Biography
Christoph is Vice President at The Discovery Group (http://www.thediscoverygroup.ca), a boutique consultancy that specializes in supporting charities and social profit organizations. In his role, Christoph leads the firm’s people services, doing executive and board recruiting, succession planning, and training/retention.
He joined TDG after nine years in executive search in one of Canada’s largest not-for-profit consulting firms. Prior to entering consulting, Christoph spent over a decade in leadership roles in the social profit sector with both post-secondary education and health/social service organizations. The majority of Christoph’s career was spent with the Development Office at UBC, where Christoph served as the Director of Development at UBC’s Faculty of Forestry, overseeing both alumni relations and development.
Christoph was also Director of Development at the BC Paraplegic Association (now Spinal Cord BC), and earlier he worked with the United Way of the Lower Mainland and with the Indian Affairs & Northern Development Department of the Government of Canada. He also served in a variety of fundraising roles for UBC’s Faculty of Arts and the Sauder School of Business.
In addition to Christoph’s MEd from UBC, he has a BA in Applied Sciences from SFU. As a volunteer, Christoph has been engaged in the community through Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports, the Immigrant Services Society, and several roles at CJSF Radio, SFU’s campus-community radio station. He also served for many years on the Board of the AFP Vancouver Chapter and his building’s strata council.
Meeting Christoph
What is your most memorable experience from your time in the Faculty of Education?
I don’t have a single pervasive memory, but certainly fondly recall lively discussions in the depths of Ponderosa on everything from the meaning of “literacy” to the role of education in society.
Where has your education from the Faculty of Education taken you in your career?
My education has broadened my perspectives, made me challenge orthodoxy and common sense, and continually allows me to cast a critical yet empathic eye on my work. Or at least I hope it has!
Where do issues of inclusion find a place in your life or at work?
Diversity, inclusivity, access, and equity are constant considerations in the world of recruiting and the social profit sector. I’m continually learning and trying to confront both my own biases and those of others.
Do you have any words of wisdom for current students? Newly graduated folks?
Say yes to opportunities and invitations. You can over-plan your life and career, so be aware of and open to serendipity