Adam Currie: Talent detective, community creator, and UFV’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

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Adam Currie’s eye for talent and passion for building community emerged early in his Bachelor of Business Administration and Certificate in Professional Communications program at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), from which he graduated in 2012.  His career has been marked by a focus on fostering leadership and driving growth, even in challenging circumstances.

During his time at UFV, Adam co-founded the Human Resources Student Society, a pivotal step that shaped his career. He and others in the society played a vital role in encouraging first-year students to explore human resources, driving greater interest that led to many new students enrolling in the program the first semester after the society was founded.

Adam’s leadership journey took him to key roles at Korn Ferry, and Kal Tire, where he refined his expertise in talent acquisition and executive leadership. His ability to excel in these roles led to his appointment as Regional Vice-President of Executive Search at Optimum Talent, a Canadian national search firm. His leadership helped expand the company before its acquisition in 2020.

Following his many progressive roles, Adam founded VX Search Group Inc., an executive search consultancy that he grew to generate $1 million in revenue. His entrepreneurial success caught the attention of TMG Search Canada, a division of The Mullings Group, which later acquired VX Search Group.

In late 2020, while in the midst of building VX Group, Adam faced an unexpected and serious challenge when he contracted Lyme disease. Despite grappling with debilitating symptoms and enduring a long, complex healthcare journey, he remarkably continued to grow his business.   His experiences seeking treatment, working with healthcare professionals, and overcoming his illness led to a desire to be part of influencing the healing journeys of other patients. He set his sights on public health and was recruited to Fraser Health Authority (FHA) as Director of Executive & Senior Leadership Acquisition in 2023.

In his role at FHA, Adam leads a team responsible for recruiting senior leaders and physicians for the largest health authority in British Columbia. His team consistently surpasses hiring targets, helping Fraser Health attract top talent while navigating the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Under Adam’s leadership, his team has filled over 150 senior leader roles and successfully recruited more than 500 physicians, maintaining Fraser Health’s position as a leading healthcare provider in the region.

Adam is also deeply committed to community service. He has been a champion for Indigenous employment initiatives, partnering with First Nations communities across Canada to create pathways to employment in various sectors. His dedication to diversity and inclusion extends to supporting LGBTQ2+ causes and volunteering with organizations like the Okanagan Science Centre and the Shuswap Community Foundation, where he serves as a director.

Adam’s leadership style is characterized by a genuine desire to understand and support those around him. He is known for his ability to create space for diverse perspectives and foster a sense of belonging in both his professional and volunteer work. This approach has not only led to his success but has also made a lasting impact on the communities and people he serves.

Do you know an alum doing great things?

UFV employees, students, alumni, board members, or members of the community are all welcome to nominate candidates for the Distinguished Alumni Awards.

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