Former journalist and CBC radio host Lucie McNeill will become the new director of the Public Affairs office at the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus on October 17, 2011.
An alumna of UBC and a long-time resident of Vancouver, McNeill has a diverse background in Canada, Europe and Asia in journalism and international development. Since 2009 she has worked as Director of Community Engagement for the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.
“Ms. McNeill brings an international perspective and excellent communication skills,” said UBC President Stephen Toope. “She is a strong fit in this role as the university grows its research, teaching and community service locally and around the world.”
The UBC Public Affairs office is responsible for helping faculty, students and staff convey the University’s mission and values to the broad external community through the media. The director is the senior media relations position at UBC. McNeill replaces Scott Macrae who retired after more than 10 years in the role.
“Lucie places a high value on collaboration with community organizations,” said Stephen Owen, Vice President External, Legal and Community Relations. “Her commitment to facilitating two-way communication and community engagement will serve UBC well.”
Prior to her current position leading community engagement initiatives at the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, McNeill worked in consulting roles for the Canadian International Development Agency, Simon Fraser University, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the World Bank, with a focus on projects in China. She was a freelance journalist for a variety of Canadian and U.S. media outlets and a broadcaster for CBC Radio in B.C. for more than 10 years.
McNeill has also had director roles in several Vancouver community organizations including MOSAIC, the Turning Point Recovery Society and the Women in View Arts Festival, and is fluent in English, French and conversational Mandarin.