The Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria has appointed Chris Lawless as its latest executive in residence.
In this role, Lawless will primarily act as a resource for faculty members for research, teaching and curriculum development, in the subject area of finance. Lawless will also serve as a guest lecturer, mentor to students and adviser to the applied portfolio management program.
“We are pleased that Chris is joining us as an executive-in-residence, as he brings unparalleled experience in the financial sector to Gustavson,” said Dr. Saul Klein, dean of the school.
From 2001 to 2019, Lawless served as chief economist at the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI). In this role, he oversaw research and analysis of economic, capital market, pension and public policy issues, and provided advice on economic and market risks for clients.
During his tenure at BCI, Lawless played a key role in the Canada Line light-rail transit project — a public-private partnership that was Project Finance International’s Deal of the Year for the Americas, and Euromoney’s Project Finance North American Transport Deal of the Year.
”I am honoured to be associated with the Gustavson School of Business,” said Lawless.
“The reputation of the School is truly inspiring, and I look forward to engaging with students and faculty.”
Lawless’s previous roles also include tax policy economist and chief economist at B.C. Ministry of Finance, and economist of the research branch of the Library of Parliament in Ottawa. Lawless holds a B.A. (honours) and an M.A. in economics from Carleton University.
Fischer to lead Island BBB board
Vern Fischer of Fischer Financial Services will lead the 2020 board of directors for Better Business Bureau serving Vancouver Island, succeeding Gary Eisenstein of Falcon Software who remains on the board as past chair.
The executive also includes vice-chair Marion Harding-Soare of Soare Contracting Inc., treasurers Robyn Walle and Baker Tilly, secretary Les Sylven of Central Saanich Police, independent legal counsel Sharon Cartmill-Lane of Pearlman Lindholm Barristers & Solicitors, and president and CEO Rosalind Scott.
The directors are consultants Mike Regimbaland and Richard Gordon; Gregg Meiklejohn, Enrollment Resources; Walter J. Donald, The Executive Network; Richard Michaels, Maccrim Solutions Land Development Consultants; Marek Gomolka, B.C. Home Builders Corp.; and Mark Breslauer, United Way. Paul Chow is an honourary director.
Accountant earns lifetime award
Nanaimo’s Barbara (Barb) Carle-Thiesson has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia.
The award recognizes Carle-Thiesson’s career, community service and work within the CPA profession. Carle-Thiesson is currently a business adviser in Lantzville. She began her career as a public practitioner in Grande Prairie, Alta., in 1983, and moved to Nanaimo and served as a partner with Tyce Carle-Thiesson Chartered Accountants. From 2012 until retiring in 2018, Carle-Thiesson was a partner with MNP LLP in Nanaimo. She is currently a board member and chair of the finance and audit committee with Community Living B.C. and a board member and chair of the audit and risk management committee with the B.C. Housing Management Commission.
