JDC West — Organizational Redesign & Scalable

Operating Model

Overview

JDC West is Western Canada’s premier undergraduate business conference and case competition, bringing together 600 competing delegates, 1,065 total attendees, and 260 volunteers from 13 post‑secondary institutions. When I stepped into the role of Executive Director, the organization needed stronger systems, clearer governance, and a more sustainable operating model to support its rapid growth and rising expectations.

My mandate was to modernize the organization, strengthen financial and operational stability, and deliver a conference experience that reflected the values of equity, sustainability, and community impact.

My Role

As Executive Director, I led a 32‑person organizing committee and 225 volunteers through a full operational transformation. My work focused on building the systems, processes, and governance structures that would allow JDC West to scale, reduce risk, and deliver a consistent, high‑quality experience for thousands of stakeholders.

What I Delivered

A Scalable Operating Model

I redesigned JDC West’s operating model to support long‑term sustainability. This included standardizing project management practices, implementing cross‑portfolio communication structures, and introducing repeatable stewardship programs for volunteers, partners, and attendees. These systems reduced operational friction and created a more predictable planning environment for future organizing committees.

Financial Sustainability & Cost Optimization

I strengthened the organization’s financial model by reducing accommodation costs by 29.8 percent, food costs by 33 percent, and conference room booking costs by 44 percent. These savings were reinvested into attendee experience, including new events, improved delegate materials, and enhanced volunteer and partner stewardship. The team secured $151,300 in funding toward the 2025 conference, representing 76 percent of the minimum required funding and positioning the organization for long‑term stability.

Equity‑Centered Experience Design

I embedded equity into the conference experience by redesigning schedules, improving accessibility supports, and launching the JDC West Spirit Award, a $500 grant that increased access for students facing financial barriers. I also implemented a dispute resolution process that reduced debate‑related disputes by 46 percent and ensured fair, consistent competition across all disciplines.

Brand & Identity Modernization

I led the modernization of JDC West’s visual identity through a new design system rooted in neo‑plasticism. The updated iconography unified academic, debate, challenge, and athletic disciplines under a cohesive brand, strengthening the organization’s presence across digital and physical touchpoints.

Community & Economic Impact

Under my leadership, JDC West delivered $952,000 in economic impact to Alberta’s GDP, raised $222,000 for charities across Western Canada, and facilitated 13,800 volunteer hours. The conference generated 1.89 million organic LinkedIn views, 71,100 livestream impressions, and $63,900 in earned media value, significantly expanding the organization’s reach and reputation.

Impact

  • Delivered a 1,065‑person conference under a 53 percent reduced planning schedule

  • Reduced major cost categories by 29.8 to 44 percent, enabling reinvestment in attendee experience

  • Secured 76 percent of required funding for the next year’s conference

  • Generated $952,000 in economic impact and $222,000 in charitable contributions

  • Modernized the organization’s brand and operating model for long‑term scalability

  • Strengthened equity, accessibility, and fairness across all competition formats