Author Archives: PFM Search

Jennifer Ingham – Vice President, University Relations for Capilano University

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PFM Executive Search is proud to announce the appointment of Jennifer Ingham at Capilano University as Vice President, University Relations. This is a new position at Capilano University, developed from the former role of executive director, advancement. As a member of the University’s executive leadership group, the VP guides university positioning and provides strategic direction to raise the University’s profile, secure support for its priorities and strengthen relationships between the University, its primary partners and stakeholders.

As a senior executive with over 25 years of not-for-profit experience in education, health care, social services and museums, Jennifer’s specializations include relationship management, strategic planning, revenue development, marketing and operational management. Her expertise in board governance, stakeholder relations, team leadership and strategic planning has always been purpose-driven—she works to make a positive impact on diverse and changing communities.

Jennifer’s career highlights include seven years as the vice president, development for Easter Seals, BC and BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities and five years as vice president, development for Science World, British Columbia. As a consultant and in previous roles, Jennifer’s advisory, fundraising and capital campaign skills have supported the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation; the Arthritis Society, BC & Yukon; the Canadian Museum of Human Rights; BCIT and St. Augustine’s School Faith and Foundation capital campaign.

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 26 years, PFM has recruited senior leaders from all over the world.

Lars Olsson – Director, Airside Operations and Safety for Victoria International Airport

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Victoria International Airport (YYJ), operated by Victoria Airport Authority, is the 10th busiest in Canada with almost 2-million passengers per year and has been rated one of the top ten most loved airports by CNN Travel and was twice named ‘best regional airport’ in North America by Airports Council International. PFM Executive Search was asked to identify and recruit a innovative and senior operational leader to YYJ.

Our firm has now completed the national search in which Lars Olsson becomes YYJ’s new Director, Airside Operations and Safety. Lars most recently held  the position of Senior Manager, Airport Operations at Hamilton International Airport (YHM) one of Canada’s premier regional airports which has been a strong economic driver for the region.

Previous to Hamilton, Lars spent over 19-years with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport (YYZ) – one of North America’s largest airport operations. During his time at Pearson International, Lars developed extensive knowledge and experience in airside operations as the Manager, Aviation Programs, Compliance and Coordination.

Lars and his family are extremely excited for his new career opportunity at Victoria International Airport and being part of the southern Vancouver Island community.

PFM Executive has worked within the Canadian aviation sector for more than 20-years and brings an expertise few other executive search firms can match in terms of identifying and recruiting senior leadership talent to one of the most innovative and fast growing sectors in our country. PFM Executive Search also has completed numerous senior leadership searches for a diverse group of private and public sector clients in Victoria and on Vancouver Island. We are a trusted advisor and recognized for our ability to work effectively with search committees seeking top talent.

PFM Team Completes First Aid Training with St. John’s Ambulance

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PFM Executive Search strives to make an impact at the community level by supporting a diversity of organizations that make a difference. In April 2019 as part of our Spring Social Impact Initiative, the PFM staff were excited to spend a full day completing the Level A CPR/AED first aid certificate course with St. John’s Ambulance.

All PFM staff were eager to learn and were very pleased to have obtained important life skills by the end of the course, such as conducting CPR, using an AED, effectively applying bandages, etc. These new skills can help the many clients and candidates that walk through our doors, as well as our own staff inside and outside of the office. PFM now feels better equipped to handle emergency situations if they arise.

Thank you, St. John’s Ambulance, for the invaluable education and for providing essential community services!

Kerry L. Simmons – Executive Director for The Canadian Bar Association of British Columbia (CBABC)

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PFM Executive Search is pleased to announce Kerry L. Simmons, QC as the new Executive Director of the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch (CBABC). The Canadian Bar Association is the professional organization representing more than 38,000 lawyers, judges and law students across Canada with 7,000 members in British Columbia.

Kerry was called to the bar in 2000 and practiced with Cook Roberts LLP in Victoria, BC until 2018 in family law, risk management, employment law, commercial disputes, estate litigation, and professional negligence. She served on the firm’s management committee for four years.

Kerry joined CBABC in 1996 as a law student and became a member of the CBABC Executive Committee in 2008. She was CBABC President in 2012-13, leading the organization’s advocacy for legal aid funding. She also served on the Canadian Bar Association National Board, leading and developing its strategic, governance and financial changes for three years, culminating in her year as National President in 2017-18. Most recently, she co-chaired the CBA’s Truth & Reconciliation Task Force. With extensive knowledge of the association’s history, mandate, culture and operations, member services and its role in the justice system, CBABC’s new Executive Director brings over twenty-five years of leadership experience and training, formal education in supervision, management and governance, and a decade of management experience of business operations and volunteers.

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 26 years, PFM has recruited senior leaders from all over the world.

Yale Loh – Treasurer for The University of British Columbia (UBC)

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Yale Loh has accepted the position as The University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Treasurer. Yale joins UBC from Aritzia, where he served as Treasurer and was responsible for leading all treasury, retail accounting, and sales audit functions. Previously, Yale held positions with Finning International and Capital Power Corporation, along with progressively senior financial positions at BC Hydro, including five years as Treasurer.

Yale’s extensive treasury experience with private and public sector organizations will help the University continue to build strategic direction and leadership support for financial liquidity, capital financing, corporate borrowing, cash management, financial projects management, tax, leases, and revenue accounting on all UBC campuses. Yale currently serves his community as a member of the Finance Committee of the Board at West Point Grey Academy and the United Way of the Lower Mainland Campaign Cabinet, and has been an occasional guest lecturer at the UBC Sauder School of Business. Yale is a commerce graduate from UBC and earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Yale also holds his Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Professional Accountant designations.

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 26 years, PFM has recruited senior leaders from all over the world.