For Immediate Release
22-030
July 22, 2022

BC Ferries Appoints Interim CEO

VICTORIA – The British Columbia Ferry Services Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Jill Sharland as Interim President and CEO of BC Ferries, effective today.

Ms. Sharland is a senior finance and operations executive who is currently Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at BC Ferries. She will continue to fulfill her duties as CFO as she leads the company in the delivery of safe, reliable and affordable ferry service to coastal British Columbia.

Ms. Sharland replaces Mark Collins who is leaving BC Ferries, effective immediately. The board decided to end Mr. Collins’ contract, which will entitle him to severance in accordance with the terms of his contract. That amount has not yet been finalized.

A robust and professional search to select the company’s permanent CEO will soon be launched.

“We thank Mr. Collins for his hard work and dedication to BC Ferries. We wish him well in all future endeavours,” said Board Chair Joy MacPhail.

Mr. Collins joined BC Ferries in 2004 and held numerous executive-level positions before being appointed CEO in 2017. During that time, BC Ferries invested in upgrades to terminals, implemented a new fare flexibility model and made significant investments in fleet renewal.

"Like many organizations, BC Ferries has faced recent staffing shortages, service interruptions and COVID-related challenges. There are no quick fixes to these systemic challenges but as a board, we believe it is time for renewal, fresh ideas and a renewed commitment to the highest standards of customer service, safety and affordability," said Ms. MacPhail.

Ms. Sharland joined BC Ferries in 2020 bringing extensive experience as a financial executive specializing in strategic and operational planning and financial decision support in fast-paced, capital intensive and customer driven industries. Ms. Sharland is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Masters of Business Administration from Queens University as well as an Honors Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology and Physiology from Western University.

The British Columbia Ferry Services Board will continue to provide oversight in the day-to-day operations of the ferry company.