Downtown Van and its Board of Directors are pleased to announce the appointment of Jane Talbot as President and CEO of Downtown Van.

May 11, 2023, Vancouver, BC—The Board of Directors of Downtown Van today announced the appointment of Jane Talbot as the organization’s President and CEO. Talbot has been with Downtown Van (formerly known as Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association) for five-and-a-half years, holding the position of Director of Operations before becoming the organization’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

For the past six months, Downtown Van’s Executive Search Committee has been working with a national executive search firm, Leaders International, to evaluate candidates for the position. Talbot was chosen as the top candidate based on her experience, knowledge, and dedication to the organization.

“The Board of Directors and staff are pleased to announce Jane as the President and CEO of Downtown Van,” says Board Chair Melissa Higgs. “With her extensive understanding of our organization and impressive career to date, we are confident that Jane is the right person to lead Downtown Van to a bright future. 

“As interim CEO for the past six months, Jane has worked tirelessly to advance advocacy initiatives and government relations. Her ability to navigate complex issues and build strong relationships with stakeholders has been invaluable to our organization and the broader community,” continues Higgs. “We are excited to see where her leadership will take us and look forward to continuing to work together to make downtown Vancouver a vibrant and prosperous community for all.”

Jane joined Downtown Van in 2017 as the Director of Operations, managing the organization’s day-to-day functions at a time when there were only nine staff. Almost six years later, Talbot leads a team of 38, including 16 office staff, eight Clean Team members and 14 Safety Ambassadors. Additionally, she develops strategic and tactical plans and oversees the development of the Association’s annual operating plan and budgeting process. As the President and CEO, Talbot is committed to strengthening partnerships with members and external stakeholders while focusing on downtown’s recovery post-pandemic. 

“I am honoured to be chosen for this important position,” said Jane Talbot, President and CEO of Downtown Van. “Our organization has a long history of making Vancouver a better place to live, work, and play, and I am excited to continue that legacy. I look forward to working with the dedicated staff and Board to build on Downtown Van’s successes and tackle the challenges ahead.”

Originally from Pennsylvania, Talbot moved to Ithaca, New York, to attend college. After graduating, Jane relocated to Vancouver and began her career in Canada as the Manager of Health and Wellness at the YMCA. Since then, she has held leadership positions at Positive Living Society (formerly BC Persons With AIDS Society), the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon, the YMCA, and the BC SPCA before joining Downtown Van in 2017. 

About Downtown Van

Downtown Van is a non-profit organization that represents 7,000 businesses and property owners in the central 90-block area of Vancouver’s downtown core. Supporting them and making downtown Vancouver a place where everyone feels welcome drives us. Our team members are experts in economic development, community safety, placemaking, and events. They’re passionate about making downtown Vancouver a destination like no other. Learn more at www.dtvan.ca. 

Learn more about Jane in her People of Downtown feature here.