Terri Newell joined Horizon in 1991 after learning about the then worker-owned business through a course project. She holds an M.A. from the UBC School of Community & Regional Planning. Terri has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Horizon Group since 1998 when Horizon was purchased by its current majority shareholder and President, Ron Francisco.

Since joining Horizon, Terri has utilized her natural leadership skills and planning ability to help guide Horizon’s evolution from its rich co-op roots to our position today as the industry leading organic and natural distributor in Western Canada with more than $130 million in annual sales.

In 2008, Terri led the project to secure warehouse capacity that would meet the demands of growth for many years to come. She oversaw the intensive design/build process that resulted in the seamless relocation of Horizon operations to the current 150,000 square foot Grocery facility in South Burnaby, BC. Terri led the 2019 merger of the Horizon Group subsidiary, Christmas Natural Products, with Horizon Distributors to become Horizon Grocery + Wellness.

Terri has been an avid soccer player since she was seven years old, and continues to participate today both as a player and as a past member of the Metro Women’s Soccer League Board. When she’s off the field, you’ll find Terri mountain biking the trails of North Vancouver, or at the ice rink with her hockey teammates.

Gayle Thom began her career in the organic and natural industry with Horizon in 1993, working in various roles including sales and administration before leaving in 2003 to build and develop a natural products brokerage. In 2006, Gayle rejoined Horizon to work as part of the senior management team in assisting with the development and implementation of overall strategic directives for the company.

Working closely with Horizon’s management team, Gayle oversees procurement, pricing, supplier relations, marketing, policy development, category management, brand management and publishing. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree and a master’s degree in liberal studies from Simon Fraser University. Gayle enjoys developing long-term relationships with suppliers to build brands that aim to protect and restore the natural world.

Having grown up next to apple orchards in BC’s Okanagan valley, Gayle now spends much of her time engaged in cycling, running, and hiking near her home in the forests of North Vancouver. She is a student of classical guitar and holds a black belt in JKA Shotokan karate.

Shannen Lohnes joined the Horizon management team in 2006. Prior to joining Horizon, Shannen acquired experience in business development throughout North America, working with established grocery brand management and distribution companies. Her diverse education includes business at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and science at the University of Hawaii.

At Horizon, Shannen is responsible for managing retailer partnerships, program and service packages, and retail execution initiatives. She leads the sales department consisting of 19 individuals with focus on strategic business development, analytics, skills training, and education.

Raised in the Vancouver lower mainland, Shannen enjoys an active lifestyle adventuring in the mountains and waters of British Columbia.

Henry Wang began his technology career more than twenty-five years ago upon earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Geophysics at the China University of Petroleum. Henry worked as software programmer and technical support specialist in the geotechnical field in Beijing and San Francisco and earned professional certifications as a network engineer before joining Horizon in 1999 to assist with the Y2K transition.

Since that time, Henry has built Horizon’s computer network and designed the foundation of hardware and software systems and solutions that address both our day-to-day needs and the future growth of Horizon and Horizon Group subsidiaries. Managing a growing staff within the IT department, Henry enjoys researching new technology and working with the management team and staff to develop and implement these resources.

Henry appreciates the year-round opportunities the mild Vancouver climate offers to participate in his favourite outdoor activities, which include running, skiing, kayaking, swimming and sailing.

Jeremy brings over 25 years experience in supply chain operations and holds the APICS designation as a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) to his role as Purchasing Manager. He oversees a team of 13 in purchasing, providing guidance as they endeavor to maintain the highest service level fill rates possible. Jeremy oversees purchasing, inventory management, inbound logistics, regulatory compliance, and is active in operations, process control and system configuration.

Horizon is a perfect fit for Jeremy. He enjoys living a healthy lifestyle, including eating healthy whole foods and getting plenty of exercise. Originally from Ottawa, he moved to Vancouver in 2008 to experience our climate and environment which supports his passion for outdoor activities. An avid runner and triathlete, Jeremy has completed numerous running races/marathons and when not running or training, he can be found hiking the local mountains or backcountry camping with his family.

Liz Mahoney came to Horizon in 1997, after acquiring many years of experience working in retail environments at busy natural foods co-operatives in Vancouver and on Hornby Island, British Columbia.

As Customer Service Manager, Liz is responsible for a dynamic 21 person team, working in two shifts nearly 24 hours a day. Liz oversees all functions of the department, including incoming orders, invoicing, claims and reception in addition to addressing Customer Service issues as they arise.

As a result of her extensive retail experience, Liz understands the specific challenges our retail partners face in running successful operations. Her invaluable perspective assists Horizon in continuing to tailor our operations to suit the individual needs of our customers. Liz values the opportunity to exceed customer expectations by encouraging positive, personal contact and ensuring pricing integrity to each account.

Lee Wyatt-Willekes first came to Horizon in 1991, during which time they held positions in both our Purchasing and Warehouse departments. Lee took on the role of Warehouse Manager in 2002. Horizon has since tripled in volume. To say that Lee and their warehouse leadership team are highly skilled in adapting our operations to meet growth demands across all warehouse functions would be an understatement.

Lee enjoys the challenge inherent in balancing a vision for longer term needs with leading our 70 person warehouse group through day to day demands. They have worked diligently to create a safe and inclusive warehouse environment, where workers are encouraged to take personal ownership of their duties and recognize the value of their contributions to the business and our customers. Many of the models they employ are inspired by team unity, which include approaches to staff inclusivity and systems development, fair and attainable expectations, and an environment that is both supportive and compassionate.

Lee enjoys entertaining friends in their home with their partner, road trips and winery tours, engaging in their local community and spending time with their most adored pup, Jett.

Barbara Fulgham joined Horizon as Accounting Manager in 2013. She brings eighteen years of business experience to Horizon, including nine years as a CPA and CMA. Barb leads a eleven-person team in controlling and overseeing all accounting and financial processes, including responsibility for financial statements, management reports and financial performance analysis.

Barb’s accounting skills and previous experience make her an invaluable resource on our management team, providing support for business decisions on many levels. Barb works closely with our Purchasing and Warehouse departments to ensure system-wide integrity for all inventory and pricing processes.

When she is not in the office, Barb enjoys spending time with her young family.

Katie McKenzie joined Horizon Grocery + Wellness in 2019 after working for a natural and organic retailer for a number of years. Katie graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Administration and has a Certified Professional in Human Resources designation (CPHR). At Horizon, she oversees all People + Culture functions including policies and procedures, recruitment, compensation, and health and safety, while providing guidance to the management team in these areas.

With more than a decade of Human Resources experience in the hospitality, retail and manufacturing industries, Katie provides expertise in both operational and strategic HR practices. Her focus has been on employee engagement, training and development, and change management. Katie has a passion for health and wellness and a strong interest in sustainable food.

When she is not in the office, Katie enjoys being outdoors and loves living in British Columbia. Her free time finds her cooking for family and friends, seeing live music, gardening, and exploring the trails of North Vancouver.

Zakia joined the Horizon team in 2018 as a National Brand Manager. In 2022, Zakia was promoted to the Manager of the Marketing Team where she oversees a diverse group of specialists in pricing, publications, procurement, and supplier relationship management. She leads this dynamic team by providing support and guidance with integrity. Zakia also manages a small portfolio of key multi-brand supplier partners.

Zakia is highly data-driven, fueled by her love of mathematics and numbers. She holds a bachelor’s degree of Science in Mathematics and Classical Studies from UBC. Aside from data and numbers, she has a deep interest in ancient history and a particular fascination with Hellenic studies, which was the focus of her other major.

Zakia’s passion for organic and natural foods and wellness products was ignited by her experience caring for a parent living with cancer. Outside of the office, you can find Zakia playing beach volleyball in summer, spending time with family and friends, enjoying a beverage at a nice restaurant, and watching and talking about the Game of Thrones universe.

Rosanna’s passion for food and sustainable living is what led her to the natural products industry.  She was thrilled to join the Horizon team in 2011, eager to leverage her account management experience with a company that aligned with her values.

Rosanna’s solid customer relationships allow her to provide valuable insights into customer behaviour, preferences, and trends.  Her deep-rooted passion for organic + natural products and wealth of grocery and wellness industry knowledge led her to the newly created role of Sales Manager in 2021, where she drives strategy and provides leadership for our dynamic field sales team.

Outside of work, Rosanna loves family adventures, spending time outdoors, cooking, and travelling. Her two sons are her greatest inspiration and fuel the energy she brings to everything.