Author Archives: PFM Search

Alexa Young – Vice President, Government Relations and External Affairs – Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Alexa Young has accepted the role of Vice President, Government Relations and External Affairs with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority effective July 2nd, 2025.

“Young brings more than 20 years of senior executive experience across the natural resources, energy, technology, telecommunications, and public policy sectors. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Policy, Government Relations and Public Affairs at New Economy Canada, where she led sustainable economic development, clean technology adoption, and responsible resource development. She has previously held leadership roles with the BC Council of Forest Industries, the BC Softwood Lumber Trade Council, TELUS, and Teck Resources.

Young holds a Master of Science in Politics and Communication from the London School of Economics, a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Studies from Queen’s University, and a Professional Specialization Certificate in Public Policy and Governance from the University of Victoria.

She currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board at North Shore Neighbourhood House and as a Board Member of Family Services of Greater Vancouver. She is also a member of BC Premier David Eby’s Trade and Economic Security Taskforce and has previously served on the boards of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Digital Technology Supercluster, and the U.S. National Mining Association.” (VFPA)

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Alexa!

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.

Mary Polak – Chief Executive Officer – BC Care Providers Association

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Mary Polak has accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer with the BC Care Providers Association effective July 2nd 2025.

“Polak brings a wealth of experience in government and public affairs, having spent nearly 25 years in elected office at both the municipal and provincial levels. She served as MLA for Langley for almost 15 years and held several key cabinet portfolios, including Minister of Health, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Minister of Environment, among others. During her time in office, Polak was well-recognized for her thoughtful and hard-working approach that helped shape many successful public policies and programs that the province benefits from today. Years after her time in politics, Polak remains an active voice, regularly appearing on political panels and talk shows.” (BCCPA announcement)

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Mary!

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.

Geoff Ritchie – President & CEO – Prince George Airport Authority

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PFM Executive Search is delighted to announce that Geoff Ritchie has been appointed President & CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority (YXS), effective July 2nd, 2025.

Geoff brings over 30 years of aviation leadership, most recently with Kelowna International Airport, where he led commercial development, capital projects, air service strategy, and community engagement. He played a pivotal role in YLW’s post-COVID air service recovery, helping it become one of Canada’s fastest‑growing regional airports.

Geoff’s deep industry knowledge, global perspective, and collaborative approach will be invaluable for YXS as it strengthens its role as a vital transportation hub in northern British Columbia.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Geoff!

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.

Gavin Stuart – Vice President, Research – Vancouver Coastal Health

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Dr. Gavin Stuart has accepted the role of Vice President,  Research with Vancouver Coastal Health effective May 26th, 2025.

As the former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (2003-2015) and Vice-Provost of Health, University of British Columbia (2009-2016), Dr. Stuart brings outstanding leadership experience to this position. As Dean, he led the expansion of the UBC Medical School and the implementation of UBC’s distributed model of health education, which now includes four provincial campuses. He also fostered development of outstanding health research across the province through relationships with Health Authority Research Institutes, including VCHRI, Genome BC, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and the Provincial Government.

After completing his terms as Dean and Vice-Provost, Dr. Stuart has remained a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UBC, and he is an active Medical Staff member at Vancouver Acute at VCH. His personal research has focused on gynecological cancer, and he has an extensive record of scholarly publications and presentations.

Dr. Stuart’s extensive experience and deep commitment to advancing health research, innovation and collaboration will be instrumental in further strengthening cooperation among VCH, UBC and other academic and health institutions, including Simon Fraser University and the B.C Ministry of Health.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Dr. Stuart!

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.

Daylin Fergusson-Hirmer – Director, People & Culture – Greater Victoria Public Library

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Daylin Fergusson-Hirmer has accepted the role of Director, People & Culture with the Greater Victoria Public Library effective June 23rd, 2025.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Daylin!

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.