Written by Betty Riddle.
The BCIT Alumni Association is proud to announce that Sean Poole, COO, Vancouver Island Ferry Company, was elected as the Association’s newest President following former President Emil Bosnjak’s retirement at the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 12. Prior to this, Sean served on the board as Vice President from 2023 to 2024 and Director from 2020 to 2023.
“I am particularly excited to take on this role as BCIT develops a new strategic plan under Dr. Jeff Zabudsky’s leadership,” explains Sean. “His strong support for alumni relations and engagement makes this an especially promising time.”
As he steps into this new role, Sean will lead a diverse Board of Directors. “Over the last six years, under Emil’s leadership, we have built a team that truly understands and represents the diverse range of programs BCIT offers to both Canadian and international students,” says Sean.
The BCIT Alumni Association was established in 1979 and currently has over 205,000 members worldwide. Through his work with the Association, Sean is dedicated to fostering alumni success, giving back to the BCIT community, and engaging alumni for life.
“My main goals are to strengthen the connection between alumni, students, faculty, and BCIT’s administration and partners, support BCIT students’ education and career growth through scholarships and grants, increase visibility and engagement between the board and alumni, and help alumni feel proud and connected no matter where their careers take them.”
Sean graduated in 2009 from BCIT’s Nautical Sciences program, though his career began in his first year at BCIT. “The Nautical Sciences program allowed me to travel the world while training to become a ship captain, which is an extremely rewarding and complex industry,” expressed Sean. “Since then, I’ve had the chance to build and operate various ships, including cruise ships and drill ships. Now, I’m excited to play a role in launching the new high-speed ferry service between Vancouver and Vancouver Island with Hullo.”
“We are looking forward to working with Sean to build a global community of passionate alumni,” says Lisa Jung, Director, Alumni Relations and Executive Director, BCIT Alumni Association. “He brings with him leadership expertise that will help us enhance alumni engagement and promote the excellence of BCIT.”
View the complete list of 2024/25 Alumni Association Board of Directors.
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