinkering on her temperamental vintage VW van.
 
Reach out to Katie about BC Heritage Week, website, newsletter and media relations | [email protected]
 

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,’ Leslie 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 | [email protected], 604-417-7243 ext. 102
 

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 Annual Heritage Conference, Heritage BC Awards and Webinars | [email protected]
 

Scott Swan

Data, Membership & Development Coordinator

Bringing more than 25 years of experience in non-profit management, Scott has specialized in strategic planning, data analysis, marketing, volunteer management, and fundraising. He is especially drawn to the ways culture and heritage intersect. When he’s not working, you can find him with his nose in a book, visiting archives and museums, volunteering, or planning his next travel adventure (60+ countries!).
 
Chat with Scott about membership, data, and sponsorships & conference logistics | [email protected]
 

Maria Buhne

Grants and Administrative Assistant

Maria is currently on maternity leave and returning in Fall 2026.

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.