Vancouver Economic Commission Board of Directors

Learn more about VEC's work and priorities

The Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) is a non-profit agency, wholly owned and governed by the City of Vancouver.

VEC works to build a prosperous, inclusive, zero-carbon, and resilient local economy, competitively positioned in the global market by:

Conducting and consolidating economic data and research
Promoting and advocating for Vancouver’s economy to all levels of government and industry
Delivering targeted programs to support the local business ecosystem in its journey towards a just and green economy
Closely aligning, supporting, and providing policy recommendations to City Council and staff
Proactively collaborating with business, academia, non-profits, and government organizations to further VEC’s priorities for the Vancouver economy

The VEC is primarily sector agnostic and focused on issues-based economic transformation initiatives orientated around VEC’s core pledges as outlined in its annual corporate plan.

Board membership

There are three categories of board membership: the Board of Directors, the Vancouver Economic Development Advisory Board, and the Honorary Board.

Board of Directors
This three-person board is responsible for appointing the CEO and providing governance oversight of the commission.

Meeting frequency

The VEC board of directors are expected to participate in at least three regular board meetings annually, participate in two advisory board meetings, and may require additional time or meetings for CEO and advisory board appointments or ad-hoc meetings.

Members of all boards are invited to participate in at least two advisory board meetings.

The Director of Finance is required to attend and chair VEC’s Finance and Audit Committee.

Eligibility

Members of the VEC board of directors are appointed by City Council. They are always selected from those who hold the following designated offices at City of Vancouver:
- City Manager
- Deputy City Manager
- Director of Finance
Terms

These appointed directors will continue to serve as members of the VEC board until they cease to hold their designated office at the City of Vancouver.

Current VEC Board of Directors
- Paul Mochrie, Chair and City Manager
- Karen Levitt, member at large, and Deputy City Manager
- Patrice Impey, Chair of VEC’s Finance and Audit Committee, and Director of Finance for the City of Vancouver
Liaison
- Staff: Karen Levitt, Deputy City Manager
Vancouver Economic Development Advisory Board (VEDAB)
The advisory board compromises of up to 10 representatives from industry, academia, First Nations, and non-profits who provide strategic expert advice to inform VEC’s priorities and are a public advocate for VEC.

Advisory board members may be invited to additional advisory meetings annually as required.

There are no governance responsibilities.

Eligibility

VEC advisory board members are appointed in accordance with the membership composition criteria outlined in the Advisory Board Terms of Reference.

Terms

Advisory board members are appointed for terms of up to three years. They may be reappointed.

Current VEDAB Members
Honourary Board
The Honourary Board is collectively responsible for amending the commission’s by-laws and appointing the board of directors.

Meeting frequency

Honourary board members meet with the Vancouver Economic Development Advisory Board at least twice a year. All meetings are closed to the public.

Eligibility

The honourary board is comprised of Mayor and Council.

Terms

Each honourary board member will remain on this board for as long as they hold their office of Mayor or City Councillor.

Current honorary board members
- Mayor Kennedy Stewart
- Councillor Rebecca Bligh
- Councillor Christine Boyle
- Councillor Adriane Carr
- Councillor Melissa De Genova
- Councillor Lisa Dominato
- Councillor Pete Fry
- Councillor Colleen Hardwick
- Councillor Sarah Kirby-Yung
- Councillor Jean Swanson
- Councillor Michael Wiebe

Resources for advisory committee members

Accessible events checklist and resources
Helps for planning events that are equally accessible and inclusive, including for people with disabilities, seniors, and people who identify as 2SLGBTQ+
Code of Conduct Policy (228 KB)
Sets minimum expectations for the behaviour of Council officials and advisory body members in carrying out their functions
Guidelines for Civic Agencies (260 KB)
Explains the roles and responsibilities of members and liaisons and provides an overview of member procedures
Diversity on Advisory Bodies (30 KB)
Establishes targets to achieve diverse demographic composition on advisory bodies.
Procedure Bylaw (206 KB)
Regulates the procedures of Council and its committees and other bodies

Contact the Vancouver Economic Commission

Phone: 604-632-9688
Toll-free: 1-866-632-9668

Mailing address
500-555 W 8th Ave
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1C6

info@vancouvereconomic.com

Vancouver Economic Commission Board of Directors

Board membership

Board of Directors

Vancouver Economic Development Advisory Board (VEDAB)

Honourary Board

Resources for advisory committee members

Contact the Vancouver Economic Commission

Contact information, partner agencies, and website policies