About Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium is a not-for-profit marine science center dedicated to conserving aquatic life through display and interpretation, education, research and direct action. Since opening in 1956, the Aquarium has hosted over 35 million people, and is now maintained by over 1500 staff and volunteers.
Lori Howe is the Vice President, Human Resources.
Before Prevue, the Vancouver Aquarium had problems with turnover.
When Lori joined the team in 2011, one of the organization’s biggest challenges was retaining great people. She attributes the high turnover to not hiring the right people in the first place. Typical interview questions and ‘gut feelings’ weren’t paying off for a non-profit with a large number of seasonal and contract roles to fill, along with unique jobs like water quality technicians and marine mammal trainers.
Lori already knew Prevue’s tools would offer a quick solution.
The HR leader had already implemented these assessments at other organizations. “Time and time again, whenever you veered away from what Prevue was telling you, it never worked,” says Lori. “But with these tools–especially on the skill side of things–I’d find someone who had skills above and beyond the benchmark, and hire them anyway for their potential.”
When she came on board at the Vancouver Aquarium, it was no different. “I saw the opportunity to look at a way to support managers, better equip them, and streamline the system in order to find the right candidates.”
The Vancouver Aquarium significantly reduced their turnover.
“Our hiring became much more effective,” says Lori. “We can really identify people we want long term, or who should come back for another season. We want to make sure the motivation and interests piece is connected, and that this is the type of work the candidate really wants to be doing.”
Over the course of her career, Lori has taken Prevue with her everywhere. “It’s very adaptable from one type of organization to another. I’ve used it in consulting services, financial services, and now in a conservation-focused non-profit. The program is easy to use, and I’m happy to continue with it moving forward!”