Anita Huberman
SURREY – Anita Huberman, the longest serving President and Chief Executive Officer of the Surrey Board of Trade (SBoT) has announced she is leaving the post as of August 30.
Huberman served in the position for 18 years and has been with the SBoT for 31 years in a variety of capacities, helping build the organization into one of the largest of its kind in Canada. “It has been an honour and a privilege to be part of this esteemed city-building organization,” says Huberman. “I am incredibly proud of the leadership-oriented work my staff and I have accomplished over the past three decades to support and advocate for the business community.”
During her tenure, Huberman revitalized the SBoT’s government advocacy portfolio to take it beyond taxes and employment to include social policy issues like poverty reduction, healthcare, and childcare. This holistic vision for a more livable city with economic opportunity drove her to advocate for Surrey through policy resolutions instigating change at all levels of government. This enabled her to highlight important issues that impact both business and community, such as crime, transportation, environment, workforce development and international trade.
“The Surrey Board of Trade is near and dear to my heart, and I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to contribute to its growth and success, as well as to the prosperity of Surrey, British Columbia, and Canada,” Huberman states. “I have loved my time at the Surrey Board of Trade, and I will miss my role here. It’s hard to think of a greater privilege than to serve my city, province and country all at the same time while leading such an outstanding team.
“The organization is strong – from all perspectives and angles. The legacy that I am leaving will live on through the Surrey Board of Trade’s fiscal assets, service portfolios, government advocacy, brand profile and so much more.”
Huberman has brought opportunity to SBoT members and the community at large by hosting networking events, developing awards programs, making countless connections and opening a second location with the Surrey Technology and Skills Centre in partnership with Western Community College. The new centre, strategically located in Surrey’s Health & Technology District, is designed to make Surrey a technology destination.
Huberman has been honoured with multiple awards while also making time for community service on committees ranging from disability and inclusion to innovation and investment. She holds the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, received a Canada 150 Community Medal and was a Business in Vancouver Top 40 under 40 recipient. In 2023, she was named one of the top 500 Influential Business Leaders in BC by the Business in Vancouver Media Group and in 2023 and 2024, she was one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Vancouver.
In 2022, Anita won Simon Fraser University’s Distinguished Alumni Award and in 2021, she was announced as being 1 of 15 Outstanding Canadians for her work in the private sector and through the pandemic. In 2019, in recognition of her many years of service, she was awarded the Surrey Community Builder of the Year. Huberman is also a long-time supporter of Canada’s military and was appointed an Honorary Captain of the Royal Canadian Navy by Canada’s Minister of National Defence and is serving in her fourth term until 2027.
Huberman has been a highly visible advocate for Surrey businesses at all levels of government with a demonstrated history of evolving and combining business and social issues to reinvigorate and transform the community.
Rory Morgan, Chair of the SBoT Board of Directors, says the Board is grateful for Huberman’s many contributions over the years.
‘“Anita is a true champion of Surrey, the business community and the community at large, Morgan notes. “She lives and breathes this commitment – giving of her time and energy like few others to help make Surrey a better place to do business and a better place to call home.”
Joslyn Young, Vice-Chair, says “The Surrey Board of Trade is part of a powerful network of Chambers that use their voice to advocate for change. Anita leaves big shoes to fill, but we are excited by the opportunities ahead of us and look forward to what the next chapter will bring.”
A Special Committee, including board members of the Surrey Board of Trade and the South Surrey and White Rock Chamber of Commerce, will conduct the search for the next President and CEO.
Business Examiner Staff
