| President | 2 | President | Jacquie | Griffiths | President | <div class="ExternalClass62E3D7968A99400691C6D0BDCB17A602"><p></p><p></p><p>At the helm of Invest Vancouver, Jacquie leads the Metro Vancouver region's investment attraction and economic development leadership service. Her focus is on attracting strategic investment to Metro Vancouver, fostering region-wide collaboration and propelling the economic growth needed to compete and win on a global stage.</p><p>She accepted the role of President in July 2022, with the motivation of bolstering the shared prosperity of our region through investment attraction, data, research, and policy development, as well as continuing strategic collaboration with key partners locally and internationally. She had previously served as Invest Vancouver's Executive Vice President and was a founding member of the team who took Invest Vancouver from a concept to reality.</p><p>Jacquie brings over two decades of leadership experience in a wide-range of sectors including mining, banking, education and local government. Before joining Invest Vancouver, Jacquie was the Director of Regional Employers Services with Metro Vancouver. In this role, she led a team providing human capital and labour strategy services to local governments in the Metro Vancouver region. She has also served as Chief Negotiator for the BC Public School Employers' Association. In addition, Jacquie served three terms as a Referee for the Employment Insurance Commission of Canada and has been recognized as one of Business in Vancouver's "40 Under Forty".</p><p>Jacquie holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia as well as a Master of Arts. As a volunteer, Jacquie has served on a number of not-for-profit boards and is currently a director and chairs the governance committee for the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) BC and Yukon.<br></p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Ask Jacquie about:</em></strong></p><ul><li>The Metro Vancouver region's incredible talent ecosystem<br></li><li>How to train a Rhodesian Ridgeback</li><li>Where to cycle in the Metro Vancouver region<br></li></ul></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Jacquie_Griffiths_cropped.jpg, Jacquie Griffiths |
| Executive Vice President | 15 | Executive Vice President | Bryan | Buggey | Executive Vice President | <div class="ExternalClass96A5A28E7B8D4A589578D7AA1EDFE7BA"><p>Bryan is a senior executive with more than three decades of experience as a business leader in entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, and economic development. Since 2006, Bryan has been interested and passionate about the economic opportunities afforded by the necessary transition to a low-carbon economy and has led teams in charge of projects and programs aimed at supporting those goals including the circular economy, decarbonization, innovation, investment, and equity & diversity. This includes concepts in economic transformation in the urban and regional context.</p><p>Over the past decade, Bryan was actively involved in the City's Climate Emergency Action Plan, Greenest City Action Plan, Renewable City 2050, Zero Waste 2040, and Green Economy initiatives. Those experiences and others helped Bryan bring his own brand of future-proofing economic transformation to the conversations around regional economic development, investment, public policy, and business development. Bryan is able to direct the development of programs and projects that support local innovators and businesses in making an impact in the local economy as well as promote Vancouver to a global audience of business investors in the knowledge-based, low carbon & circular economy.</p><p>Bryan has an undergraduate degree in Economics (Regional Economic Development), an MBA in IT Strategy, is certified in ESG governance, and is a graduate of UBC's Summer Institute for Sustainability. Bryan also co-founded the Vancouver Maritime Centre for Climate and is a member of the Canadian Climate Law Initiative and was awarded the pan-Canadian Clean 50 Award (2017) for his leadership in green and sustainable economic development.<br></p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Ask Bryan about:</em></strong></p><ul><li>The Circular Economy, Decarbonization and Climate Action</li><li>Innovation, Commercialization and Start-ups</li><li>His hobby farm<br></li></ul></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Bryan_Buggey_cropped.jpg, Bryan Buggey Headshot |
| Vice President, Collaboration | 4 | Vice President, Collaboration | Katie | Fitzmaurice | Vice President, Collaboration | <div class="ExternalClassEEF60E3C2B66400CBD012507A4341385"><p>Leading the Collaboration team, Katie is responsible for identifying and developing key partnership opportunities and collaborative efforts and promoting the Metro Vancouver region to a global audience. Katie is committed to advancing equitable and sustainable prosperity throughout the Metro Vancouver region and has strengths related to workforce development initiatives.</p><p>Prior to joining Invest Vancouver, Katie was a Senior Regional Human Resources Advisor for Regional Employers Services with Metro Vancouver. In this role, she developed and implemented a comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing workforce labour supply challenges to local government employers within the Metro Vancouver region. She has also worked for the Business Council of British Columba, the BC Public School Employers' Association, and BC Hydro. </p><p>Katie holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Sauder School of Business at the University of British Columbia. Her proudest volunteer role to date involves leading a bike ride 4,500 kilometers from Amsterdam to Istanbul to fundraise money for a socially innovative project.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Ask Katie about:</em></strong></p><ul><li>Collaboration and partnership opportunities </li><li>Project management and the joys of creating a good list</li><li>Going down hills fast - be it on foot, bike, or board<br></li></ul></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Katie_Fitzmaurice_cropped.jpg, Katie Fitzmaurice |
| Vice President, Data, Research & Policy | 10 | Vice President, Data, Research & Policy | Lejla | Uzicanin | Vice President, Data, Research & Policy | <div class="ExternalClassB6A7F9DAC1264A4FA49D179AA975BFDB"><p></p></div><p>Leading the Data, Research and Policy team, Lejla is responsible for providing objective, independent research, economic analysis, and strategic and policy advice to amplify the region's economic value proposition - increasing Metro Vancouver's global competitiveness to seize opportunities presented in the rapidly evolving global economy. <br></p><p>Prior to joining Invest Vancouver, Lejla was a faculty member with the City University of Seattle, and a senior economist with the BC Utilities Commission. She has a rich international development experience, working in south-east Europe and the parts of the Former Soviet Union, focusing on policy, regulatory, economic and private sector development. Lejla has also worked for the United Nations and the United Nations Development Programme. <br></p><p>Lejla holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration and Management from La Roche University, MBA from Cass Business School of City University of London, and a Masters in Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University. She is a proud member of Rotary International, an organization of people brought together by a desire to make a positive impact in their communities and the world. </p><p> <br></p><p><strong><em>Ask Lejla about:</em></strong></p><ul><li>Importance of strengthening competitiveness in export oriented industries</li><li>Tips for improving your writing style</li><li>The most exciting international border crossing<br></li></ul> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Lejla_Uzicanin_cropped.jpg, Lejla Uzicanin |
| Senior Policy Advisor | 5 | Senior Policy Advisor | Megan | Gerryts | Senior Policy Advisor | <div class="ExternalClass1938A984C910443897D720D6FFF0AEC1"><p>Megan joined Invest Vancouver in January 2021. As the Senior Policy Advisor within Invest Vancouver's Data, Research, and Policy team, Megan conducts economic research on key industry clusters and issues relevant to the Metro Vancouver economy. Through this work, she is responsible for articulating and addressing industry and regional challenges and opportunities through policy analysis.</p><p>Prior to joining Invest Vancouver, Megan held positions of progressive responsibility in Metro Vancouver's CAO's Office. In her previous role, she was responsible for leading policy development initiatives and managing corporate-wide programs with a focus on enhancing the sustainability and resilience of the organization.</p><p>Megan has a Bachelor of Arts, as well as a Master of Public Administration from the University of Victoria. She brings a passion for local government and seeks to collaboratively develop solutions for tackling the issues facing the Metro Vancouver region.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Ask Megan about:</em></strong></p><ul><li>Opportunities to strengthen the region's value proposition</li><li>The Metro Vancouver region's innovation ecosystem </li><li>What she's currently reading <br></li></ul></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Megan_Gerryts_cropped.jpg, Megan Gerryts |
| Senior Economist | 8 | Senior Economist | Gregory | Freeman | Senior Economist | | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Gregory_Freeman_cropped.jpg, Gregory Freeman |
| Investment Attraction & Promotion Consultant | 13 | Investment Attraction & Promotion Consultant | Behdad | Mahichi | Investment Attraction & Promotion Consultant | <div class="ExternalClassB8637270FE6349BD8E14D7A3E03E4146"><p>Behdad joined the Invest Vancouver team in September 2022 as an Investment Attraction & Promotion Consultant, with a focus on outreach and marketing. He helps deliver and develop communication plans as well as manage media relations.</p><p>Prior to joining Invest Vancouver, Behdad spent seven years working as a news producer, starting at CTV News Channel and CTV National covering local and national stories. More recently he spent three years based in Doha, Qatar producing international news at Al Jazeera English.<br></p><p><br></p><p><em><strong>Ask Behdad about:</strong> </em></p><ul><li>Media requests and interviews with team members</li><li>The latest in the news cycle</li><li>International current events<br></li></ul></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Behdad_Mahichi_cropped.jpg, Behdad Mahichi |
| Project Coordinator | 6 | Project Coordinator | Peyton | Winslade | Project Coordinator | <div class="ExternalClassB9894F77914C4FB1985AA9287FAEEF25"><p>Peyton joined Invest Vancouver in January 2021 as a Project Coordinator. In her role on the Collaboration team, Peyton is responsible for content creation, social media, and managing the "Invest Vancouver" brand. She also assists with developing assets such as presentations and client-facing materials, and lends her project management skills to guide Invest Vancouver's partnerships and events.</p><p>Peyton holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University Beedie School of Business with concentrations in Management Information Systems and Marketing, as well as a certificate in Business Analytics and Decision Making.</p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Ask Peyton about:</em></strong></p><ul><li>The latest and greatest in social media strategy </li><li>Promoting the Metro Vancouver region to a global audience</li><li>Pop culture podcasts and the best vegetarian food in the region<br></li></ul></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Peyton_Winslade_cropped.jpg, Peyton Winslade |
| Investor Services Consultant | 12 | Investor Services Consultant | Vlad | Oujegov | Investor Services Consultant | <div class="ExternalClassE79355967DEE493DA52D3CF9584F1B02"><p>As Investor Services Consultant, Vlad leads the Strategic Investment unit in delivering Invest Vancouver's investment attraction and promotion services, working with ecosystem partners to ensure that Metro Vancouver competes and wins in the international investment arena. Vlad provides guidance (and resources, such as organizing visits, conducting research, and facilitating connections) for international investors throughout all stages of the investment deal lifecycle, and helps clients understand the many benefits of locating in Metro Vancouver.</p><p>Vlad began his career working as Commercial Specialist at the U.S. Consulate General in Calgary, where he led trade, investment, and diplomacy efforts for numerous sectors, counselling some of the world's biggest companies and advising senior decision-makers. Vlad also worked as Policy Desk Officer at U.S. DOC headquarters in Washington, D.C., analyzing market access challenges/opportunities and building effective international networks. </p><p>Vlad also worked as Senior Trade Development Officer at the Government of Alberta, leading trade efforts for Japan & Korea. In this role, Vlad managed the work of two priority offices and assisted private sector clients in understanding the opportunities/challenges of exporting, leading trade missions, building the Alberta brand through international marketing campaigns, and working on market access. Vlad also worked as Senior Consultant for International Engagement at the Government of Saskatchewan, recommending best practices for new international offices. </p><p>Vlad holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Policy from the University of Calgary. Additional training includes a Marketing Strategy certification from Cornell University, with courses from Defense Acquisition University, National Foreign Affairs Training Center, Energy Management Institute, FITT, Wavteq, and many others. </p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Ask Vlad about:</em></strong></p><ul><li>Reasons why Metro Vancouver is a great place to invest, live, and work </li><li>Tech talent trends and why the data shows that Metro Vancouver is so well-positioned for success</li><li>Cars and motorcycles<br></li></ul></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Vlad_Oujegov_cropped.jpg, Vlad Oujegov |
| Office Assistant | 11 | Office Assistant | Stephanie | Nguyen | Office Assistant | <div class="ExternalClass159E2AE8A87D4BC1966E99BB76D35FE1"><p><span style="text-align:justify;">S</span><span style="text-align:justify;">tephanie joined Invest Vancouver in June 2022 as an Office Assistant. She provides administrative assistance and coordinates activities and meetings for all team members at Invest Vancouver. Stephanie strives to bring an organized, methodical and highly efficient mindset to all of her work, and works closely with the Invest Vancouver executives and office supervisor. She also provides logistical support for work relating to the Invest Vancouver Management Board and Advisory Committee. Stephanie holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia with majors in Political Science and English, Emphasis Language.</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Ask Stephanie about:</em></strong></p><ul><li>Why local government matters!</li><li>Top tips for staying organized and effective</li><li>Socks, sandals and SkyTrains <br></li></ul></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Stephanie_Nguyen_cropped.jpg, Stephanie Nguyen |
| Office Supervisor | 7 | Office Supervisor | Silvana | Mah | Office Supervisor | <div class="ExternalClassC113F3423CCF4F47A45AE6F1E1F1DB07"><p>Silvana joined Invest Vancouver in March 2021 as the Office Supervisor. She provides administrative assistance to Invest Vancouver executives and operations support to all members of the team. Previously, Silvana has worked in human resources for the BC Public School Employers' Association, Vancouver Community College and Vancouver School Board. </p><p>Silvana has a Human Resources Management Diploma from BCIT and is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP). </p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Ask Silvana about: </em></strong></p><ul><li>Handbags </li><li>Best Asian restaurants in Vancouver </li><li>German cars <br></li></ul></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Silvana_Mah_cropped.jpg, Silvana Mah |
