Author Archives: PFM Search

Ian Kerr – Director, Civic Facilities – City of North Vancouver

By

PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Ian Kerr has accepted the role of Director, Civic Facilities with the City of North Vancouver which began on January 5th/2026.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Ian!

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.

Gabrielle Danwich – Director of Finance – Vancouver School Board

By

PFM Executive Search is pleased to share the announcement that Gabrielle Danwich will be joining the Vancouver School Board (VSB) as its Director of Finance on January 12, 2026.

Gabrielle brings more than a decade of finance leadership experience supporting large and complex organizations. She has led budgeting, financial planning, reporting, process improvement and conducted internal audits for organizations such as Wing Group (parent of Mustang Survival), Premium Brands Holdings, and KPMG. She has supported teams through growth, change and system improvements. Her experience will support VSB’s commitment to strong stewardship of public resources. Gabrielle is a CPA and certified internal auditor with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from UBC Sauder.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Gabrielle!

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.

Shelley Sainsbury – Executive Director – Vancouver Police Foundation

By

The Vancouver Police Foundation is thrilled to welcome Shelley Sainsbury, CFRE, as the new Executive Director, joining the organization at a pivotal moment as they head into their 50th anniversary year in 2026.

Shelley brings more than two decades of leadership in philanthropy, campaign strategy, and community impact. She has led transformative initiatives for some of British Columbia’s most recognized organizations, including St. Paul’s Foundation, BCIT, and BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, helping advance health, education, and community well-being across the province.

Shelley’s career blends business acumen with mission-driven purpose, and she is deeply aligned with the Foundation’s mission to support the Vancouver Police Department by funding programs and initiatives that make Vancouver safer for all.

“What excites me most about this role is the opportunity to bring people together to turn innovative ideas into real impact across our city.” – Shelley Sainsbury

PFM is delighted to have helped facilitate the Vancouver Police Foundation’s Board in the selection of Shelley. Congratulations, Shelley! 

Sylvia Weir – President & CEO – Interior Health

By

PFM Executive Search is very pleased to extend our congratulations to Sylvia Weir on her appointment as President & Chief Executive Officer of Interior Health Authority. After considering a very strong group of candidates from across the country, the Board recognized Sylvia’s ideal mix of values-based leadership, community relationships and financial acumen will best enable the health authority to achieve its mission.

Sylvia brings more than 25 years of leadership in health care in Canada and the United Kingdom and a strong commitment to compassionate leadership. Since June 2025, while serving as interim president and CEO, Sylvia has demonstrated her people-centred leadership approach while leading IH through the organization’s financial sustainability initiatives. Her leadership has laid the foundation to better support positive working relationships with employees and medical staff, key government leaders and external partners. She has further demonstrated her deep commitment to advancing reconciliation and working collaboratively with community partners by building strong relationships.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Sylvia!

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.

 

Sarah Smith – AVP, Development Strategies – BC Housing

By

PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Sarah Smith has accepted the role of Associate Vice President, Development Strategies with BC Housing.

Sarah has been acting as the AVP since May of 2025, working closely with the organization’s extensive range of partners; including non‐profit organizations, the Ministry of Housing, the Ministry of Health, Indigenous and municipal governments, and private developers. Prior to stepping into the role, she’d been with BC Housing for 15 years – successfully delivering regional housing strategies, navigating complex multi‐partner environments and acting as a respected mentor and high‐performing team builder.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Sarah!

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.