Honorary Directors are individuals appointed by the Board who have provided eminent and distinguished service to the Foundation.
Robert W. Butler PhD, FRCGS, AFC
Past Chair of the Board, President and co-founder
Rob Butler was a founding director who served as President from 2003 to 2021 and where he led the strategic direction, growth and restructuring of the Pacific WildLife Foundation. He brings more than 40 years of experience as a scientist and a wealth of experience with public programs and administration. Rob is an Adjunct Professor in Biological Sciences at Simon Fraser University, a Fellow of the American Ornithologists Society, The Explorer’s Club, and the Royal Canadian Geographic Society, and a Signature Member of the Artists for Conservation. He has received several awards for conservation and community outreach and is an Outstanding Alumnus of two universities. Rob’s interests also include art and film presenter and maker.
Rudi Kovanic
Past Director
Rudi served on the Board from 2003-2021 during the transition and growth of Pacific WildLife Foundation. He has more than 35 years of film and video documentary experience, specializing in scientific subjects. He has won many national and international awards at scientific, environmental and natural history film festivals including the President’s Award from CBC, two Golden Plaques at the Chicago International Film Festival.
Ian Semple
Past Director & Secretary/Treasurer
We wish to acknowledge and thank Ian Semple for nearly 40 years of service and support of the West Coast Whale Research Foundation and the Pacific WildLife Foundation. Ian became interested in marine conservation while working for a wealth management company in Vancouver in 1985 when he participated in a weekend with whale researchers at Telegraph Cove on Vancouver Island. He remained dedicated to the idea of objective science for conservation as a key way to resolve many conservation issues of our time. Ian’s career was as a mineral geologist and mining investment analyst. He spends much of his time painting and writing. Read more at www.ian-semple.com