Tag Archive

For: CEO

Rich Harries – Chief Executive Officer – Cascadia Credit Union

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As a result of a national search led by PFM Executive Search, Cascadia Credit Union is pleased to announce the appointment of its next CEO, Rich Harries.

Rich will succeed retiring CEO Kelly Marshall and will bring 24 years of progressive leadership experience in the credit union sector, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Access Credit Union, where Rich led a staff of approximately 300 employees in retail banking, back office, corporate properties, commercial & agriculture segments, as well as people & culture.  In his time with Access, he also helped the organization navigate 15 successful mergers, achieving significant growth across the province of Manitoba.

Access is now 47 branches and over $14B in assets under management. The Board of Cascadia Credit Union is thrilled to have Rich joining the team.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Rich!

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.

Kate Hammer – Chief Executive Officer – Vancouver Foundation

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce the appointment of Kate Hammer as the Chief Executive Officer with Vancouver Foundation.

 Kate has been serving in an interim capacity since August 2025, and brings a depth of experience across journalism, public policy and public affairs, philanthropy and community engagement. Prior to her appointment, she served as Vice President, Engagement for three years, where she led community engagement and communications. Her experience spans the private, public and non-profit sectors, including roles at Vancity, in the Office of the Premier Of Ontario, and the Globe & Mail and the New York Times. Since stepping in the interim role last summer, she has guided the organization with clarity and steadiness, ensuring continuity during a period of transition. Kate has helped sustain momentum across the Foundation’s priorities, ensuring donor gifts are stewarded responsibly, grant making remained reliable and responsive, and key partnerships continue to support community impact across British Columbia.

 On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Kate!

 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.

Nicole Percival – Chief Executive Officer – Maplewood Care Society

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce the appointment of Nicole Percival as the Chief Executive Officer with Maplewood Care Society.

Nicole has been with MCS since 2024, joining as their inaugural Chief Clinical Officer. She is a Registered Nurse, who brings extensive experience in Critical Care, Assisted Living, Home Health, and Primary Care. She has a master’s degree in health leadership and policy – Seniors Care.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Nicole!

 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.

Zita Botelho – Chief Executive Officer – Fraser Basin Council

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PFM is pleased to announce Zita Botelho as the new CEO of the Fraser Basin Council. Zita is a recognized leader in advancing watershed security, environmental governance, and sustainable natural resource stewardship. With over 20 years of experience across the non-profit, private, and public sectors– both in Canada and internationally – she has advanced policies and partnerships that link watershed health to economic resilience and sustainability.

Prior to joining Fraser Basin Council, Zita was the founding Director of Watersheds BC and Co-Director of the Healthy and Indigenous Watersheds Initiatives. Earlier in her career, Zita played a key role in developing Living Water Smart – BC’s Water Plan and the BC Water Sustainability Act, landmark policies that continue to shape water management in the province more than a decade later.

Zita holds a BA (Hons) in Political Studies and Geography from Queen’s University and an MA in Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Zita!

Mary Polak – Chief Executive Officer – BC Care Providers Association

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Mary Polak has accepted the role of Chief Executive Officer with the BC Care Providers Association effective July 2nd 2025.

“Polak brings a wealth of experience in government and public affairs, having spent nearly 25 years in elected office at both the municipal and provincial levels. She served as MLA for Langley for almost 15 years and held several key cabinet portfolios, including Minister of Health, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Minister of Environment, among others. During her time in office, Polak was well-recognized for her thoughtful and hard-working approach that helped shape many successful public policies and programs that the province benefits from today. Years after her time in politics, Polak remains an active voice, regularly appearing on political panels and talk shows.” (BCCPA announcement)

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Mary!

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.