Author Archives: PFM Search

William Azaroff – Chief Executive Officer for Brightside Community Homes Foundation

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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.

Marcia Buchholz – Managing Director, Human Resources for The University of British Columbia (UBC)

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PFM Executive Search is pleased to announce that Marcia Buchholz has recently accepted the role of Managing Director, Human Resources – Advisory Partnerships, Central Services and Professional Standards with The University of British Columbia (UBC).

Marcia was previously the Associate Vice-President, Human Resources, at the University of Calgary, where the HR team provided HR support to over 11,000 faculty and staff, and championed emerging and priority HR programs, policies and practices.

Since 2011, Marcia had guided the university’s people practices in employee programs, employee, labour and faculty relations, change management and business transformation with a commitment to building positive and respectful workplace cultures.

Marcia led U.Calgary’s transformation to a new HR shared services model, evolving HR operational business practices in advance of an enterprise-level systems renewal project (similar to UBC’s IRP/Workday project).

Marcia has a key focus on employee engagement and culture initiatives, creating the “Respect in the Workplace” initiative that led to a more engaged and supportive culture of work.

She was instrumental in the launch of the mental health strategy and initiatives for faculty and staff, including a WellBeing and WorkLife portfolio, which led to U.Calgary being the first Canadian university and first Canadian organization to receive the World at Work “Seal of Distinction” for flexible and supportive employee policies and programs.

Marcia has served as a senior HR professional across Canada in both post-secondary and the private sector for over 20 years, with such organizations as IBM Canada, Jayman, CIBC, EDS Canada, and Ceridian Canada. She has led large teams and has worked collaboratively with all stakeholders in these organizations.

Marcia has been a life-long learner and has also been actively involved in the development of the HR profession throughout her career and has been actively involved in organizations such as CAUBO and HRAUWC.

PFM Executive Search is recognized as a national leader in recruiting senior officials to progressive post-secondary institutions. Our firm is known for creating an inclusive and transparent facilitation procedure with stakeholders and partner groups, ensuring a fair and open selection process that brings forward a diverse slate of qualified candidates for senior academic and non-academic roles.

Ken McCormack – President & CEO for Construction Labour Relations Association of BC

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PFM Executive Search is pleased to announce that Ken McCormack has joined the Construction Labour Relations Association of BC (CLR) as President & CEO.

Ken was most recently the President & CEO of the Automotive Retailers Association. A strategic professional and seasoned executive leader with more than 25 years of management experience at the highest levels, Ken has worked in government, consulting, agriculture and automotive sectors, representing associations similar in size and scope to CLR. Ken will work with the Board and staff to establish a vision and develop sound strategies to address the future needs and expectations of CLR and its membership. Opportunities will be explored both within the organization and the industry with a view to turning those opportunities into advantages for CLR members. Among other things, Ken strives to inspire people and teams, to form strong relationships and partnerships, to be a credible voice in decision making, to advance the needs of CLR and its membership, and to effectively support the Board of Directors.

In addition to a degree in Economics from the University of Alberta, Ken has invested further in his own passion of being an effective negotiator and mediator through advanced training and education from the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society. After announcing that he was leaving his position with the Automotive Retailers Association, he was asked to remain on the Board of Directors of the foundation started by ARA under Ken’s leadership to offer scholarships and bursary awards to people entering into automotive careers. That invitation is a testament to the respect and credibility Ken has earned from his employer and peers.

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.

Rod Bianchini – Chief Operating Officer for the Industry Training Authority (ITA)

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce the appointment of Rod Bianchini to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) with the Industry Training Authority (ITA).

Rod’s previous roles at the ITA include Manager of Apprenticeship Advisors, Director of Industry Relations, and most recently as Interim COO. Rod’s decades of work experience around apprenticeship, his background as a trades professional, solid experience working with government, and his ability to build relationships with key stakeholders set him apart in the competition for this role.

Rod’s experience and understanding of ITA’s strategy, mandate, and initiatives will continue to be an asset as the ITA move forward on their collective vision of advancing apprenticeship and championing diversity within trades for our province.

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.

Gordon Duke – President & CEO for Prince George Airport Authority (PGAA)

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PFM Executive Search is pleased to have been the firm selected by the Prince George Airport Authority (PGAA) to conduct an international search for the airport’s new President & CEO.

Engaged by the Board of Directors, PFM Executive Search created an inclusive search process which led to the appointment of Gordon Duke as the new leader of the Prince George Airport – known as being strategically located on the North Pacific Corridor and on Great Circle air routing – and an integral part of the Asia Pacific Gateway linking the economies of Asia and North America.

Gordon Duke joins PGAA from the North Peace Airport in Fort St. John where he was Managing Director.  In making the announcement, Dean Mason as Chair of the PGAA said “…our board is thrilled to appoint Gordon Duke as our CEO. In our extensive search, Gordon impressed us with his qualifications and reputation. We think that he will be a great fit for the community.  We have had a decade of excellent growth and airport improvements, and we will continue our strategic growth with Gordon Duke as CEO.”

Gordon’s extensive aviation background includes eleven years with Air Canada Cargo, an eight-year period as Director of Operations at Halifax Airport, as well as time with GardaWorld Aviation Services. He has served as Chair of the Canadian Airport Council’s Operations, Safety and Technical Affairs Committee and brings a high degree of technical skill to the job, including logistics, Six Sigma and labour relations.

“I am excited to join PGAA and the Prince George community. I look forward to bringing my skills and leadership style to their strong team of professionals.” said Gordon Duke.

We at PFM Executive Search echo the comments from both PGAA and from Gordon, as the search for the new CEO of the Prince George Airport was thorough and inclusive. Early stakeholder discussions led by PFM with community stakeholders and business partners to PGAA spoke of a new CEO who will build on the progressive nature of the airport’s operation over the last decade and bring a new strategic direction for the airport.

Over the past 27-years PFM Executive Search has been recognized for its work within the aviation sector, identifying and recruiting senior leaders to various airports and related operational roles within the sector. Our 17-person firm consistently demonstrates an ability to work efficiently and effectively with Boards and Selection Committees in the facilitation of the appointment of diverse leadership talent to a wide variety of large and complex organizations.