Rick Browning

Co-Founder & Chairman

Rick started his career in property nearly 50 years ago, with Colliers International and Canadian Freehold (a subsidiary of ICI GB). Since then, Rick has found his calling as a developer, working on projects like Fairview Landing, The Carlyle and the Richmond Auto Mall.

His resume also includes Parkwood, Nanaimo, a 110 acre master planned residential community, Crestwood Commerce Centre, Richmond, and the Whistler Visitor and Blackcomb Lodge complex.

He is the recipient of the UDI Award for Development Excellence and the City of Vancouver Heritage Award for Development Excellence.

Outside of his memorable career in development, Rick spent time as the Managing Partner of Pacific Western Realty Corp.  He was also the founding partner of Red Robin Restaurants, Rocky Mountain Rail Tour Co, and Whistler Premier Resort Accommodations.

Ryan Cohen

Co-Founder & CEO

Ryan began his career as an investment banker with Canaccord Genuity in 2007, specifically focused on natural resources. He quickly advanced to the position of Director, Equity and Debt Capital Markets, becoming the youngest Director in the firm’s history.

In 2012, he departed the banking world and took on a range of executive positions with numerous shale oil & gas companies, and publicly traded mining companies with assets throughout North and South America. Many of these groups were successfully sold during his tenure with them.

In 2016, Ryan shifted his focus to real estate with the specific intent to build real & lasting value and be able to participate more meaningfully with the communities he operates in. This ultimately culminated in the founding of a group of property development companies, including Pacific Swell.

Damien Duport

Chief Operating Officer

Damien is a Welsh National and Operations Manager at Pacific Swell Developments. Prior to Pacific Swell, Damien completed his BA Honors Degree from Liverpool University in International Business and Chinese Studies.

He went on to work in Finance and M&A with private mining companies in China and West Africa. Damien has acted as a consultant to public companies in Investor Relations and financing efforts, providing creative insight, knowledge, and strategic focus to improve IR and communication programs.

He is currently focused on overseeing the company's property portfolio in BC and is President of PacSwell Concepts; the Group’s construction arm. Damien has a keen eye for detail and is involved in every facet of our business.

Grayson Rohland

Development & Construction Manager

Grayson joined Pacific Swell in 2020 and heads up our project management and construction planning efforts. He commenced his career at a young age renovating yachts with his family.

This transitioned into developing large custom homes in the West Vancouver Area, with projects including several multi-million dollar yacht renovations, a large custom home, and acting as Lead Foreman/Project Coordinator on several multi-million dollar custom homes with Calrudd Construction, winning the AIA Citation Award. 

Grayson founded Rohland Brothers Contracting in 2018 and completed a number of projects including renovations for “Mangia E Bevi” Restaurant (May 2019), “La Sorella” Restaurant (June 2019), Bean Around The World (July 2019) and multiple custom home additions.

Ross McKenzie

Head of Tourism

Ross is a British National and former Royal Marine. He is our patient zero and has been with the team from day one. His solid work ethic, proactive nature and broad range of skillsets have seen him graduate from a maintenance role to running the group’s tourism arm.

Ross has been General Manager of MacKenzie Beach Resort since 2018 and overseen its strategic vision, construction and gradual return to vibrancy over the past few years.

Ross is a member of the Tofino Volunteer Fire Department and his quick thinking, cool demeanour and practical problem solving are highly valued.

Tisah Tucknott-Cohen

Interior Design

Tisah is a former Art Therapist by profession and received her BA as well as her piano diploma from McGill University. She has creativity coursing through her veins.

Tisah founded and owns Drifter the Brand, an online home goods boutique which also offers interior design and styling services. She has been our go-to interior designer & stylist for all our projects and also runs our various social media platforms.

Tisah’s keen eye and one-of-a-kind curation and procurement abilities have made her an invaluable asset to Pacific Swell.

Brooke Vagelatos

VP Legal & Municipal Affairs

Brooke Vagelatos is a lawyer and local government professional with over a decade of experience in both the private and public sectors. Called to the BC Bar in 2015, she has worked at international and boutique law firms with a focus on environmental, Aboriginal, and real estate law, and has represented First Nations across BC.

Brooke also spent more than eight years in senior municipal roles and served two terms as Chair of a First Nation’s administrative tribunal. She’s a passionate advocate for equity in the legal profession, having successfully brought forward a resolution to the Law Society of BC in support of parental leave protections.

Brooke lives in Pemberton, BC with her partner and their two kids.

Ethan Porter

Operations Manager

A business graduate of Trinity Western, Ethan began his career with BC Ferries, where he developed a strong foundation in customer service, logistics, and team leadership.

He later refined his hospitality expertise at the renowned Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, known for its world-class service and luxury experience. There, Ethan deepened his commitment to excellence and developed a keen eye for detail in guest services and resort operations. Now at Mackenzie Beach Resort, Ethan plays a key role in overseeing daily operations, supporting resort development and improvements, and enhancing the guest experience.

Outside of work, he is a passionate explorer with a love for uncovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path destinations — always chasing the next adventure, one unique find at a time.

Zara Sheehy

General Manger

Originally from New Zealand, Zara joined the team in 2021 as a front desk agent after moving to Tofino. Her warm, guest-focused approach quickly stood out, and her dedication and leadership led her to grow into the role of General Manager.

Zara is passionate about creating memorable guest experiences and fostering a supportive team culture. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking local trails with her dog, snowboarding in the winter months, and soaking up the natural beauty that first drew her to Vancouver Island.

She brings a global perspective and a deep appreciation for the environment to both her work and lifestyle.

Sarah Elderbroom Partridge

Building & Leasing Manager

Sarah began her career in an administrative role at the local radio station, where she then joined Corus Radio, traveling extensively throughout Western Canada helping implement new software. Coming back to Vancouver Island, she transitioned to a role in Property Management where her specialty was dealing with repairs and maintenance.  Taking a step back from that role, she opened up her own business, which she ran successfully for 8 years before deciding it was time to return to her roots in property management.

She joined the Pacific Swell team as our Building and Leasing Manager in 2022.

Though Sarah loves to travel and explore, she is happiest at home with her husband Colin, raising their two children and tending to their multitude of animals.

Teresa Fouillard

Finance Controller

With over 30 years of bookkeeping experience, Teresa brings a strong background in financial management, budgeting, reporting and community service to her role at PacSwell.

After growing up in Burnaby, BC, she spent over two decades in rural Manitoba raising her family and serving as treasurer for several community organizations. Later returning to BC to support family and continuation of career in property management bookkeeping.

In 2021, Teresa joined PacSwell, where she helps ensure financial accuracy and operational efficiency. Outside of work, she enjoys time with family, reading, walking, and exploring genealogy.