Barb Schimnowsky

Bio

Barb Schimnowsky is a Family Enterprise Forum Chair in Abbotsford, BC. She is an accomplished leadership advisor with more than 35 years of experience in executive search, recruitment, governance, and human resources consulting. She is a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), Family Enterprise Advisor (FEA), and Partner at Watson Board Advisors, where she leads the firm’s CEO and Director Search practice.

Before joining Watson, Barb founded WestView Executive Search in 2005 and grew it into a successful boutique search firm serving organizations across a range of industries. WestView merged with Watson in 2017, allowing Barb to expand her work in executive and board recruitment. Earlier in her career, she spent 20 years with KPMG, where she established a search practice focused on owner-managed businesses. As a Senior Manager, she helped grow KPMG’s search presence in the Fraser Valley and led the firm’s British Columbia Search practice during her final three years. Her professional history also includes a senior role with Meyers Norris Penny.

Throughout her career, Barb has helped private companies, family enterprises, public organizations, and not-for-profits identify the leaders they need to grow and succeed. She is known for taking the time to understand each organization’s culture, goals, and leadership needs while building trusted relationships that often span many years.

Barb also brings extensive board and community leadership experience, including service with the Abbotsford Police Board and United Way of the Lower Mainland. She has volunteered with organizations including Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, KidSport Abbotsford, PacificSport Fraser Valley, and the BC Summer Games.

As a MacKay CEO Forums Chair, Barb creates a confidential and supportive environment where CEOs, executives, and business owners can speak openly, gain new perspectives, strengthen their leadership, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.