Executive Barbara Lindsay announces her retirement; successor named

After more than 26 years of service to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. as a staff person – and more beyond this as a volunteer – Barbara Lindsay announced this week that she will be retiring from her role as Chief Community Services and Engagement Officer later this fall. Her last day at the Society will be November 17.

Barbara, a lawyer, began working with the Society as a volunteer providing support to families needing guidance on legal matters, before being hired as a staff member in 1997, when she spearheaded the development of the organization’s advocacy strategy. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the issues facing people affected by dementia and advocate for system change to better support them. Barbara’s work has ensured that MPs, MLAs and municipal leaders understand the impact of dementia, helped secure provincial government funding for First Link^® programming and developed initiatives to help develop communities that are accessible for, and inclusive of, people affected by dementia. Prior to her role as Chief Community Services and Engagement Officer, Barbara held the role of Interim CEO and, before this, she was responsible for leading both the Advocacy & Education and Marketing & Communications departments and served as Chief Privacy Officer.

Effective November 6, 2023, Paula Brill – a current member of the executive leadership team, in the role of Senior Director, Marketing & Communications – will be succeeding Barbara as Chief Community Services and Engagement Officer. Paula has taken on progressive leadership roles at the Society since she joined in 2014 and has shaped a Marketing & Communications team poised to create awareness and address stigma. She is well positioned to ensure the momentum of work within the Community Services and Engagement portfolio, particularly as the Society moves forward on an ambitious strategic plan.

“Barbara’s impact on the dementia landscape in B.C. has been profound,” says Jen Lyle, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. “I am immensely grateful for the contributions she has made to strengthen our organization as we look to the future and the need to support the growing number of British Columbians affected by dementia, as well as her mentorship of Paula which will ensure this transition is smooth.”

The Society is planning an event later this fall to give the chance for the community to thank Barbara and wish her all the best as she closes this significant chapter of her professional life and begins a new one. These details will be shared soon.