The BC Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of Fiona Famulak as president and chief executive officer. Famulak brings to the role more than three decades of international experience working in both private and not-for-profit sectors.
“I have enormous respect for the BC Chamber of Commerce and am honoured and excited to lead the organization at such a pivotal point in its history,” said Famulak. “The pandemic has reminded us of the importance of community, the power of collaboration and the need for courage to pursue new approaches to business. Our work ahead is to determine how to best serve the network of Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, and the 36,000 businesses they represent, so that they not only navigate through the pandemic but are positioned to compete and thrive beyond it.”
As former president of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association, and CEO of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, Famulak brings a natural passion for connecting with people and building community around meaningful conversations.
A member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and a former small business owner, Famulak will lead the BC Chamber team as it continues to support building resiliency in businesses across the province.
She will also work closely with the BC Chamber of Commerce board of directors, member Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, government officials, and stakeholders to prioritize the immediate needs of the provincial business network.
“Fiona not only embodies a spirit of collaboration, which is in the DNA of Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade, but she brings extensive executive leadership experience, understands the power of our network to advocate for business, and has a proven track record for courageous and innovative change. With Fiona, we enter an exciting new chapter with sound leadership that will further strengthen our network as we work together to emerge stronger after what has been an incredibly challenging year for so many of our members,” said Aleece Laird, board chair, BC Chamber of Commerce.
Laird also acknowledged the BC Chamber board of directors are appreciative of the contributions of Dan Baxter, director of policy development, government, and stakeholder relations who seamlessly stepped into the interim CEO role and provided leadership to guide the organization and continue the momentum of the network during such a critical time.
