Prince George, B.C. – Jim Martin, a retired municipal administrator, is joining the University of Northern British Columbia’s Board of Governors as an order-in-council appointment. 

Martin spent nearly 30 years working for the Regional District of Fraser-Fort George, including 17 years as the Chief Administrative Officer before his retirement in December 2023.

“Jim Martin brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Board of Governors that will help support the University as it continues to fulfil its mission to ignite, inspire and lead change,” says UNBC Board of Governors Chair Joel McKay. 

Martin brings extensive outside board experience to the UNBC Board of Governors. He’s currently a community representative on the Charles Jago Northern Sport Centre Board of Directors and he recently completed his appointment on the board of the BC Games Society, where he served as the Chair of the Finance Committee. He also served as Vice-Chair of the Prince George 2015 Canada Winter Games Host Society and was a founding Director of the International Bioenergy Conference and Exhibition Society. 

“I moved to Prince George in 1993 when the University was in its infancy and have watched it grow and develop into an important contributor to the success of northern B.C.,” says Martin. “Many of today's leaders in northern B.C. private and public sector organizations have their roots in UNBC and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the mission of the University’s Board of Governors in supporting the continued development of leaders who ensure the sustainability of our northern communities.”

“Jim’s extensive experience as a municipal administrator and his dedication to community service bring invaluable skills in collaboration, partnership and capacity building to the Board of Governors – all of which are essential as the University works with communities to tackle the region’s most pressing challenges,” says UNBC President Dr. Geoff Payne. “The Board will benefit from Jim’s expertise as it continues to serve and strengthen communities across northern B.C. and beyond.”

Martin holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Simon Fraser University where he studied Biological Sciences.

Martin’s one-year term began on July 31. The Board has elected him as the Vice-Chair.

In addition, two current members of the Board of Governors have been re-appointed to new terms. Amanada Alexander is beginning a new three-year term and Trevor Morrison is starting a new two-year term.

The UNBC Board of Governors is responsible for oversight of the management, administration and finances of the University. It’s composed of 15 members, including the Chancellor, UNBC President, eight members appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council and five elected members (one undergraduate student, one graduate student, two faculty members and one staff member).

The next meeting of the UNBC Board of Governors is scheduled for Oct. 4.