Author Archives: PFM Search

Carol Brown & Alicia Williams – Board of Directors – Consumer Protection BC

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PFM is pleased to announce the appointment of Carol Brown and Alicia Williams to the Board of Directors at Consumer Protection BC, effective 2023. This marks the beginning of their first three-year terms, concluding in December 2026.

Carol Brown brings a wealth of expertise in organizational development and governance. With a background as a business lawyer, Carol transitioned into mediation and adjudication roles within various provincial regulatory bodies, including the British Columbia Utilities Commission and the Environmental Appeal Board. Holding a PhD in organizational development, Carol’s commitment to excellence extends to her teaching endeavors at Royal Roads University. She is a certified Independent Corporate Director (ICD.D) and currently serves on the board of the Victoria Airport Authority.

Alicia Williams, a seasoned Chartered Professional Accountant and senior financial executive, joins the board with a diverse portfolio spanning Canadian and US private and public companies, as well as not-for-profit organizations. Currently serving as the Vice President of Finance for the YWCA Metro Vancouver, Alicia’s expertise extends beyond financial matters to encompass governance advice, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), and corporate sustainability. Alicia’s legal background, coupled with her extensive experience, enriches the board’s skill set. She also holds a law degree (J.D.) from the University of Southern California.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, we extend our warmest congratulations to Carol and Alicia on their appointments to the Board of Directors at Consumer Protection BC.

PFM Executive Search has been a trusted partner in executive recruitment and board placement for over 30 years, serving prominent Canadian private, public, and not-for-profit clients. Our commitment to excellence in leadership placement continues to drive our success in identifying top talent worldwide. If you’re seeking to strengthen your board composition, consider PFM as your dedicated advisor  in navigating future board requirements. With our extensive experience and personalized approach, we stand ready to guide you towards achieving your organizational goals.

Natasha Questel – Chief Social Purpose Officer – BC Lottery Corporation

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PFM is pleased to announce Natasha Questel as the new Chief Social Purpose Officer and Vice President, Marketing with BCLC, effective January 22, 2024.

Questel joins BCLC with significant experience in the non-profit and consumer-packaged goods sectors underpinned by her commitment to help create a better world. Most recently, she was the CEO of One Girl Can, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to breaking down poverty and gender inequality among the world’s most vulnerable girls. Prior, she was the President of Happy Planet Foods, a Vancouver-based, sustainable-food company focused on doing right by people and the planet.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Natasha!

PFM Executive Search is recognized as a leader in executive search and has been working with some of the most prominent Canadian private, public, and not-for-profit clients over the past 30-years. We are known for our ability to recruit senior leaders from around the world to top management positions.

Susanna Tam – Chief Equity Officer – City of Vancouver

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Susanna Tam has accepted the role of Chief Equity Officer with the City of Vancouver, effective January 8th.

Susanna brings a range of experience to the Chief Equity Officer role. Trained as a lawyer, she led a number of community programs and organizations focused on issues of HIV/AIDS, environmental law, and family violence. She also brings over 15 years of experience leading innovative strategies and initiatives that advance equity and promote belonging, including as the director of inclusion for a national law firm, and as the equity policy lawyer for the legal profession’s provincial regulator. Susanna joins the City of Vancouver from her role as the first Regional Director for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, where she expanded the organization’s equity team and led strategy development.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Susanna!

PFM Executive Search is recognized as a leader in executive search and has been working with some of the most prominent private, public, and not-for-profit clients in Canada over the past 31-years. We are known for our ability to identify top talent from around the world to critical leadership roles.

Carlos Yam – Chief Financial Officer – Vancouver Art Gallery

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Carlos Yam has accepted the role of Chief Financial Officer with Vancouver Art Gallery, effective January 15th.

Carlos is a Chartered Professional Accountant in Canada and Certified Public Accountant in the US and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, BC. His achievements in business, organizational leadership and community contributions were recognized in Business in Vancouver’s Forty Under 40 awards and Investor Relations Magazine’s Best Investor Relations by a CFO in the Canadian small-cap company category. Carlos has over 15 years experience as Chief Financial Officer of both public and private companies, with a solid track record of facilitating organizational growth and governance through financial stewardship and risk management.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Carlos!

PFM Executive Search is recognized as a leader in executive search and has been working with some of the most prominent private, public, and not-for-profit clients in Canada over the past 31-years. We are known for our ability to identify top talent from around the world to critical leadership roles.

Teresa Downs – Superintendent of Schools – Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School District

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Teresa Downs has accepted the role of Superintendent of Schools and CEO with the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School District effective February 26, 2024.

Teresa Downs brings twelve years of leadership experience as Superintendent of Schools. Her journey in education also includes roles as director of instruction, elementary school principal, and teacher in the same district.

In her provincial capacity, Downs has co-led the Management Standards Project with the Ministry of Education and Child Care, addressed rural education challenges as part of the Ministry’s Rural Task Force, and represented the BCSSA on various committees shaping educational policy.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Teresa!

PFM Executive Search is recognized as a leader in executive search and has been working with some of the most prominent Canadian private, public, and not-for-profit clients over the past 30-years. We are known for our ability to recruit senior leaders from around the world to top management positions.