Jeff Maynard brings deep commitment to community, the arts and relationships to his new role

A long-time School District 48 principal with experience building community through innovative education initiatives and fostering better leadership for principals across B.C. is joining the Resort Municipality of Whistler.

Jeff Maynard will be the new General Manager of Community Engagement and Cultural Services. A local musician, telemark skier, and mountain biker, Maynard has served as principal and vice principal in schools from Squamish to Pemberton, while raising his own family. He has long-standing relationships in both the Lil’wat Nation and Squamish Nation, on whose territory the municipality sits.

“This is a standout leader with deep, meaningful connections in our community who will bring a passion for the arts and good decision-making to his new role. He is a leader among leaders in the education sector and understands the complexity of a government environment – a true asset when you are working to manage the resort responsibly for the long-term,” said Mayor Jack Crompton.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, Maynard will be accountable for the overall leadership and direction of Recreation Services and Meadow Park Sports Centre, Village Events and Animation, the Communications Department as well as the Whistler Public Library. He will begin the role on March 2 and will continue the work of this division: to support citizen connection and engagement, learning, wellness, and fun within the resort.

“The Community Engagement and Cultural Services Division focuses on the experience of Whistler and what makes us unique. It supports our lifestyle, champions the arts, and protects our heritage.

“These are the people who help us tell our story so the many residents, visitors and second homeowners who connect with us understand our municipal work, and we understand their needs,” said Acting CAO Ted Battiston. “In getting to know Jeff through the interview process, we’ve discovered he is thoughtful in his approach to leadership, knows public service well and has a true passion for all aspects of our community. I am confident he will bring new and valuable perspective to this role.”

Maynard originally moved to the corridor to pursue climbing. He is passionate about developing leaders, advancing equality, and fostering belonging. Among many achievements, he has co-chaired the Connected Leaders Conference for provincial educators, served as President of the Sea to Sky Principals’ Association and holds a master’s degree in education technology. He was also a technology instructor on the Ts̓zil Learning Campus, a partnership between Capilano University and the Lil’wat Nation.

“Community has always been at the center of my work. Having raised my family in Whistler, I’ve seen firsthand how strong relationships shape healthy, connected communities. I’m eager to bring my leadership to the municipal level and contribute to Whistler’s ongoing wellbeing—helping ensure it remains a place people feel proud to call home,” said Maynard.

The CECS division was created in Fall 2022 and former Mayor of Squamish Karen Elliott became its first leader in 2023. Under Elliott’s tenure the RMOW established Community Engagement Principles, began quarterly Add Your Voice engagement forums and introduced a municipal budget-focused pub night (Cents and Sensibilities). Her team wrote free access to recreation for schools into policy, prompting better recreational opportunities for children and youth from Lil’wat Nation. The division delivered our 50th anniversary celebrations, introduced Winterlight and Teen Extended Hours for youth study time at the Whistler Public Library. It also conducted user experience research to overhaul the municipal website, whistler.ca.

Going forward, the division will concentrate on completing the work prioritized for this council term, and contributing to the larger vision for the resort, as championed by out-going CAO Virginia Cullen. This work includes the Smart Tourism Vision, Council’s Strategic Plan, and championing equality, creativity and efforts to ensure our community is resilient in a time of great change.