British Columbia Chapter of PAAC

The Public Affairs Association of Canada (PAAC) is a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1984. Our principal objective is to help public affairs professionals succeed in their work by providing them with forums for professional development, the exchange of new ideas and networking.

PAAC’s growing membership represents a cross-section of the many disciplines involved in public affairs including policy development, government relations, lobbying, communications, opinion research and public relations. Our members come from both the private and public sectors, in areas such as industrial and financial companies, crown corporations, consulting firms, small business, ministries and municipalities, PR organizations, trade associations, educational institutions, law and accounting firms.

The events we offer range from full professional development conferences to tools and techniques sessions and high-profile speakers. We also publish a comprehensive newsletter featuring the latest PAAC and industry news, as well as online job postings from across the country. To suggest future events or learn more about the chapter, please email PAAC-BC@publicaffairs.ca.

‍PAAC BC Chapter Executive

‍Mike Cunningham – President
Graphite Public Affairs

‍Karen McDonald, MBA – Vice-President
Central One Credit Union

‍Bill Tieleman – Treasurer/Secretary
West Star Communications

Greg Moy – Membership Chair
Insurance Bureau of Canada

Sophia Cote – Events Chair
REEF

Andrew Tarver – Events Chair
Allevato Quail & Roy

Sarina Rehal – Communications Chair
Crestview Strategy

‍Kim Haakstad – Past President
Terramera

‍Members at Large

Jen Anthony
Fleishman Hillard Highroad

‍Michael Gardiner
Gastown Strategy Group

Katie Grandis
Earnscliffe

‍Mike LoVecchio
Government Affairs at Canadian Pacific

‍Alicia Peters
First West Credit Union

‍Steve Vander Wal
Hill+Knowlton Strategies