Tag Archive

For: Success Stories

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.

Geoff Ritchie – President & CEO – Prince George Airport Authority

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PFM Executive Search is delighted to announce that Geoff Ritchie has been appointed President & CEO of the Prince George Airport Authority (YXS), effective July 2nd, 2025.

Geoff brings over 30 years of aviation leadership, most recently with Kelowna International Airport, where he led commercial development, capital projects, air service strategy, and community engagement. He played a pivotal role in YLW’s post-COVID air service recovery, helping it become one of Canada’s fastest‑growing regional airports.

Geoff’s deep industry knowledge, global perspective, and collaborative approach will be invaluable for YXS as it strengthens its role as a vital transportation hub in northern British Columbia.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Geoff!

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.

Gavin Stuart – Vice President, Research – Vancouver Coastal Health

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Dr. Gavin Stuart has accepted the role of Vice President,  Research with Vancouver Coastal Health effective May 26th, 2025.

As the former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia (2003-2015) and Vice-Provost of Health, University of British Columbia (2009-2016), Dr. Stuart brings outstanding leadership experience to this position. As Dean, he led the expansion of the UBC Medical School and the implementation of UBC’s distributed model of health education, which now includes four provincial campuses. He also fostered development of outstanding health research across the province through relationships with Health Authority Research Institutes, including VCHRI, Genome BC, the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and the Provincial Government.

After completing his terms as Dean and Vice-Provost, Dr. Stuart has remained a Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UBC, and he is an active Medical Staff member at Vancouver Acute at VCH. His personal research has focused on gynecological cancer, and he has an extensive record of scholarly publications and presentations.

Dr. Stuart’s extensive experience and deep commitment to advancing health research, innovation and collaboration will be instrumental in further strengthening cooperation among VCH, UBC and other academic and health institutions, including Simon Fraser University and the B.C Ministry of Health.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Dr. Stuart!

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.

Daylin Fergusson-Hirmer – Director, People & Culture – Greater Victoria Public Library

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Daylin Fergusson-Hirmer has accepted the role of Director, People & Culture with the Greater Victoria Public Library effective June 23rd, 2025.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Daylin!

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.

Fiona Wilson – Chief Constable – Victoria Police Department

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Fiona Wilson has accepted the role of Chief Constable with the Victoria Police Department effective August 15th/2025.

Wilson currently serves as one of three Deputy Chief Constables with the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) and brings more than 26 years of diverse, strategic, and operational experience to VicPD. Her career includes leadership roles overseeing the VPD Investigation Division, the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, Court and Detention Services, Federal Serious and Organized Crime, Major Crimes, and Professional Standards.

“We are thrilled to welcome Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson as the next Chief Constable of VicPD,” said Micayla Hayes, Chair of the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board. “She brings a wealth of experience, strong values, and a deep commitment to public service. Throughout her career she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and the ability to guide complex, community-focused policing initiatives. Deputy Chief Wilson stood out among a rich field of candidates and impressed us with her vision for supporting both VicPD sworn members and civilian professionals while strengthening trust and safety in the communities of Victoria and Esquimalt.”

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Fiona!

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.