Author Archives: PFM Search

Michael Gray – Superintendent of Human Resources and International Education – Vancouver School Board

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Michael Gray has accepted the position of Executive Director, Employee Services with the Vancouver School Board (VSB). Michael will begin in his new role on September 1, 2023.

With more than 20 years of strategic human resource experience in public education and the broader public sectors, Michael brings expertise in labour relations, strategic planning, equitable employment practices, and policy development within the K-12 education sector.

Michael joins VSB directly from the York Catholic District School Board in Ontario where he held the role of Superintendent of Human Resources and International Education. He holds a Master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources and has served on several provincial portfolios as an executive and board director with both the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers’ Association and the Ontario Catholic School Boards’ Officers Associations.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Michael!

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 leadership positions.

Erin Howard – Director, Learning Services – Camosun College

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Erin Howard has accepted the role of Director, Learning Services with Camosun College, effective September 5th.

Erin was formerly the Associate Dean for the Centre for Teaching, Learning, and Innovation at Lethbridge College, a portfolio comprised of that institution’s Library, Student Academic Support, Educational Develop and Digital Learning units. In addition to providing operational leadership for her department, Erin was also instrumental in the launch of a new website, a redesign of their learning commons, a podcast series on teaching and learning, a Microcredentials initiative, as well as a student core competency system for curriculum. Erin has a Masters of Educational Technology from UBC and is an experienced instructor at the postsecondary level after starting her career teaching in K-12.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Erin!

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 30-years. We are known for our ability to identify top talent from around the world to critical leadership roles.

Quinn Mathiesen Newcomb – CEO – British Columbia Dental Association

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PFM Executive Search is thrilled to announce the appointment of Mr. Quinn Mathiesen Newcomb as the new Chief Executive Officer of the British Columbia Dental Association, effective September 5, 2023.

Quinn brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having demonstrated exceptional leadership in government and stakeholder relations, as well as strategy management functions. He most recently served as a Senior Executive at Genome BC, where he played a pivotal role in driving successful initiatives and fostering collaborative partnerships. Quinn’s dedication to service, integrity, and collaboration resonates deeply with BCDA’s shared values, making him an excellent fit to guide BCDA staff and provide invaluable support to its members. His leadership comes at a pivotal time, as BCDA enters a new era for the dental profession.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Quinn!

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.

Dennis Thomas-Whonoak – Executive Director, Indigenous Business Initiatives and Engagement – UBC, Sauder School of Business

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Dennis Thomas-Whonoak has accepted the role of Executive Director, Indigenous Business Initiatives and Engagement with the UBC Sauder School of Business effective August 28th.

Dennis is deeply connected to his community and culture, where he serves as an elected councillor for his Nation. He is a member of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) in Deep Cove, North Vancouver. He also has ancestral ties to Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), Welsh ancestry and close familial ties to xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Nation). Dennis has an MBA from SFU and brings 15+ years of professional experience from his work with his community, Tsleil-Waututh Nation. During that time, he led new business opportunities and explored future business partnerships, programs and projects. He has extensive experience Indigenizing business initiatives – from large residential developments to sports facilities. As an active community member, Dennis has served on various Boards of Directors, including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Museum of Vancouver and City of Vancouver UNDRIP Task Force.

Dennis prides himself on bringing people together and is committed to leave a legacy that strengthens Indigenous peoples and, in turn, strengthens our entire society. He has won several awards for his work including the 2022 Enduring Award from Capilano University Alumni Awards of Excellence, 2021 Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 Under 40, 2021 Award for Planning Excellence in the category of Planning for Reconciliation by Canadian Institute of Planners for the Heather Lands project.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Dennis!

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.

Michael Hitch – Dean, Faculty of Science – University of the Fraser Valley

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Michael Hitch has accepted the role of Dean, Faculty Sciences with the University of the Fraser Valley, effective September 1, 2023. Dr. Hitch will also hold a faculty appointment in the School of Land Use and Environmental Change. 

 Dr. Hitch joins UFV from Curtin University where he is the Head of School for the Western Australia School of Mines: Minerals, Energy & Chemical Engineering. He has also held appointments at Tallinn University, University of New South Wales, and the University of British Columbia.  

 Dr. Hitch brings a blend of academic and research leadership, plus experience in corporate development and operational roles in industry. He has worked tirelessly to develop partnerships with industry that create undergraduate experiential learning programs and he has funded chairs to attract world class researchers.  

 Dr. Hitch has partnered with school districts to promote STEM subjects and to help educate younger high school students about the mining and resource sectors. He brings a strong commitment to, and experience with, Indigenization from his time in Australia and in Canada. His work with Indigenous peoples in the Arctic helped negotiate an impact agreement in Nunavut.  

 Dr. Hitch has an extensive publication record that includes 74 peer reviewed journal articles, 52 conference presentations, a published book about his work in Nunavut, and numerous grants totalling in the millions of dollars. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Hitch later this year.  

 On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Michael! 

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.