Accomplished business leader and the Liberal MLA for Surrey-White Rock, Tracy Redies, has decided to quit politics and resume a life in the private sector as the CEO of Science World, starting September 14.
“I am incredibly passionate about the role Science World can play in building B.C.’s prosperous and inclusive future,” Redies said in a statement. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead this beloved institution in the next stage of its evolution, to build on its past successes and to navigate its new future.”
Redies last year said on social media that she was battling congestive heart failure and acute hepatitis after a trip to Brazil.
Before Redies won election in 2017, and became the Liberals' finance critic, she spent 25 years in banking. She was president and CEO at Coast Capital Savings Credit Union between 2009 and 2014, after having worked for 20 years with HSBC, including a post as the executive vice-president of personal financial services and wealth management for HSBC Bank Canada.
Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson issued a statement to thank Redies for ther service and to congratulate her.
"We'll miss her expertise, professionalism, and passion for public service," Wilkinson said. "We look forward to hearing from Elections BC on next steps regarding what a by-election will look like in our current public health situation."
Her stint in the legislature officially ends on August 31.
Science World Board chair, Launi Skinner said Redies is the right choice for her organization because of Redies' track record as a "strong people leader in complex environments."
Skinner praised Redies' ability to build consensus on organizational missions and visions.
"She has an extensive network of local and provincial connections which we know will open new doors of support for our organization," Skinner said. "She surrounds herself with great people and leverages and supports their strengths, expertise, and knowledge to make a real impact on the organizations she leads.”
Redies' roots can be traced back to a small town in Ontario called North Porcupine. As the daughter of parents who immigrated from the U.K., Redies had a global outlook.
She attended the University of Victoria to pursue a double major in economics and Asian studies. Then, she went to the University of British Columbia to earn a master’s of science degree in business administration and international trade and finance.
Redies told BIV in 2013 that the business lesson she would most want to pass on to others is to be open to new possibilities and challenges, even if they are outside your comfort zone, and be prepared to take the road less travelled.
