Following a rigorous national search, the Board of Directors of AIDS Vancouver is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Chown to the position of Executive Director effective July 11, 2022.

“Sarah brings a deep understanding of health equity and social justice, values central to AIDS Vancouver’s past, present and future. We’re excited about Sarah’s vision for an evolving, inclusive, anti-oppressive, transparent and values driven organization that strives to meet and exceed the ever-changing needs of the communities we serve.” – Michael Leclair, Board Chair

Sarah has been involved in the community-based HIV response for more than a decade. Sarah served as the Executive Director of YouthCO HIV & Hep C Society from 2016 to 2020, where she supported program and revenue growth by expanding community, academic and funding partnerships at the local, provincial and national levels. Sarah holds a Bachelor in Public Affairs and Policy Management and a Master of Public Health specializing in social inequities in health. Her past roles and experience include a University Without Walls Fellowship, STI/HIV Outreach and Prevention Educator at ARCH in Guelph, and Harm Reduction Project Coordinator and Overdose Prevention Site staff at AVI Health and Community Services in Victoria. In addition, Sarah brings extensive experience in community-based research, and consulting with wide range of government and non-governmental organizations.

The Board of Directors is grateful to THERE Management Consulting for their support and guidance through the recruitment process.

“This was a rigorous process and THERE Management Consulting never compromised on informing the work by utilizing an intersectional ARAO feminist framework. Congratulations to Sarah Chown! It was an honour to be asked to assist AIDS Vancouver with the recruitment for their next Executive Director.” – Kassandra, THERE Management Consulting

As we welcome Sarah Chown to AIDS Vancouver, the Board would like to thank Phillip Banks for his leadership during this transition period and wish him the best as his path takes him in a new direction after thirty years working and volunteering in the HIV sector in Canada.

Congratulations Sarah. As we approach our 40th anniversary, we are excited and confident that with your leadership, AIDS Vancouver will continue the organization’s exceptional work in the HIV sector and beyond.

 

Thank you,

Board of Directors

Vancouver AIDS Society