MUMBAI: New Media BC president Lynda Brown has decided to step down. After more than three years in the post, Brown announced that she intends to leave her position this fall.
Rick Mischel, Chairman of the Board of New Media BC stated, “The Board of Directors sincerely appreciate the many contributions Lynda has made not only to the association but to the digital media industry overall. While we are saddened by her departure, she has strengthened the association considerably and leaves us with a successful, well positioned organization.”
An industry veteran with a 17-year track record, Brown has been at the forefront of establishing Vancouver as a world leading digital media centre. In the past year, Brown has been instrumental in securing $40.5 million provincial government support for Canada’s first digital media graduate program and establishing the strategic plan for a digital media world centre in Vancouver. She has worked extensively to solidify federal support and will continue to champion the world centre project through an upcoming national funding competition.
Said Brown, “It has been an honour to represent the digital media industry and to work with the 1,000 plus talented companies that we support. I took on this position because I wanted to help this sector grow into what I saw could be a leading global centre of excellence. While there is much more to do, I feel it’s time for me to get back into industry and contribute in a different way. I will miss my amazing team who work so tirelessly to help this sector and the many people around the world I have met in this position.”
The local industry noted Brown’s passion and energy for the sector. Ian Wilkinson, former CEO of Radical Entertainment and past Chair of the Board noted, “Lynda has always seen the potential of this industry and she has worked hard to share that vision with others. Over the past three years, she has accomplished more than she set out to do and she?s ready for her next challenge.”
The board has established a selection committee to identify a successor and will work through a comprehensive transition plan until Brown’s departure on 31 October. The association will continue with business as usual and will launch their 4th annual Vancouver International Digital Festival on 22 September.