We are very pleased to announce that an outstanding candidate for the position of Director, Campus Planning (UBCO) has been found. Ben Johnson will take on this important role for the Okanagan campus and joins the university with 20 years of planning experience at the City of Penticton and the City of Vancouver.
Ben holds a Master of Arts in Planning from UBC’s School of Community and Regional Planning as well as a Bachelor’s degree (Honors) in Geography from McGill. He most recently led the Official Community Planning process for the City of Penticton and, during 17 years at the City of Vancouver, worked in a number of areas including Central Area Planning, Housing, Parks, and as a Senior Planner in the Major Projects department.
The Director, Campus Planning is a key position for UBC Okanagan as we continue to support its development based on the Campus Master Plan. With continued growth in our student population, teaching and research programs, as well as UBC’s important sustainability and environmental commitments, under Ben’s leadership the Campus Planning department will provide critically important expertise and guidance as we move forward with UBC’s Strategic Plan: Shaping UBC’s Next Century and UBCO’s Outlook 2040 vision.
Ben will bring his experience and knowledge to bear on a number of challenging projects over the next number of years including the Okanagan’s Climate Action Plan, planning for connections to UBC’s downtown Kelowna site, and supporting necessary evolutions in transportation to and from the Okanagan campus. He is an excellent fit for these and many other important initiatives envisioned for UBC Okanagan in coming years.
Ben will report to the AVP Finance and Operations on the Okanagan campus and the AVP Campus & Community Planning in Vancouver. He will be starting with UBC on December 16.
Please join us in welcoming Ben to UBC.
Sincerely,
Rob Einarson
Associate Vice-President, Finance and Operations
UBC Okanagan
Michael White
Associate Vice-President, Campus & Community Planning
UBC Vancouver