Morgan-Silvester joined the VPA's Board in March 2004, and is serving her second term of three years (ending February 28, 2010). She served most recently in the positions of Member of the Audit Committee and Chair of the Governance Committee. She is currently the Chair of the Port Amalgamation Transition Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the integration of the three Lower Mainland ports.
Morgan-Silvester has extensive experience across North America in the financial services sector. As past Executive Vice President, Personal Financial Services and Wealth Management for HSBC Bank Canada, Sarah had national responsibility for retail banking, full service and self-directed brokerage, asset management, trust, insurance and private banking. She is also the Chair of BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre Foundation, a Director of the CD Howe Institute and Women in the Lead Inc., a Member of the Faculty Advisory Board for the University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business, and a Member of the David Suzuki Foundation National Business Advisory Council.
Morgan-Silvester graduated from UBC in 1982 with a Bachelor of Commerce (honors) and was the Kiwanis Gold Medal winner for graduating top of her class. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers, and won Canada's Top 40 Under 40 Award in 1998 and a Leader in Finance, PEAK Award in 2004.
"I am honored to have been elected by my fellow Board members to lead the VPA during such a critical time," said Morgan-Silvester. "I look forward to working with them to ensure Canada's Pacific Gateway fulfills its potential as a global port competitor while partnering with local communities."
"On behalf of the Executive and Staff, I'd like to congratulate the Board on their choice of Ms. Morgan-Silvester as Chair," said VPA President and CEO, Gordon Houston. "Her expertise and leadership will be invaluable and we look forward to a productive term of office."
The Vancouver Port Authority's Board is responsible for overseeing the VPA's activities while ensuring it fulfills its mandate to provide facilities and services in the best interest of Canadians.
The Port of Vancouver is Canada's flagship port, trading more than $53 billion in goods with more than 100 trading economies annually. Port activities generate 69,200 jobs in total with $4 billion in Gross Domestic Product and $8.9 billion in economic output.
