Dr. Powell joined BC CAHS as the CEO in May 2014, and has been involved in the organization in various ways; as a voluntary member of the Board of Directors from 2003 to 2014 and the BC CAHS Board Chair from 2012 to 2013.

“During the six years that Jim directed the organization as CEO, he led the development of the BC CAHS management team and followed a belief of developing employees from within which led to financial stability and growth. Through this approach, the BC CAHS staff were able to build their internal capabilities and create an Outreach and Education program. Jim successfully guided the centre in obtaining ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and numerous Canada Food Inspection Agency and US Fish and Wildlife Service certifications allowing the lab to support a wider range of research and diagnostics services which provides the society the ability to operate solely based on revenues, with no reliance of government funding,” says Maureen Ritter, Chair of the BC CAHS Board.

Without question, Dr. Powell’s contributions during his tenure as CEO have helped BC CAHS to develop and reach its current level of service and involvement.

“Jim’s most recent contribution was to successfully spearhead and secure funding for the creation of an aquatic animal health wet lab which will pave the way for BC CAHS to enter into additional aquatic animal health research and environmental monitoring in BC. Jim knew the value of research collaborations and actively facilitated them with various universities, colleges, industry and First Nations. Jim has played a huge role in helping BC CAHS achieve its current level of service and maturity. On behalf of the BC CAHS board and the employees, thank you, Jim. While we wish you and your family a long, enjoyable and well-earned retirement, your leadership will be missed” added Ritter.

BC CAHS has been in operation since 2005, and throughout its growth has focused on building research and diagnostic capacity, forming networks of collaborators and establishing itself as a world-class research and diagnostics facility in fisheries and aquaculture. BC CAHS is recognized locally, nationally and internationally for its services and productivity and for outreach within the north island. BC CAHS strives to provide non-biased, third-party information for the public, regulators and stakeholders to make informed decisions.

BCCAHS_Press_Release_ Retirement_ Announcement