Derek Cockburn, FCPA, FCGA

Derek Cockburn, FCPA, FCGA

ELECTED TO FELLOWSHIP

Derek Cockburn, FCPA, FCGA

Director procurement & contract management, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development & Innovation 

  • Has provided 30-plus years of public service to the provincial government and greatly strengthened communities of practice throughout the government financial sector. 
     
  • A volunteer with the Financial Management Institute of Canada (2015-present), as national chair Derek led FMI to restoring its financial health, rejuvenating its annual learning event, and resuming all 14 regional chapters. 
     
  • In recognition of his outstanding contributions, received the Premier’s Award for Innovation and Excellence for his work on the BC150 Secretariat, which delivered 1,200 events in celebration of BC’s 150th anniversary (2009).

For more than 30 years, Derek’s vast experience in financial management, contract management, procurement, and strategic planning has strengthened the government financial sector. In his current role as director of procurement for the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, he supports three economic sector ministries and multiple crown corporations, and his guidance on streamlining procurement processes has set a new standard for excellence in public administration.

As a member of the BC Public Service Procurement Council since 2014, Derek promotes a collaborative approach, and his leadership in modernizing the Council has made it a model for other Canadian jurisdictions.

Derek’s influence is not just felt in BC. He’s also respected nationally for his contributions to the Financial Management Institute of Canada (FMI). As national chair from 2019 to 2023, he restored FMI’s financial health and modernized its governance structures. He has also demonstrated his commitment to the public sector financial community by planning and delivering a multi-day professional development course at FMI Victoria’s annual learning event.

In addition, Derek is a highly regarded mentor and teacher who has inspired the next generation of accounting professionals for over 30 years as an accounting instructor at Camosun College, the University of Victoria, and Royal Roads University.

“Derek has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his career in BC's public service sector. In his current role, his innovative approach and strategic vision have resulted in substantial improvements in procurement efficiency and provincial best practices, benefiting the entire public sector and ultimately the public at large.”

– Jon Cruz, CPA, CGA, Senior Director of Finance, Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport