Author Archives: PFM Search

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. 

Amy Allan – Director, Information Management & Information Technology – E-Comm 9-1-1

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Amy Allan has accepted the role of Director, Information Management & Information Technology with E-Comm 9-1-1, effective June 12th.

Amy is a senior leader and strategist with over 20 years of diverse global IT and Operations experience within multiple industries including airline, airports and construction, where she has led teams and business transformation while developing people, customer satisfaction, and inventive solutions to business challenges. She has extensive experience leading the development of IT strategy, supporting systems of expansive scale and integration, and leading large infrastructure projects.

She most recently championed the change within a global organization focused on airport financing/operations/development undergoing rapid growth leading the development of the IT function, IT strategy, and Cybersecurity Roadmap to ensure the company’s ability to meet its strategic objectives.

Amy is originally from Ontario where she completed her BSc in Biology at the University of Guelph, and MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, at the University of Western Ontario. After raising her children in Ontario, she and her husband moved out west to enjoy the natural beauty of BC.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Amy!

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.

Jeff Gingera – Director, Systems Integration, Resource Management & IT – Greater Victoria Public Library

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Jeff Gingera has accepted the role of Director, Systems Integration, Resource Management and IT with the Greater Victoria Public Library, effective June 19th.

As a graduate of the University of Alberta, Jeff brings over 20 years of experience in the BC public sector, most recently as the Director, PMO, Business Analysis & Change Management with First Nations Health Authority.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Jeff!

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.

Peter Baker/Kelley McReynolds/Donnie Rosa – Executive Directors – Squamish Nation

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PFM Executive Search is pleased to announce the appointment of three of the Executive Directors with Squamish Nation, two of whom are Nation Members. All three start their roles on August 1, 2023 and will report to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

Peter Baker, a Squamish Nation Member, is an accomplished director, negotiator, and project lead who will take on the role of ED, Territory & Culture.

Kelley McReynolds is a citizen of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) from the village of Esalha7n. Being grounded in Squamish values, culture, and traditions, and guided by the awareness of the ways of the ancestors she will take on the role of ED, People Services.

With over 30 years’ experience in parks, recreation, planning, facility management, operations, arts, culture, and community building, Donnie Rosa will take on the role of ED, Community Services.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Peter, Kelley and Donnie.

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.