Len Goerke has been appointed JIBC’s 6th President and Chief Executive Officer, effective July 15, 2024.
After an extensive search process, the Justice Institute of British Columbia’s (JIBC) Board of Governors is pleased to announce that Len Goerke has been appointed JIBC’s 6th President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective July 15, 2024.
“On behalf of the Board of Governors, I am delighted to welcome Len as JIBC’s next President and CEO,” said JIBC Chair of the Board of Governors, Maria Preovolos. “His combination of post-secondary governance experience and proven expertise in leading complex public sector organizations make him uniquely qualified to lead JIBC into a new chapter.”
Goerke has more than 10 years post-secondary governance experience, having served both on the Board of Governors for the University of the Fraser Valley and JIBC. As the former Chief Constable of the West Vancouver Police Department, he is skilled in leading strategic and operational planning, budgeting, human resources, and information technology.
“I am truly honoured to join JIBC as President and CEO,” said Goerke. “I’m proud to have started my own journey in public safety as a JIBC student in 1987. My passion for JIBC’s work led me to stay involved throughout my career, first as an instructor for seven years and then as a member of the Board of Governors.”
“As the former executive of a JIBC client organization, I understand the critical role the Institute plays in preparing the next generation of public safety leaders. I look forward to building strong relationships with staff and students, and championing JIBC’s mission with government and sector partners,” Goerke added.
He holds a Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University and has completed the Ivey School of Business Executive Program at the University of Western Ontario.
In his new role, Goerke will lead the development and implementation of strategies in service of student success, academic excellence and a safer and more just society. He will also ensure that JIBC continues to foster a culture of inclusion and uphold JIBC’s commitment to decolonization, Indigenization and Truth and Reconciliation.
Throughout his career, Goerke has worked to advance Truth and Reconciliation. As Chief Constable of the West Vancouver Police, he brought the 10-day Pulling Together Canoe Journey to West Vancouver as an opportunity for police, community leaders and high school students to come together with the members of the Squamish Nation to learn about Squamish history, culture, protocols and world views. In this role, he also reported to the Squamish Nation Council, as the West Vancouver Police Department provided policing and public safety services to the Xwmélch’stn Úxwumixw (Capilano Reserve 5).
He has a keen interest in restorative justice and served on the Restorative Justice Association of BC Board of Directors for three years. He currently serves on the Klahanee Park Housing Society Board of Directors and has also served on the Capilano Senior Citizens Housing Society Board of Directors.
His appointment follows a nationwide search led by the Board of Governors Search Committee chaired by Samina Tajwar, Vice Chair of the Board of Governors, and Chair of the Governance and HR Committee. The committee consisted of four additional members of the Board of Governors, and two staff who served as non-voting members: Director, Office of Indigenization, Jason LaRochelle and Interim President and CEO, Colleen Vaughan.
Vaughan will return to her role as Vice President, Academic, as planned.
“The Board of Governors offers its deep appreciation to Colleen for her outstanding leadership as interim President and CEO, as well as her support throughout the recruitment process,” said Preovolos. “She has ensured that JIBC has maintained momentum during this period of change and can look confidently towards the future.”