PFM Team Volunteers at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank

PFM Executive Search strives to make an impact at the community level by supporting a diversity of organizations that make a difference. In December 2019, as part of our Winter/Christmas Social Impact Initiative, PFM was excited to volunteer at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) warehouse in Burnaby.

GVFB’s Vision is “Accessible, healthy and sustainable food for all.” They focus on sharing food (bought and donated) to those in need all throughout the year but they are especially busy during the Christmas period.

We all know that Christmas can be a very difficult and challenging time for many. To help spread some Christmas cheer and contribute to the spirit of giving, PFM Staff spent an afternoon sorting through large volumes of fresh produce, canned goods, pastas, etc. at the GVFB warehouse, to be shipped out shortly to their hubs for distribution to those in need. It was amazing to see the sheer volume of food that they manage and it was impressive to see their operations.

PFM was delighted to volunteer at the GVFB warehouse helping to sort through food and in turn getting this out to the community in a timely manner before Christmas. We wish everyone at the GVFB a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy new Year!

The GVFB always appreciates new volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering with the GVFB, please go to https://foodbank.bc.ca/get-involved/about-volunteering/

Celebrating the 2019 alumni UBC Achievement Awards

PFM Partner, Shelina Esmail, along with other PFM staff and spouses, recently attended the 2019 alumni UBC Achievement Awards, where seven inspiring members of the UBC community were honoured. Shelina currently sits on the alumni UBC Committee.

Congratulations to the 2019 recipients!

For more information, please go to: https://www.alumni.ubc.ca/events/awards/

Nominations are now open for the 2020 alumni UBC Achievement Awards. To nominate, please go to: https://www.alumni.ubc.ca/events/awards/nominate/

Adrian Scovell – President & CEO for Automotive Retailers Association (ARA)

PFM Executive Search is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors of the Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) has chosen Adrian Scovell as the new President & Chief Executive Officer effective October 1st. As the Association’s next leader, Scovell will craft and execute a vision and strategy for the ARA that maintains its values of creating solutions while working collaboratively with stakeholders and driving its purpose of “igniting the engine of a vibrant BC economy.” Adrian joined the ARA in 2010 following a diverse career with some of Canada’s most respected companies—IKEA, Rogers Video, and Belron (parent to Speedy Glass). He moved through the ranks and built skills in operations, marketing, negotiations, and business development. Along the way, he won two Marketer of the Year awards, among others, and sat on several boards of various charities and working groups. Congratulations Adrian on being appointed following a comprehensive search process.

PFM Executive Search is a recognized leader in senior leadership recruitment and is known for its ability to facilitate large and complex Selection Committees in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Over the past 27-years, PFM has recruited senior leaders from all over the world.

Darren McKnight – General Manager for Waterfront Employers of BC (WEBC)

PFM is proud to announce the successful placement of Darren McKnight as the new General Manager of the Waterfront Employers of BC (WEBC).

Darren is a highly experienced, successful and well-regarded business leader, who has gained experience throughout his career in Benefits Administration and Management. He joins WEBC from First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) where he was the Director, Benefit Management leading Health Benefits transformation initiatives. Prior to his role at FNHA, Darren held several positions at Healthcare Benefit Trust, where he worked for 16 years. Darren’s educational background is in Kinesiology and in addition he holds a Masters of Business Administration from UBC.

The combination of Darren’s experience, drive, and values makes him an ideal fit for WEBC’s next stages of growth. His appointment as General Manager is effective 15 October 2019.

PFM Executive Search is a recognized leader in senior leadership recruitment and is known for its ability to facilitate large and complex Selection Committees in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Over the past 27-years, PFM has recruited senior leaders from all over the world.

William Azaroff – Chief Executive Officer for Brightside Community Homes Foundation

PFM Executive Search is proud to announce the recent appointment of William Azaroff as the new Chief Executive Officer for Brightside Community Homes Foundation.

Brightside Community Homes Foundation (Brightside) is one of Vancouver’s largest and oldest affordable housing societies for seniors, families, and people with disabilities.

William joins Brightside from Vancity credit union, where as Vice President of Community Business & Investment, he and his team have been supporting local businesses and organizations throughout southwestern British Columbia that are looking to deliver triple-bottom-line results – those that generate profits, alongside positive results for people and the planet. A seasoned executive, William is also the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Vancity Community Foundation and a Board Member and former Chair of Modo Cooperative.

“I am honoured to be taking on this new role,” said William. “Vancouver is an amazing city, and I’ve been passionate about working to make it more accessible, livable and affordable for many years. Brightside has a strong vision and an important role to play to ensure people of all income levels have a home within a vibrant and healthy community in Vancouver. I can’t wait to get started.”

Chair of Brightside’s Board of Directors, Greg Tooke, said that William shares the board’s vision for Vancouver’s future and will provide excellent leadership as Brightside aims to double the number of affordable homes it provides over the next decade. Greg continued, “We look forward to welcoming William as the new CEO of Brightside. William is an authentic and visionary leader with the skillset to create a big impact on retaining Vancouver’s diversity, and making Vancouver housing inclusive for all.”

PFM Executive Search is a recognized leader in senior leadership recruitment and is known for its ability to facilitate large and complex Selection Committees in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Over the past 27-years, PFM has recruited senior leaders from all over the world.