Mark Breslauer, former president and chief executive of Monk Office, is the executive director of United Way Greater Victoria.
Breslauer brings an extensive background in executive leadership, business development, strategic planning and oversight, negotiation, brand development and change management. During his career, Breslauer has served as senior vice-president of marketing and operations for Princess Auto and president and CEO of Jazz Sports Limited, both based in Winnipeg. He was also an executive with Shell Canada in various roles in Ottawa and Calgary.
“We’re excited to have Mark join our team at this important time for United Way,” said Ivan Watson, United Way Greater Victoria board chair. “His leadership skills, cross-sector experience and business expertise will have a positive impact on the future success of United Way and our community partners.”
Breslauer has a strong record of community leadership, previously serving two terms on the national board of Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, along with leading fundraising initiatives for its Central Canada regional office. He recently completed a term as a board member of Victoria-based Think Local First and volunteers as a mentor, speaker and panel member for students at University of Victoria’s Peter B. Gustavson School of Business.
Breslauer succeeds Patricia Jelinksi, who left the organization in May to become general manager of B.C. Place in Vancouver.
New board for technology group
The Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (VIATEC) re-elected Bobbi Leach of Revenue Wire Inc., as chair. She joins vice-chair Brad Williams of Flytographer, past chair Rasool Rayani; Robert Bowness, chair of the finance committee; and Owen Matthews of Wesley Clover, chair of the governance committee. The directors include Jim Balcom, Redlen Technologies Inc.; Robert Bowness, B.C. Pension Corp.; Robert Cooper, PlusROI Online Marketing Inc.; Scott Dewis, RaceRocks 3D Inc.; Christina Gerow, Workday; Justin Love, Limbic Media; Masoud Nassaji, DoubleJump; Ashton Scordo, BCI Private Equity; Erin Skillen, FamilySparks; Mike Williams and Justin Young, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.
Murphy to lead North Island College
North Island College has named Jane Murphy chair of its board of directors. Murphy is the former CEO of St. Joseph’s General Hospital. She previously held senior executive positions at Langley Memorial Hospital, the South Fraser Health Region and Surrey Health Services, including Surrey Memorial Hospital and Community Health Services.
“Jane Murphy’s expertise in the community and experience within the NIC Board make her an excellent choice to lead the board of governors,” said NIC president John Bowman. “Since joining the board in 2015, she has served as vice chair for two years and been a key member of our executive committee. I look forward to continuing to work together in her new role.” The board also elected Port Alberni director Eric Mosley as vice chair. The retired lawyer first joined the board in 2017.
Bowman also welcomed new board members Barry Minaker and Ross Hunt, representing the Comox Valley and Mount Waddington communities.
Minaker is a former Comox-Strathcona Regional District director who has been involved in Comox Valley arts and music organizations as well as the local carpentry union in Courtenay. Hunt is a First Nations support worker for the First Nations Education Committee, School District 85. He is a youth co-ordinator for the Kwakiutl First Nation.
