After almost 25 years at the helm of BOMA BC, Paul LaBranche will be stepping down as president. Under his leadership, BOMA BC has grown into an influential association that has spearheaded many innovative programs such as creating the first office recycling program in North America and the Earth Award in 1996 to recognize environmentally conscious and efficient buildings. LaBranche was also instrumental in the design and development of the Go Green program in 2004, which set the standard for sustainable best practices in the commercial real estate industry.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to leave the job I’ve loved for nearly 25 years to focus more time on my personal and family life and to change the work pace as I edge towards full retirement,” said LaBranche.

“It’s been a privilege for me to serve the association for over two decades and I am so thankful for the terrific relationship I’ve had with all of BOMA’s elected leadership, the outstanding staff who’ve worked alongside with me, my association colleagues throughout North America and the BOMA members which so many I will always consider as friends. I am also so very proud to be a part of the many accomplishments achieved by BOMA during my watch.”

Originally from Ottawa where he graduated with a diploma in civil engineering technology from the Eastern Ontario Institute of Technology and later picked up a degree in business administration, LaBranche moved to Vancouver in the mid 1970s.

Prior to getting involved in association management, he worked in the construction field as a project manager building condominiums. He joined BOMA BC in 1994.

The BOMA BC board of directors is currently in the process of recruiting a new president and the goal is to have someone in place by the April AGM.