October 29, 2021 – Vantage Point is pleased to announce the selection of Zahra Esmail as its new Chief Executive Officer. Zahra steps into the role following the outstanding interim leadership of Maria Turnbull, Associate Executive Director, who continues to be an incredible advocate for the organization and membership. The hire was made after a comprehensive search process, in collaboration with the Search Committee and Harbour West Consulting, and with the approval of the Board of Directors.

“The Board of Directors of the Vantage Point Society is extremely excited to announce Zahra as our new CEO. Zahra is a well-known and respected leader in the not-for-profit sector.  Her strong professional presence and community-based leadership ensures a strong advocate and strategic leader for the organization. We look forward to collaborating with Zahra; we know she is going to make a mark in our sector and organization.” – Gordon Matchett, Board Chair, Vantage Point

Zahra Esmail is joining Vantage Point after having been the Executive Director of the South Vancouver Neighbourhood House since 2016 and the first Executive Director of the Marpole Neighbourhood House, which opened under her leadership in 2019. During this time, Zahra worked with her diverse teams to build community connections and strengthen the neighbourhoods of Killarney, Victoria-Fraserview, Sunset and Marpole in Vancouver. With a background in community development, her current portfolio includes food security, settlement and integration services, licensed childcare, children and family development, youth leadership, seniors’ wellness, and Adult Day Programs. Prior to her work with the Neighbourhood Houses, Zahra was the General Manager of Eva’s Phoenix, a transitional shelter and training program in Toronto. She has also worked in international development with Street Kids International, Haven Haiti and BRAC, with responsibility for programs in Haiti, India, the Philippines, Colombia, Sierra Leone, and Ethiopia. Zahra has a Masters in Globalization and International Development from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelor’s in History from UBC, and an Associate Certificate in Fundraising Management from BCIT. She is an active member of the Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee, an independent committee that advises government on policy developments related to poverty reduction and prevention. Zahra was recognized as one of Business in Vancouver’s Forty Under 40 in 2019. Zahra will begin her new role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Vantage Point on December 13, 2021.

“I am thrilled to be joining the incredible Vantage Point team as the organization’s new CEO! After spending the past 15+ years working in a variety of roles and contexts with a social purpose focus, I am grateful for the opportunity to join a long-standing organization that builds the capacity of the not-for-profit sector in unique and impactful ways. I look forward to learning and growing in this exciting role!”

 – Zahra Esmail, Chief Executive Officer, Vantage Point

About Vantage Point

Founded in 1943, Vantage Point was originally known as the Central Volunteer Bureau of Vancouver; its mission was to provide volunteer matching services throughout the city. Today, Vantage Point is known as a leader for the not-for-profit sector by offering convening opportunities and sector advocacy support, as well as education and consulting on board governance, leadership, performance management, and recruitment. Committed to empowering the not-for-profit sector, Vantage Point serves as an important resource and advocate for Executive Directors, board members, senior leaders, managers, staff, and volunteers in the Lower Mainland and province.

For more information on Vantage Point’s services, please visit: https://thevantagepoint.ca/