– To also serve as Acting Executive Director of the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber
The Surrey Board of Trade is delighted to announce the appointment of Joslyn Young as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective March 31, 2025. Ms. Young will also serve as the Acting Executive Director of the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce until the Federal Government approves the merger of the two organizations. Upon completion of the merger, Joslyn Young will assume the role of CEO of the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade.
With over 20 years of experience in government and external relations, Joslyn Young has been an active and respected member of the chamber/board of trade network since 2018. Her appointment follows a rigorous CEO selection process led by the CEO Search Committee, composed of members from both the Surrey Board of Trade and the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Watson Board Advisors.
“After an extensive and thorough search, we are thrilled to welcome Joslyn Young to lead our organization,” said Rory Morgan, Chair of the Surrey Board of Trade. “Ms. Young’s deep expertise in stakeholder relations, advocacy campaigns, crisis communications, international trade, and supply chain operations makes her an outstanding choice to steer the Surrey Board of Trade, and ultimately the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade, into an exciting new era.”
In her most recent role, Ms. Young oversaw external relations at the Port of Vancouver, where she successfully united diverse stakeholders in support of critical infrastructure projects and a competitive business environment. Her prior experience includes public affairs leadership at CN in BC, as well as various roles with the Union of BC Municipalities and the Lower Mainland Local Government Association.
As the newly appointed CEO, Ms. Young expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity: “Surrey and White Rock are dynamic, rapidly evolving business communities. I am honoured to take on the role of CEO and am dedicated to championing policies and initiatives that foster local business growth, encourage innovation, and ensure our region remains a leading economic hub.”
A resident of Surrey for 15 years, Ms. Young brings extensive experience in board governance and operations, having served in both elected and staff roles. She reflected on her past contributions: “Serving as Vice Chair for the Surrey Board of Trade and a Board Director for the World Trade Centre Vancouver has significantly shaped my perspective on commerce and industry at both local and global levels. The health of our business ecosystem—and our ability to attract investment, talent, and opportunities—is essential not only to economic success but also to the social fabric of our communities. I’m excited to build on this foundation as CEO, ensuring businesses of all sizes receive the support and advocacy they need to thrive.”
Ginny Hasselfield, Chair of the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce, shared her thoughts on the appointment: “Ms. Young’s leadership, experience, and long-standing commitment to the business community make her the ideal leader for our organization. Her deep connection to both Surrey and White Rock, combined with her collaborative approach, will drive our success.”
This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment as the two organizations unite as the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade. Under Ms. Young’s leadership, the Board of Trade looks forward to achieving new milestones in serving its members and advancing the vibrant communities of Surrey and White Rock.
-30-
For further information, please contact:
| Rory Morgan Chair, Surrey Board of Trade rmorgan@kswlawyers.ca 778-835-0538 |
Ginny Hasselfield Chair, South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce Ginny.Hasselfield@options.bc.ca 604-813-6409 |
About the Surrey Board of Trade
The Surrey Board of Trade is one of the top five largest chambers of commerce/boards of trade in Canada, with over 6,000 business contacts, representing over 60,000 employees. The Surrey Board of Trade represents and advocates for the business community in Surrey, supporting economic growth and development through advocacy, education, and networking opportunities. With a membership spanning diverse industries, the Surrey Board of Trade provides resources and connections to help businesses of all sizes thrive and works closely with all levels of government to shape policies that benefit the local economy.
About the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce
The South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce has been a cornerstone of the community for decades, promoting local businesses and fostering a vibrant, sustainable economic environment. The Chamber provides valuable resources and events to support businesses, championing initiatives that enhance the prosperity of South Surrey and White Rock.
In May 2024, the memberships of each organization voted in favour of a merger, to unite as the Surrey & White Rock Board of Trade. It is currently awaiting Federal Government approval, with the anticipated completion being the spring of 2025.
