September 24, 2020

The Board of Directors of Family Services of Greater Vancouver is thrilled to announce the appointment of Maria Howard as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 19, 2020. 

Maria is a recognized leader in the non-profit and health-care sectors in BC, with deep experience anchored in values that are aligned with FSGV’s mission. Her track record is one of innovation and success, driven by a fundamental commitment to service to the community. The opportunity to lead our impactful, vital organization attracted a host of excellent candidates, and Maria was the clear and unanimous choice. The Board knows that Maria and the team at FSGV are a great fit, and are eager to see FSGV’s community impact grow under her leadership.

Maria joins FSGV from the Alzheimer Society of BC, one of the province’s top health charities. In her seven years as CEO there, Maria was able to strengthen its ties with the Province and community supporters alike; lead the development of Dementia-Friendly Communities in Canada; and work to amplify the voices of people impacted by the disease.  In her tenure, the organization’s budget and impact grew by 150%, aligning with two successful strategic plans.

From her ability to inspire and mobilize her staff, community partners and volunteers, to her strength in advocacy and government relations, Maria is a champion for those in need, and will lead the Agency with commitment and vision.

“I am thrilled to be joining FSGV as CEO, and look forward to leading its wonderful team of caring professionals,” said Maria. “As a leader, I have always used my strategic and person-centered approach to drive change, seek new opportunities to serve clients and stakeholders and achieve results beyond the established brand of the organization – and my time with FSGV will be no different. I have been an admirer of FSGV for many years, and have seen the life-changing impact its people and programs have had on so many in our region. Together, with passion, innovation and collaboration, I know that we will continue to provide best-in-class support for those we serve, and ensure the sustainability and ongoing success of this critically important organization.”

Maria has decades of leadership in the health-care sector, as well as provincial and national governance experience. She holds an MBA in Leadership from the University of Athabasca and an M.Ed. in Rehabilitation from the University of Washington. With extensive business experience combined with previous roles both as a rehabilitation counselor and in health-care sector leadership, she joins FSGV with directly relevant operational experience, underpinned by a commitment to caring and inclusive communities.

See our full press release here.

Welcome, Maria, to the FSGV team!

For media inquiries, please contact:
Amanda Sayfy
Director, Development & Communications
Family Services of Greater Vancouver
asayfy@fsgv.ca
778 223 2672