Tag Archive

For: Success Stories

Jake Belobaba – Director, Development Services – City of Courtenay

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce the appointment of Jake Belobaba as the Director, Development Services with the City of Courtenay.

Jake Belobaba is a municipal planning and development leader with more than 15 years of experience guiding community growth across British Columbia. He has led multidisciplinary teams in Ladysmith, Whistler, and Penticton, delivering Official Community Plans, modernizing development processes, and advancing affordable housing, reconciliation, and climate resilience initiatives.

Jake’s work has been recognized with both the PIBC Silver Award for Policy Planning and the PIBC Gold Award for Planning Practice. He is known for an evidence‑based, collaborative leadership style and a commitment to transparent, service‑focused local government.

Outside of work, Jake enjoys outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking and gardening. Jake was born and raised on Vancouver Island in Bowser and is excited to be moving back to the region with his wife Rowena.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Jake!

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.

Carmen Ortega – Director, Cruise & Port Development – Greater Victoria Harbour Authority

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce the appointment of Carmen Ortega as the Director, Cruise & Port Development with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA).

Carmen brings over 15 years of experience in the cruise and port sector, most recently with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, where she held leadership roles across operations, trade development, customer engagement, and government relations. She led key initiatives at the Canada Place cruise terminal and helped shape cruise growth strategies.

Known for her strategic insight and collaborative approach, Carmen brings deep industry expertise and strong relationships that will support GVHA in strengthening Victoria’s role in the Alaska cruise market and advancing future port development opportunities.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Carmen!

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 Liddell – Managing Director, SPP – University of British Columbia (UBC)

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PFM Executive Search is excited to announce the appointment of Nicole Liddell as the Managing Director, SPP with the University of British Columbia (UBC).

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.