On Monday, Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Skwxwú7mesh Nation (Squamish Nation), named Jennifer Podmore Russell as their new Executive Vice President of Real Estate and Development.
Podmore Russell replaces Shayne Ramsay, who abruptly departed his position as CEO of BC Housing in August 2022 and resurfaced as Nch’ḵay̓'s Executive Vice President of Real Estate and Development a month later. Nch’ḵay̓ then parted ways with Ramsay in May after the Province released the findings of its long-awaited audit into BC Housing, which found that Ramsay gave preferential treatment to Atira Women's Resource Society, which was helmed by his spouse, Janice Abbott.
Podmore Russell originally joined Nch’ḵay̓ in July 2022 as a member of the Board.
She has held a leadership role at real estate marketing and advisory firm rennie since 2017, previously served as the Director of Real Estate for accounting and consultancy firm Deloitte, and also founded MPC Intelligence, a research and analytics solution provider for real estate developers, in 2005.
Podmore Russell also previously worked in marketing and sales for developer Ledingham McAllister, as well as Research Director at international brokerage Colliers.
Her father is David Podmore, Co-Founder of Concert Properties.
"Nch’ḵay̓ resonates deeply with my values, and I'm truly honoured to join this exceptional team, driven by a mission to transform Vancouver's landscape," said Podmore Russell in a press release announcing her appointment. "My time on the Board highlighted a desire to channel more of my time and expertise in the real estate sector towards fostering wealth and economic prosperity for the Squamish Nation. I'm thrilled to embrace this new chapter and take on a more impactful role in advancing our shared vision."
"Jenn's strategic visionary outlook, paired with her deep understanding of the real estate market and development through a creative mindset, will be an asset as we further refine Nch’ḵay̓’s strategy and approach to real estate development in the Greater Vancouver area and Squamish Valley," added Nch’ḵay̓ CEO Mindy Wight. "Jenn also demonstrates a keen understanding of our values as an organization, which is essential to our ability to grow our team and work collaboratively with the Squamish Nation and Hiy̓ám̓ to deliver on housing. We believe her appointment in this role only enhances Nch’ḵay̓'s success in delivering on our goals while adhering to Nation values, guiding principles, and expectations."
The Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation was established in 2018 with a mandate to develop, manage, and own the active businesses of the Squamish Nation in order to generate wealth and create prosperity for current and future generations. Nch’ḵay̓'s largest ongoing project is Sen̓áḵw, a joint project with Westbank that will see 6,000 homes built across a 10.4-acre site near the western end of the Burrard Street Bridge.
