April van Ert is the first to take on this role at JIBC, effective April 3
The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) is pleased to announce April van Ert has been appointed its new Vice-President, Brand, Communications & Engagement effective April 3.
Ms. van Ert comes to JIBC with more than 10 years of strategic marketing and communications experience, with particular expertise in leading organizational rebranding and team development in complex multi-stakeholder environments. She also brings proven experience in advancing organizations’ government relations priorities through multi-channel stakeholder engagement and media relations strategies. Most recently, she served as Executive Director, Communications, Marketing & Government Relations at Langara College.
“We are excited to have April join us at JIBC, bringing her comprehensive experience in communications, change management, marketing and government relations,” said Dr. Michel Tarko, JIBC President and CEO. “We look forward to her leadership, as the first to hold this new executive role, while we implement the commitments of our latest strategic plan and continue to develop and provide leading education and training of public safety professionals.”
Before joining Langara College, Ms. van Ert’s past work encompassed a variety of sectors, including roles with the BC Real Estate Association, Coast Mental Health, Coast Capital Savings Credit Union, the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Arts, the Laura Ballance Media Group, and work in journalism including with the Wall Street Journal and the Luxembourg News. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Victoria, a post-graduate diploma from the London School of Journalism, and is a Certified Leadership Coach.
“JIBC’s mission resonates with me deeply and I look forward to contributing to our strategic plan and contributing to the greater good of our learners and the communities they serve,” said van Ert. “Most importantly, I’m excited to get to know my JIBC colleagues and the Communications & Marketing team, building strong relationships to foster growth, innovation and unlock the potential of the JIBC brand.”