Board & Staff

Through her involvement with the Chamber, Jessica hopes to inspire the up and coming generation of business in Sechelt to be proactive in working towards positive growth and sustainable change.

Jessica is the owner of Moorestock, a lifestyle boutique located in the heart of Sechelt on Cowrie Street. Having managed the business in an executive role for ten years preceding her ownership (effective August 2019), Jessica possesses a wealth of knowledge from her hands-on experience in all facets of the retail industry. The pressure of navigating her first year in business through the effects of Covid-19 has shown a great tenacity and ability to pivot strategically under great duress.

As a longtime resident of the Sunshine Coast, Jessica is invested in the potential of her community from not only a business perspective, but personal standpoint as well. Jessica is the mother of one young daughter and one pug puppy.

Gabriel is the Founder and Creative Director of Blue Lotus Creative, a digital marketing and business solutions agency based right here on the Sunshine Coast of BC. With a focus on optimizing growth for values-focused clients through web development, SEO, digital strategy, video and ads, Gabriel leads with a results-driven approach that helps implement systemized Lead Growth Engines for clients.

Raised in Ireland, Arthur began his legal career in 2015 with some of Ireland’s largest corporate law firms. He originally specialised in corporate transactions and has experience in multi-million dollar international deals to smaller local transactions and everything in between. Upon requalification as a lawyer in Canada, Arthur practised in the business law department of one of Vancouver’s leading firms.

Arthur acts for a diverse range of businesses and individuals doing business in and from the Sunshine Coast and beyond. His areas of practice include all areas of business law, commercial and residential real estate transactions, and private client matters.

Arthur is proud to give back to his community as an active firefighter with the Gibsons and District Volunteer Fire Department and as a youth coach with the Sunshine Coast Rapids Lacrosse Association.

Sarah is a West Coaster through and through, with deep ties to both the Sunshine
Coast and Vancouver area. Driven by curiosity and a love of learning, she spent much
of her education studying abroad in England, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Canada,
ultimately earning a BA from the University of Victoria. She later completed the SFU
Professional Development Program to become a qualified teacher and also earned her
Certified HR Professional designation through BCIT.

Professionally, Sarah has built a diverse career in people leadership and organizational
development. She has worked with organizations ranging from early-stage start-ups to
global companies including Google, Facebook, and Airbnb, and has helped build high-
performing workplaces recognized as some of Canada’s Best Places to Work. Most
recently, she served as Director of People & Culture for a software company and has
also supported First Nations organizations and small businesses. Sarah is also the
founder of Easy Peasy Treats, a business born out of creativity and entrepreneurship
that has given her firsthand experience building and growing a venture from the ground
up. She is passionate about helping people and businesses thrive while creating strong,
connected communities.

Patrick Lessard is the General Manager of the Coast Reporter, bringing over 25 years of experience in the newspaper industry. Even after more than two decades in the business, he still finds the work rewarding and inspiring.

Patrick and his family relocated to the Sunshine Coast in the fall of 2019. Before joining the Coast Reporter, he served as Advertising Director for the Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association, where he supported the success of numerous community publications across the province.

Now a proud resident of the Sunshine Coast, Patrick is excited to support the local community and explore everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer.

Jessica Marola-Hugh is a passionate advocate for the next generation of entrepreneurs on the Sunshine Coast. As the founder of StoryWell Marketing, she has spent over a decade supporting local and international brands—from legacy family businesses to fresh startups—helping them tell their stories with clarity and confidence in an increasingly digital world.

Jessica brings a unique blend of marketing expertise, community insight, and heartfelt leadership to her work. She has served as a past director with both the Sechelt and Gibsons Chambers of Commerce and is an active member of Rotary. Her mission is to help businesses—especially those navigating generational transitions—thrive in a tourism-based economy by equipping them with the tools and strategies they need to grow with purpose.

A mother of four, a leader in her church, and an avid health enthusiast, Jessica speaks regularly to audiences of women about emotional resilience, leadership, and authentic brand building. Whether she’s tending to her 40 chickens, brainstorming with clients, or speaking on the importance of emotional intelligence in marketing, she brings warmth, wisdom, and a deep commitment to the Coast in all she does.

Jessica lives in Sechelt with her husband (the love of her life), their four kids, six cats, and a rotating cast of garden projects and community ideas. Through her role on the Chamber board, she hopes to continue building a thriving, connected future for local business—one story at a time.

I’m a chef, restauranteur, and hospitality consultant on the Sunshine Coast. Over the years, I’ve launched several local businesses — from cafés and cocktail bars to fine dining pop-ups — and have worked closely with small business owners to help them grow sustainably. I’m passionate about building community through thoughtful entrepreneurship and creating spaces where people feel connected and supported.

As a Chamber director, I’m here to listen, collaborate, and advocate for the needs of local businesses. I’m especially excited to contribute to initiatives that highlight local talent, support food security, and strengthen the economic fabric of our region.

Looking forward to working with all of you and contributing to the continued vibrancy of our community!

I have been an independent mortgage broker for 19 years and provide mortgages for clients
in Alberta and British Columbia. I am a mother of 3 and grandmother of 3. My husband and
I moved to Sechelt in 2009. In 2011, I was elected to the District of Sechelt council and
served as a councillor for 7 years. I then ran for and was elected as Mayor and served 4
years in that position. I was also the Chair at the Sunshine Coast Regional District. I have
been very involved in the local community and have been a director on many community
committees and organizations.

My husband and I moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2016 after spending several years
abroad, working on large-scale international sporting events, including the Olympics and
Commonwealth Games. When we arrived, we quickly knew this was where we wanted
to put down roots and raise our family.

After many years in the local hospitality industry and having two amazing kids, I stepped
into the role of Event Coordinator at Gibsons Public Market in January 2024. An
opportunity that perfectly aligned with my background in events. Since then, I’ve been
involved in the planning and execution of a wide range of community-focused events,
including the Gibsons Summer Night Markets, Wellness Fest, and the Annual Gala, just
to name a few.

Now serving as Events and Programs Manager, I oversee not only signature events but
also children’s and seniors’ programming. I’m especially excited to be launching new
initiatives like MushrooMania and Seafood Fest. I’m passionate about creating inclusive,
welcoming experiences that bring people of all ages together and strengthen our
community.

Long-time Sunshine Coast resident Ed Pednaud formerly held the position of Executive Director, Sechelt & District Chamber of Commerce. He is now leading and implementing many of the critical steps required to achieve financial, operational, and governance integration of the newly formed Sunshine Coast Chamber of Commerce.

Ed can be reached at: 604-885-06622 or via email.

Ed worked within the BC Credit Union system for over 30 years and now translates that experience and knowledge into a new venture as a Highpoint Capital Solutions Mortgage Broker.

He has become well known in the community as a Mortgage Professional who contributes time and energy to the positive growth of Sechelt.