The Team

JOSH BARTLEY, P.Eng

CEO, Co-Founder, Civil & Environmental Engineer

  • jbartley@islanderengineering.com

    Josh Bartley is a registered Professional Engineer and graduate of the University of British Columbia with a degree in Civil Engineering (Environmental Option). He also holds a Civil Engineering Technology Diploma and brings nearly 20 years of experience in civil and environmental engineering and construction. Over the course of his career, Josh has focused on applying innovative, practical solutions to the challenges of infrastructure, land development, and environmental stewardship.

    As a settler, Josh grew up on lease land within the shíshálh Nation’s reserve, where he developed a deep respect for the community and a lasting connection to the land. Later in his career, after refining his craft as an engineer, he was able to return and work closely with the shíshálh Nation on projects that have had a meaningful impact. He is proud of the opportunity to contribute to the community where he was raised, and carries forward the humility and responsibility that come with that experience.

    Over time, Josh has gained a deeper appreciation for the value of Indigenous knowledge and teachings. What he only partly understood in his youth, he now recognizes in midlife as essential wisdom—guidance that continues to shape his understanding of sustainability and balance. He acknowledges that his own journey with these teachings is still at an early stage and is committed to learning with humility and respect.

    Grounded in a commitment to learning, Josh approaches projects with curiosity and openness, drawing on his technical expertise while continuing to learn from the teachings of First Nations whose stewardship of these lands and waters extends across generations. He recognizes that this is an ongoing journey, and approaches it with humility and care. Josh believes that strong engineering also requires fostering belonging, by creating collaborative spaces where communities, clients, and colleagues feel respected and valued. His work is rooted in care, balancing environmental and socio-economic impacts with the financial well-being of stakeholders, while ensuring that projects are designed to be safe, resilient, and sustainable for future generations.

COREY BROWN, M.Eng, P.Eng, AScT

Co-Founder, Civil Engineer

  • Corey is a member of the Old Masset Village Band, part of the Haida Nation on Haida Gwaii. He belongs to the Sta’staas Eagle Clan and is the nephew of the current serving hereditary Chief 7idansuu. Corey is also a registered member of the Aboriginal Professional Association of Canada.

    After completing a Diploma in Civil Engineering Technology at Camosun College in Victoria, Corey went on to earn a degree in Civil Engineering from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, followed by a Master of Engineering degree specializing in Environmental Fluid Mechanics at the University of British Columbia.

    Since 2008, Corey has worked with clients across Vancouver Island in civil and environmental engineering. In 2016, he co-founded Islander Engineering, and in 2017, he established Gwaii Engineering, now a proud member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Through these ventures, Corey has steadily grown the businesses while maintaining a focus on creating capacity within First Nation communities. His work emphasizes building strength through long-term partnerships, advancing self-determination, and supporting projects that align environmental stewardship with community prosperity.

MYCHAL PINKARD

Client Relations

  • Mychal brings 15+ years of experience supporting clients and leadership across a range of industries and organizations. She leads Client Relations, serving as a key link between internal teams and external partners, streamlining operations and communications while supporting business development. Grounded in a people + culture-first approach, she prioritizes trust, clarity, and strong working relationships, and is known for her positive presence in fast-paced environments. 

    Originally from Los Angeles, Mychal has lived and worked in Brooklyn, Baltimore, Copenhagen, and Portland before immigrating to Victoria in 2021. She is deeply passionate about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Having spent much of her life in multicultural cities, she is committed to supporting representation in both professional and community spaces. Mychal initiated a project at Vic West Elementary, working with the PAC and a local artist to update a school mural so it more accurately reflects the diversity of the students and neighbourhood—a project she is very proud of. She is also part of an international Superconnector community based in Copenhagen called Unio.

    Her professional background includes a BA in Liberal Studies, Lean Sigma certification through IBM, HR training through Reimagine Work, and executive recruiting training with MRINetwork. 

    Outside of work, Mychal enjoys spending time with her partner and two kids, connecting with friends, supporting and promoting local businesses, taking long walks, and laughing as much as possible.

DAVE AYLESWORTH

Survey & Construction Manager

  • Dave is a Civil Engineering Technologist with over ten years of experience in civil engineering projects across Southern Vancouver Island. A 2015 graduate of Camosun College’s Civil Engineering Technology program, he developed a strong foundation in municipal infrastructure, land surveying, land development, and structural design. His training also provided hands-on experience with the latest drafting and project management software, including scheduling tools, Gantt charts, and cost estimating, as well as a solid grounding in BC Building Codes and the tendering process for construction contracts.

    Dave’s career builds on many years in the construction industry prior to his engineering training, including five years as a production worker in the solar lighting industry, where he contributed to the manufacturing of renewable energy solutions. He later worked as a pool builder and general partner in a property renovation business, experiences that honed his practical skills, attention to detail, and ability to deliver quality work under tight deadlines.

    Since transitioning into civil engineering, Dave has worked on projects of various scales as a surveyor, field inspector, and construction contract administrator. His combined field and technical experience allows him to bridge the gap between design and construction, ensuring that solutions are both technically sound and constructible.

    Dave is valued for his ability to communicate clearly with clients, contractors, and municipal authorities. He brings forward cost-effective, straightforward solutions that reflect his mix of hands-on construction experience and civil engineering training. His work is rooted in practicality, teamwork, and a strong commitment to delivering infrastructure that supports resilient and sustainable communities.

JOSHUA ANDERSON, EIT

Project Engineer

  • Joshua Anderson is a registered Engineer-in-Training (EIT) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Victoria. During his studies, he focused heavily on environmental engineering, integrating sustainability and environmental stewardship into many of his academic and practical projects. This foundation has shaped his approach to civil engineering, where he consistently seeks to incorporate sustainable design principles and responsible land use practices.

    Joshua brings a diverse range of professional experience to Islander. His background includes hands-on construction work as a pipe layer, civil drafting and design, site investigation, environmental monitoring, soil sampling, and project management. This blend of field experience and technical expertise has given him a well-rounded perspective, enabling him to bridge the gap between design and implementation.

    Joshua first joined Islander Engineering as a co-op student in 2020 and quickly demonstrated his skill, adaptability, and commitment to learning. Since then, he has become a full-time member of the team, where he continues to expand his expertise in drafting, design, and land development. He values collaboration and community engagement, and is motivated by the opportunity to contribute to projects that balance technical excellence with environmental and social responsibility.

GREG GILLESPIE, BSc, PMP

Senior Development Manager

  • Greg Gillespie is an accredited Project Management Professional (PMP) and land use consultant with over 16 years of leadership and real estate experience. He has built a reputation for delivering end-to-end land management solutions, guiding projects from initial concept through planning, approvals, construction, and long-term operations.

    Greg’s expertise spans a wide range of portfolios, including residential housing, telecommunications infrastructure, waste-to-energy facilities, and large-scale multifamily and mixed-use developments. His ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, coordinate with diverse stakeholders, and balance technical, financial, and community considerations has been central to his success.

    Throughout his career, Greg has led teams and partnerships that bring together municipalities, First Nations, developers, and industry leaders to achieve projects that are both commercially viable and socially responsible. His approach emphasizes strong governance, transparent decision-making, and a commitment to building projects that enhance the communities they serve while creating long-term value for all stakeholders.

BETHANY FREI

Operational Strategy & Agile Lead

  • Bethany is a certified Agile Scrum Master and Product Owner with over seven years of experience leading service transformation projects in the BC Government with a focus on software development products. Her work specializes in combining operational efficiency with a human-centered, values-based approach to change ensuring that the person using the product or service is at the center of the design.

    Notably, as Senior Product Manager she led the start-up of the Building Permit Hub — a provincial one-stop application that brings together industry, local, and Indigenous governments to simplify and streamline the building permit submission processes. Through this and other software development initiatives, Bethany has been privileged to collaborate with a wide range of partners, including local First Nations and Indigenous communities across BC.

    Bethany’s approach is guided by Islander’s values of Learning, Belonging, and Care. Her professional practice is also informed by her ongoing learning and reconciliation journey — including self-study and formal courses in decolonization, understanding white privilege, and Canadian Indigenous literature. She continues to reflect on how these teachings shape her role in creating more equitable and inclusive systems.

    Outside of work, Bethany finds joy in the time with her family, who remain her greatest priority. She can also be found in groups or workshops pursuing her love of Transcendental Meditation, breathwork, ecstatic dance, painting, sewing, and riding her Harley Davidson.

MARIO MURILLO, MSC. 

Project Engineer

  • Mario is a civil and structural engineer with over 13 years of experience across infrastructure design, project coordination, and technical documentation in both Latin America and Canada. Now based in Victoria, British Columbia, he works in municipal civil engineering with a focus on stormwater management, site servicing, and development design for Vancouver Island communities.

    Mario holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Catholic University of Honduras, a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from UNITEC, and a Business Administration Diploma from the University of Victoria. His technical background includes structural modeling and analysis, civil design, and multidisciplinary coordination using tools such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, Revit, ETABS, SAP2000, and project management tools including MS Project and Microsoft Office.

    Throughout his career, Mario has contributed to a wide range of projects including hydroelectric infrastructure, municipal servicing, site grading and drainage, and consulting engineering deliverables such as drawings, reports, cost estimates, and O&M manuals. His work emphasizes clarity in documentation, strong coordination with stakeholders, and practical solutions aligned with municipal bylaws and engineering standards.

    Currently, Mario is advancing toward professional registration with Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) and continues to deepen his expertise in local practice, stormwater design, and Canadian engineering standards. He brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to every project, grounded in technical rigor and a commitment to continuous improvement.

SPIRO SPANOS

Project Delivery Consultant

  • Blending hands-on craftsmanship with technical expertise, Spiro brings over 20 years of experience in residential and commercial construction. Beginning his career in fine woodworking and carpentry, he honed his skills building custom interiors, decks, and multi-residential frameworks before earning a university education in the sciences.

    As a foreman, safety officer, and superintendent, Spiro led complex renovation projects across Victoria, developing a rigorous approach to quality, safety, and efficient project delivery. This experience informs his ability to provide constructability and field advisory support to survey and engineering teams, assisting with site logistics, development coordination, and construction process insight.

    Today, through Kinesis Innovations, Spiro delivers specialized renovation services and consulting, offering innovative, detail-driven solutions that combine precision engineering with refined craftsmanship.

DREW SESSIONS

Civil Engineering Technologist

  • Drew Sessions is a Civil Engineering Technologist with a Diploma from Camosun College. During his studies, Drew developed a strong foundation in civil design, which sparked his interest in land development and municipal engineering. His education has shaped a practical approach to design, emphasizing constructability, coordination, and long-term project sustainability.

    Drew brings a diverse range of professional experience from working with several engineering firms across Vancouver Island. His expertise focuses on municipal infrastructure design, drafting, and detailing. Over the years, he has contributed to a variety of residential, commercial, and First Nations projects throughout British Columbia, consistently seeking innovative and efficient design solutions. He has also demonstrated leadership by mentoring junior staff, organizing and leading training sessions to support their technical development.

    At Islander Engineering, Drew continues to expand his technical expertise in civil design and project coordination. He takes pride in producing high-quality work that supports efficient, safe, and sustainable community infrastructure.

SALLY HODGSON

Project Management Support

  • Sally Hodgson came to Vancouver Island to pursue her undergraduate studies, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Geography. Inspired by the island’s landscapes and communities, she continued on to complete a Master of Arts in Social Dimensions of Health at the University of Victoria. Her academic work focused on the intersections of health, community, and environment—perspectives that continue to shape her approach to professional practice.

    Building on this foundation, Sally gained valuable project management experience in the healthcare sector, where she supported initiatives requiring cross-disciplinary collaboration, careful coordination, and strong organizational skills. She later founded Lacuna Business Solutions, providing operational and administrative support services to help organizations run more effectively.

    At Islander, Sally plays a central role in the smooth functioning of billing and operations while also contributing to grant writing and strategic development. Her ability to balance detail-oriented execution with big-picture thinking makes her an integral part of the team, ensuring that Islander’s projects are supported with both rigor and care.

    Beyond the office, Sally is passionate about travel and exploration. She enjoys discovering new destinations, spending time with friends, and taking full advantage of Vancouver Island’s outdoor adventures—from hiking forest trails to enjoying the coast.

TAVIS MCMULLEN

Senior Civil Designer 

  • Tavis is a Senior Civil Designer at Islander Engineering with over 20 years of experience supporting the design and delivery of civil infrastructure projects. He began his drafting career in Campbell River and worked his way down Vancouver Island through Courtenay and Nanaimo before settling in Victoria. Throughout his career, Tavis has contributed to a wide range of projects, from large-scale infrastructure such as the SFPR base plan and the Klemtu ferry terminal down to two lot subdivisions.

    With a strong technical background and extensive knowledge of Civil 3D, Tavis supports projects through detailed design and has helped develop CAD standards at multiple firms. He enjoys the unique challenges each project brings and takes pride in delivering thoughtful, high-quality work that supports successful construction and collaboration.

In memoriam

It’s with great sorrow that we share the passing of David M. Cuzner, who died in October 2025. Davide brought nearly three decades of experience in forest engineering, clean energy, and decarbonization technologies, along with a strong background in government relations, stakeholder engagement, and the negotiation of long-term partnership agreements. He earned his Engineering degree in Stockholm, Sweden, and later completed a Master’s degree in Forest Ecology and Wood Sciences at the University of British Columbia. Davide spent 16 years with the Ministry of Forests and Natural Resources Canada as a research science officer specializing in dendrochronology and climate change, and was appointed to the Government Technical Team as Forest Ecosystem Specialist for the North Coast LRMP and the Haida Land Use Plan.

At Islander, Davide served in Indigenous Relations, Climate Action & Carbon Solutions, bringing a principled, respectful approach to partnership and climate action. With deep familial ties to the Haida Nation and more than a decade of work on Haida Gwaii and other traditional territories, Davide was guided by values of stewardship, reciprocity, and community well-being. He continued to lead complex projects throughout his career, including multi-million-dollar infrastructure initiatives and executive work in Europe focused on biopolymers, greenhouse gas reduction, and independent validation of carbon credits within the Emissions Trading System (ETS).

Davide will be remembered for his integrity, expertise, and the lasting impact he made through the relationships he built and the work he advanced. He will be deeply missed.