| President | 2 | President | Jacquie | Griffiths | | <div class="ExternalClass62E3D7968A99400691C6D0BDCB17A602"><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>As President of Invest Vancouver, Jacquie leads the regional economic development leadership service for Metro Vancouver. Her focus is on attracting strategic investment to Metro Vancouver, fostering region-wide collaboration, and propelling the economic growth needed for regional prosperity.<br></p><p>Before accepting the role of President, Jacquie was Executive Vice President and a founding member of Invest Vancouver and took Invest Vancouver from a concept to reality. Since then, she has made significant strides in expanding Invest Vancouver and promoting the Metro Vancouver region globally as well as establishing regional partnerships in key sectors such as tech, life sciences, and clean transportation. Under her leadership, Invest Vancouver has been a key player in landing multi-national enterprise investment into the region. </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. She holds a designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) and the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR). She brings over two decades of leadership experience in a wide-range of sectors including mining, banking, education, and local government and has been recognized as one of Business in Vancouver's "40 Under Forty." Jacquie is currently a director and chairs the governance committee for the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) BC and Yukon. On the national stage, she was elected vice-chair of the Consider Canada City Alliance and in 2023, invited to join the World Trade Center Advisory Committee through the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.<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.jpg, Jacquie Griffiths | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Jacquie_Griffiths_hover.jpg, Fun Photo |
| Executive Vice President | 4 | Executive Vice President | Katie | Fitzmaurice | | <div class="ExternalClassEEF60E3C2B66400CBD012507A4341385"><p>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.jpg, Katie Fitzmaurice | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Katie_Fitzmaurice_hover.jpg, Fun Photo |
| Vice President, Collaboration (Term) | 24 | Vice President, Collaboration (Term) | Sue | Mah | | <div class="ExternalClass9BABA0972A7D4B518D82986238261751"><p>Bio coming soon!<br></p></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Sue_Mah_Cropped.png, Sue_Mah_Cropped.png | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Sue_Mah_Cropped.png, Sue_Mah_Cropped.png |
| Vice President, Data, Research & Policy | 10 | Vice President, Data, Research & Policy | Lejla | Uzicanin | | <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.jpg, Lejla Uzicanin | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Lejla_Uzicanin_hover.jpg, Fun Photo |
| Sector Development Lead | 16 | Sector Development Lead | Megan | Henwood | | <div class="ExternalClass7A1A45E7101643BCB4660D5A3D5BC349"><p>Megan began her career promoting foreign investment to New Brunswick with the provincial government's investment attraction agency, Opportunities New Brunswick (“ONB"). Here, she lead the business development advisor team and was responsible for attracting foreign and domestic SME's and multinationals to the province.<br></p><p>In 2018, Megan transitioned to ONB's cyber security team, based in Vancouver, working with SME's to promote cyber security best practices across Canada. With her knowledge and experience in the region, Megan joined the Federal department, Innovation, Science, and Economic Development (“ISED") to further her work in delivering cyber security programs to SME's. She also conducted policy analysis work covering agritech and natural resources in BC.<br></p><p>Missing client facing work, Megan moved to Invest in Canada as the Regional Investor Services Advisor, supporting multinationals making transformational investments in the hydrogen fuel cell technology, battery storage, and mining, energy, and technology sectors in British Columbia and the Territories.<br></p><p>Megan holds a bachelor's degree in German and Political Science from the University of New Brunswick, as well as a wealth of international experience from studying in both Denmark and Germany.<br></p><p>Coming from a small town in Nova Scotia, Megan enjoys enhancing economic development objectives in Canada and our remote communities.</p><p> </p><p><strong><em>Ask Megan about:</em></strong></p><ul><li>Why Metro Vancouver is the Silicon Valley of hydrogen and fuel cell technology</li><li>The region's growing life sciences sector</li><li>Yoga, powerlifting, and living an active lifestyle. <br></li></ul></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Megan_Henwood.png, Megan Henwood | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Megan_Henwood_hover.jpg, Megan Henwood |
| Business Development Analyst | 23 | Business Development Analyst | Nikola | Fischerova | | <div class="ExternalClassC9ED41842E564431A5F928DFC4D3ED07"><p>Nikola joined Invest Vancouver in September 2023 as a Business Development Analyst and is a member of the Strategic Investment team. </p><p>Prior to joining Invest Vancouver, Nikola worked at the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association for 6 years, where she had the privilege of supporting the vibrant community of 8,000 businesses. <br></p><p>She is a professional with a strong background in supporting SME businesses across diverse sectors.<br></p><p>Nikola is passionate about economic development and attracting businesses, global events, and investment to the Metro Vancouver region.<br></p><p>Nikola holds a Master's Degree in Economy and Law in Business from the Technical University of Ostrava in the Czech Republic. </p><p> <br></p><p><strong><em>Ask Nikola about...</em></strong><br></p><ul><li>The Metro Vancouver's competitive advantages </li><li>The latest innovation trends </li><li>Where to get the best ice cream<br></li></ul></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Nikola_Fisherova_cropped.png, Nikola_Fisherova_cropped.png | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/nikola_fisherova_hover.jpg, Nikola_Fisherova_hover |
| Senior Advisor | 18 | Senior Advisor | Aaron | Aerts | | <div class="ExternalClass4EEABADEC7434803A4AB17052DF7A5D6"><span style="font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:13pt;"><p style="margin:0in;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Aaron Aerts is the
Senior Advisor on Invest Vancouver’s data, research, and policy team.</span></p><p style="margin:0in;"><span style="font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></p><p style="margin:0in;"><span style="font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:14.6667px;">With prior
experience as an Economist at the Chartered Professional Accountants of BC, he
played a key role in the organization's thought leadership activities. Aaron
led various economic reports on housing, demographics, employment, and
investment trends in BC and its regions. Additionally, he served as the Western
Economist at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), where he
conducted research on policy matters for small and medium-sized businesses.
Aaron's responsibilities included surveying members, communicating research
findings to stakeholders, and acting as a spokesperson for the media,
politicians, and the public.</span></p><p style="margin:0in;"><span style="font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:14.6667px;"><br></span></p><p style="margin:0in;"><span style="font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:14.6667px;">With a strong
passion for combining research, data analysis, and effective communication,
Aaron is dedicated to advancing economic development. He holds a
bachelor's degree in economics and political science from the University of
Ottawa, as well as a master's degree in economics from Carleton University.</span></p><p style="margin:0in;color:#1f497d;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> <br></span></p><p style="margin:0in;"><strong style="font-size:14.6667px;"><em>Ask Aaron about:</em></strong></p><ul style="margin-left:0.375in;direction:ltr;unicode-bidi:embed;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;"><span style="font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:14.6667px;"><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;vertical-align:middle;"><span style="font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:14.6667px;">Housing, investment and
demographic trends across BC and Metro Vancouver</span></li><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;vertical-align:middle;"><span style="font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:14.6667px;">How to ferment a batch of
pickles or kimchi</span></li><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;vertical-align:middle;"><span style="font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;font-size:14.6667px;">The best local craft
breweries </span></li></span></ul><br></span></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/aaron_aerts_cropped.png, headshot | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Aaron_Aerts_hover.jpg, hover |
| Research and Data Analyst | 17 | Research and Data Analyst | Temirlan | Kakimov | | <div class="ExternalClass2D7065746FC14137AFCF1323735F65E8"><span style="font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><p style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;">Temirlan joined
Invest Vancouver in April 2023 as a Research and Data Analyst. Temirlan is
responsible for researching, identifying, developing, and compiling
quantitative and qualitative data from a variety of primary and secondary
sources. Temirlan conducts in-depth data analysis and interpretation to
identify key themes, factors, trends, and insights to inform the formulation of
research findings and recommendations.</p><p style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;"> </p><p style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;">Prior to joining
Invest Vancouver, Temirlan was a Business Intelligence Analyst at WorkSafeBC as
part of Simon Fraser University’s cooperative education program, where he
exhibited strong data analysis and business intelligence skills, successfully
designed comprehensive Power BI dashboards, generated KPI reports, and
effectively translated business requirements to technical scope.</p><p style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;"> </p><p style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;">Temirlan holds a
Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Simon Fraser University Beedie
School of Business with a concentration in Management Information Systems.
Additional training includes Data Analytics and Project Management
certifications from Google, a Research Methodologies certification from the
Queen Mary University of London, and an Entry Certificate in Business Analysis
from the International Institute of Business Analysis.<br></p><p style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;"> </p><p style="margin:0in;font-size:11pt;"><strong><em>Ask Temirlan about: </em></strong></p><ul style="margin-left:0.375in;direction:ltr;unicode-bidi:embed;margin-top:0in;margin-bottom:0in;"><span style="font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;vertical-align:middle;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Collecting data and turning
it into actionable insights</span></li><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;vertical-align:middle;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Personal databases and
neuroplasticity</span></li><li style="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;vertical-align:middle;"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"segoe ui", segoe, tahoma, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Upcoming concerts in Metro
Vancouver</span></li></span></ul><br></span></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Temirlan_Kakimov_cropped.png, Headshot | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Temirlan_Kakimov_hover.jpeg, Hover |
| Senior Economist | 8 | Senior Economist | Gregory | Freeman | | | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Gregory_Freeman.jpg, Gregory Freeman | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Gregory_Freeman.jpg, Gregory Freeman |
| Research Coordinator | 21 | Research Coordinator | Ryan | Carpio | | <div class="ExternalClass996B292924F14946953964DFE4BDFF01"><p>As a Research Coordinator on the Data, Research, and Policy team, Ryan plays a role in planning, organizing, and coordinating research projects. Ryan also engages with internal and external stakeholders and actively contributes in developing reports, conducting analysis, and providing actionable policy recommendations.</p><p>Prior to joining Invest Vancouver, he was a Junior Officer at Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada (ISED). During his time at ISED, he contributed in developing economic products and reports related to BC's innovation and business ecosystem, as well as writing briefing materials and researching program recommendations for ministerial visits in BC. Most recently, he was a Student Business Officer at Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), where he provided support in delivering targeted and time-limited programs for SMEs, municipalities, and non-profit organizations in BC.</p><p>Ryan holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Political Science and International Relations) from the University of British Columbia. Ryan is eager and passionate about driving inclusive and sustainable economic development in the Metro Vancouver region. </p><p><strong><em>Ask Ryan about:</em></strong></p><ul><li>The importance of synergy between the public and private sectors</li><li>Metro Vancouver's innovation ecosystem</li><li>Hiking trails, reality show competitions, and road trips<br><br></li></ul></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Ryan_Carpio_cropped.png, Ryan_Carpio_cropped.png | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Ryan_Carpio_hover.jpg, Ryan_Carpio_hover.jpg |
| Project Coordinator | 22 | Project Coordinator | Rosemary | Preckel | | <div class="ExternalClassD034138F962F4CFCA54B4861E8865D94"><p>Rosemary joined Invest Vancouver in August 2023 as a Project Coordinator. Rosemary is responsible for undertaking projects, compiling information, conducting research, coordinating department activities and tracking mechanisms for Invest Vancouver’s Collaboration team. In addition, she is responsible for organizing events, preparing support materials and providing information on Invest Vancouver’s initiatives. </p> <br>Prior to joining Invest Vancouver, Rosemary was a Program Assistant at Metro Vancouver in Water Services, where she developed procedures, organized events, assisted with site projects, implemented corporate policies and improved the tracking of a number of Water Treatment processes.<br> <br>Rosemary holds a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Capilano University concentrating in Marketing along with a Graphic Design Certificate from BCIT, as well as certificates in Google Analytics and PA Douglas Professional Administration. During her time at Capilano University, Rosemary also participated in a number of business and marketing case competitions in addition to being President of the Capilano University Marketing Association. <br> <br><strong><em>Ask Rosemary about:</em></strong><br><ul><li>Executing a successful project</li><li>The impact of local government within the Metro Vancouver Region</li><li>Hiking on the North Shore and the secret to baking a great cake </li></ul></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Rosemary_Preckel_cropped.png, Rosemary | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Rosemary_Preckel_hover.jpg, Rosemary Hover |
| Marketing and Partnerships Advisor | 6 | Marketing and Partnerships Advisor | Peyton | Winslade | | <div class="ExternalClassB9894F77914C4FB1985AA9287FAEEF25"><p>Peyton joined Invest Vancouver in January 2021. 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.jpg, Peyton Winslade | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Peyton_Winslade_hover.jpg, Fun Photo |
| Public Relations Advisor | 20 | Public Relations Advisor | Jessica | Steward | | <div class="ExternalClass95C1139DC8574E539661509846D6CBB3"><p>As the Public Relations Advisor, Jessica keeps a close eye on the latest news on business and economic investments across our key sectors to stay informed and keep the team up to date on emerging news stories.</p><p>As part of the Collaboration team, Jessica works closely on the development of communication assets to ensure Invest Vancouver’s key messages are top of mind. Her storytelling skills helps us craft strategic insights from our team into newsworthy soundbites for the media.</p><p>Prior to Invest Vancouver, Jessica was working at a PR and Digital Marketing agency where she worked with clients in the hydrogen, manufacturing, and technology industries sharing their stories and securing placements in trade and top tier publications.</p><p>Jessica holds a Bachelor of Communication Studies Degree from Capilano University.</p><div> <br><strong><em>Ask Jessica about:</em></strong><br><ul><li>Trending news stories on economic investments in the region</li><li>The value of storytelling</li><li>The best trails on the North Shore</li></ul></div></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Jessica_Steward_cropped.png, Jessica_Steward_cropped.png | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Jessica_Steward_hover.jpeg, Jessica_Steward_hover.jpeg |
| Office Supervisor | 7 | Office Supervisor | Silvana | Mah | | <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.png, Silvana Mah | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Silvana_Mah_hover.jpg, Fun Photo |
| Office Assistant | 26 | Office Assistant | Vivian | Huang | | <div class="ExternalClassABF5E738560A4014B7343D9A5E3C117C"><p>As a graduate from Douglas College from their Office Administration Programs, Vivian has experience with both the private and public sector in administration with healthcare. Vivian most recently came from one of the largest healthcare authorities in British Columbia. She has been offering administrative assistance to some of the most renowned health care providers in the Vancouver region who treat Palliative and Cancer patients. </p><p>Born and raised in Vancouver, Vivian has witnessed first hand the development and economic prosperity of the city; she is excited to be part of an innovative team with goals focusing on investment, equity & diversity and environmental sustainability. </p>Vivian looks forward to continuing her studies in the business administration field.<div><br></div><div><strong><em>Ask Vivian about...</em></strong><div><ul><li>Her interest in Housing, and the Canadian economy</li><li>Her two French bulldogs</li><li>Favorite Vacation Spots</li></ul></div></div></div> | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/vivian_huang_cropped.jpg, vivian_huang_cropped.jpg | https://investvancouver.ca/about/our-team/PublishingImages/Vivian_Huang_hover.PNG, Vivian hover |
