Dennis Thomas-Whonoak – Executive Director, Indigenous Business Initiatives and Engagement – UBC, Sauder School of Business

PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Dennis Thomas-Whonoak has accepted the role of Executive Director, Indigenous Business Initiatives and Engagement with the UBC Sauder School of Business effective August 28th.

Dennis is deeply connected to his community and culture, where he serves as an elected councillor for his Nation. He is a member of səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) in Deep Cove, North Vancouver. He also has ancestral ties to Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), Welsh ancestry and close familial ties to xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Nation). Dennis has an MBA from SFU and brings 15+ years of professional experience from his work with his community, Tsleil-Waututh Nation. During that time, he led new business opportunities and explored future business partnerships, programs and projects. He has extensive experience Indigenizing business initiatives – from large residential developments to sports facilities. As an active community member, Dennis has served on various Boards of Directors, including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Museum of Vancouver and City of Vancouver UNDRIP Task Force.

Dennis prides himself on bringing people together and is committed to leave a legacy that strengthens Indigenous peoples and, in turn, strengthens our entire society. He has won several awards for his work including the 2022 Enduring Award from Capilano University Alumni Awards of Excellence, 2021 Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 Under 40, 2021 Award for Planning Excellence in the category of Planning for Reconciliation by Canadian Institute of Planners for the Heather Lands project.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Dennis!

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.

Jennifer Ogeer – University Veterinarian – University of British Columbia

PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Dr. Jennifer Ogeer has accepted the role of University Veterinarian for the University of British Columbia, effective June 1st, 2023.

Dr. Ogeer is joining UBC from Antech Diagnostics (Mars Petcare), where she was the Vice-President Medical Science & Innovation. Jennifer has a rich background, and has been a clinical veterinarian, a Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University, and an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine & Critical care at the University of Saskatchewan. Jennifer received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, along with a Master of Science in Critical Care and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Behaviour all from the University of Guelph and holds an Executive MBA from the University of Western Ontario. She has held several leadership roles in not-for-profit organizations, including service as the Treasurer and Executive Board Member of the Black Veterinary Association of Canada, Chair of the Board of Directors of Veterinarians without Borders, and is the incoming Chair of the Ontario Veterinary College PetTrust Board of Directors.

Jennifer is excited to join UBC, and to work with their exemplary Animal Care Services team and all who support their Animal Care and Use Program.

On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Jennifer!

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.

Salman Shahid – Director of Architecture – University of British Columbia

PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Salman Shahid has accepted the role of Director of Architecture at the University of British Columbia effective January 4th 2022. Salman will lead the development of UBC’s Enterprise Architecture (EA) operating model, building a team of Enterprise Architects, Solutions Architects and an EA Practice to ensure alignment of UBC’s technology roadmaps with Digital UBC, the Institution’s Digital Strategy. On behalf of PFM Executive Search, congratulations Salman!

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 29-years. We are known for our ability to recruit senior leaders from around the world to top management positions.

Growth at PFM

PFM Executive Search is pleased to announce Suchin Pawa has been promoted to the Consultant role in recognition of outstanding contributions to both our client projects as well as our internal team development. Suchin will continue to support clients in a wide range of search assignments while providing guidance and mentorship to the Research team at PFM.

Suchin has over six years of talent acquisition experience and his background covers a wide array of managerial and executive recruitment in both the public and private sectors.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Suchin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree obtained from the University of British Columbia. Outside of the office, he is an avid reader, enjoys spending time outdoors, and travelling.

Please join us in congratulating Suchin on his new role.

Jerry Chen – Associate Vice President, Human Resources (Communities of Expertise) – University of British Columbia

PFM Executive Search is excited to announce that Jerry Chen has been selected as the new Associate Vice President, Human Resources (Communities of Expertise) for the University of British Columbia, effective September 7th, 2021.

Jerry brings over twenty years of experience in the human resources practice in various sectors, most recently at Pacific Blue Cross where he led a complex compensation transformation project. Jerry also brings experience in Talent Acquisition where he spearheaded an Indigenous recruitment initiative. He has worked closely with Workday and has experience in driving Robotic Process Automation to reduce administrative work.

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 29-years. We are known for our ability to recruit senior leaders from around the world to top management positions.