Host/Presenters

Claire Lynch

National Director, Advisory Programs

Nicole Garton FEA, President of Heritage Trust

As the principal of Heritage Law, Nicole is a lawyer and mediator practicing in the areas of wills and estates and family law. As President of Heritage Trust, Nicole offers fiduciary, escrow and multi-family office services on behalf of individuals, families, business owners, trusts and estates. Nicole received a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of British Columbia and was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 2001. Nicole completed a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School in Alternative Dispute Resolution in 2019, with a focus on dispute prevention and management for family businesses.

Dave Ford FEA, Partner Clark Wilson LLP.

David is a business and M&A lawyer with over 20 years of experience advising clients on the purchase and sale of businesses, venture capital investments and other strategic transactions. He works with clients across several industries, with a particular specialization assisting enterprising families, technology and emerging companies, and Indigenous-owned businesses.  David is fascinated by the dynamics of multi-generational family enterprises and legacy building.  He helps his family enterprise clients with the purchase and sale of operating assets, minority and strategic investments in private companies, impact investing, and long-term business continuity.

Jennifer Brookman, NextGen and Vice President of Sales & Marketing at WCD

Jennifer Brookman is the Vice President, Sales & Marketing at WCD, an Alberta-based business that specializes in on demand print and information solutions. She sits on the WCD Executive team along with her sister Karen Brookman, President and CEO, and brother-in-law Allan Megarry, CFO. Their father George Brookman remains actively involved as Chair & Company Ambassador. Jennifer is a highly collaborative, technical, and cross-functional leader with over 20 years of experience specializing in marketing, communications, and customer experience. She is now responsible for the leadership and strategic development of a cohesive corporate Revenue Operations model to create a streamlined customer experience and achieve critical organizational goals. She is also responsible for the executive oversight of the company’s in-house design agency, WCD Creative. Jennifer sees her purpose as a leader in helping others discover and develop their unique talents and stretch towards excellence, while still achieving a healthy work-life balance. She lives in North Vancouver, British Columbia with her husband and two children.