B.C.'s TransLink names new CEO

Canada's South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority's (TransLink) board of directors appointed one of its original executives, Ian Jarvis, as the transportation authority's new CEO.

The board appointed Jarvis interim CEO last November and, according to Chair Dale Parker, the decision to forego an executive search for a permanent replacement for Tom Prendergast was based on Jarvis' "deep and long experience" in the organization and the strong endorsement he received within TransLink and from its stakeholders.

Jarvis participated in TransLink's creation, and from its inception in March 1999 to June 2001 he was the chief financial officer for both the Greater Vancouver Regional District (now Metro Vancouver) and TransLink. In June 2001, he accepted an offer to join TransLink full time as the vice president of finance. He is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia.

After leading TransLink's effort to found Canada's first dedicated transit police force, Jarvis became a founding member of the Transit Police Services Board in 2005 and continues to serve in that function.

Jarvis said his priorities will be efficiency and organizational effectiveness, with an emphasis on customer service and maximizing the value the public receives from TransLink's transportation program.