CSMPS x PSMA Present
Municipal Evaluators Speak
We invite you to join the Canadian Society for Marketing Professional Services (CSMPS) and Professional Services Management Association (PSMA) for a Municipalities themed panel discussion featuring key representatives from City of Burnaby, City of Surrey and City of Richmond where we will discuss everything from upcoming projects and pursuit strategies to help you and your firm put your best foot forward.
Our panel of experts include:
- - James Lota, General Manager, Lands & Facilities - City of Burnaby
- - Farhad Alizadeh, Director, Civic Facilities - City of Surrey
- Martin Younis, Facilities & Project Development - City of Richmond
Following the panel discussion, you will have the chance to ask questions in an open Q&A format.
Key learnings and takeaways will include:
- - Insights on upcoming projects
- - Factors influencing planning
- - Relationship building with municipalities
- - Practical information on procurement processes and alternate delivery models
- - Tips, tricks and feedback to integrate into your organization’s planning and pursuit efforts
Who Should Attend:
- - Firm Principals and leaders responsible for growth
- - Business development professionals
- - Marketing professionals
- - Proposal professionals of all levels
- - Anyone interested in upcoming municipality projects
About the Presenters:
James Lota
General Manager, Lands & Facilities - City of Burnaby
James is a Professional Engineer with a Bachelor of Applied Science from the University of British Columbia, a Master of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Victoria. He has over 25 years of project/program management experience. He started his career in high-tech manufacturing where he did research & development, managed start-up manufacturing operations in Asia and Eastern Europe, and earned his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt in Project Management.
James went on to work with various levels of government, First Nations, land developers and industry to raise capital, design, and construct large scale alternative energy, oil & gas, and other infrastructure projects.
James is now the General Manager of Lands & Facilities at the City of Burnaby where he is responsible for administration of the City’s real estate assets and construction & maintenance of the civic facilities.
Farhad Alizadeh,
Director, Civic Facilities - City of Surrey
Farhad leads the team responsible for ensuring the City's facilities operate safely, efficiently, and sustainably, while also overseeing the planning and delivery of minor capital projects. His strategic oversight supports the City's commitment to providing safe, reliable, and well-maintained spaces for public service and community engagement.
A seasoned, service-oriented senior manager with broad experience across both private and public sectors, Farhad is a proactive change agent known for his creativity and results-driven approach. He holds a Bachelor of Technology in Management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology and brings a robust skill set that includes Organizational Development, Field Service Management, Continuous Improvement, Customer Service Management, and Strategic Partnerships.
Over his 20-year tenure with the City of Surrey, Farhad has held several key leadership roles and now leads the Civic Facilities Operations & Maintenance group with a focus on operational excellence, innovation, and future-ready infrastructure.
Martin Younis
Director, Facilities & Project Development - City of Richmond
Martin Younis brings 30 years of public and private sector engineering experience to the City of Richmond, where he serves as the Director of Facilities & Project Development. He leads a multifaceted portfolio encompassing both operational services and strategic capital initiatives.
Martin currently works with a group of project managers and building maintenance coordinators to deliver the planning, design, construction and maintenance of new and existing facilities including: community centres, arenas, pools, libraries, heritage sites, Community Safety Buildings (police, courts, fire rescue), and Corporate Facilities (City Hall, public works yards).
With a commitment to excellence and sustainability, Martin plays a pivotal role in shaping the built environment that supports City services and enhances community life.
EVENT SPONSORS
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