Invest Vancouver, the economic development leadership service for the Metro Vancouver region, is pleased to welcome Lejla Uzicanin in the role of Vice President, Data, Research and Policy.Uzicanin will lead a team providing economic research, data analytics and policy analysis, while working closely with government, industry, education, labour and nonprofit partners, to provide actionable intelligence about the Metro Vancouver regional economy to assist decision makers in better contending with the challenges and exploiting the opportunities presented in a rapidly evolving global economy."Lejla is a key member of Invest Vancouver's team. With a demonstrated track record of conducting sophisticated research, applying statistical techniques to evaluate data, and offering policy recommendations, together with her established industry and government relationships, Lejla and her team will offer constructive, functional and informative intelligence while identifying policy solutions and navigating potential policy challenges," said Invest Vancouver Executive Vice President Jacquie Griffiths. "It is an important leadership role that will involve informing and guiding the strategic work for Invest Vancouver itself, as well as the work of key decision makers for the benefit of the region."Uzicanin's team will be responsible for all aspects of Invest Vancouver's reports, technical papers and policy briefings. This will include devising the scope and methodology, constructing datasets and conducting applied analysis, providing recommendations, and offering proposed action items. A key part of Uzicanin's role will involve building and maintaining relationships with and consulting key partners in other levels of government and related agencies.About Lejla Uzicanin:Lejla Uzicanin holds a Bachelor of Science in Administration and Management from La Roche University, a Masters of Business Administration from Cass Business School London, and a Masters in Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University. She comes to Invest Vancouver from an international development career in eastern Europe and areas of the former Soviet Union that focused on policy, regulatory, economic and private sector development. Prior to working as a faculty member at City University of Seattle, Uzicanin led projects for the United Nations as an energy policy advisor, for the United Nations Development Programme as a project manager, and for the BC Utilities Commission as a senior economist.About Invest Vancouver:Invest Vancouver is laying the foundation for a region where every resident can thrive economically in a fast-changing economy. Invest Vancouver fosters greater regional and cross-sectoral collaboration on economic development issues, advises leaders on economic policy and strategy, promotes the region to a global audience, and attracts strategic investment — all while working closely with leaders throughout the region.