VANCOUVER—The man behind Signal Hill’s hip media campaigns will be stepping into a new role in the archbishop’s office this January.
James Borkowski, the executive director of the pro-life organization, will become the archbishop’s delegate for administration Jan. 5.
“James has an incredible gift of speaking to the heart of people,” said Monique van Berkel, who has worked alongside Borkowski since he joined Langley-based Signal Hill in 2007.
“It’s tough to lose someone who has been such a vital part of the organization.”
Van Berkel said Borkowski played a critical role when Pro-life B.C. underwent a major overhaul in 2008 and became Signal Hill.
He drew on 20 years of experience in marketing and branding as he dove into Signal Hill’s first re-brand. He managed a second revamp after he became executive director in 2009.
Van Berkel said that change mostly had to do with shifting the message from condemning abortion or assisted suicide to addressing their root causes.
“Abortion is the end result of something else that’s broken in society,” she explained. “If you help people to come to know their dignity and value it won’t lead to unhealthy relationships.”
High school students and pro-life societies have heard Borkowski give relevant, heartfelt presentations about social media, relationships, and intimacy.
“Technology promises us that we will never be alone, that we will always be heard,” he wrote in a blog post titled “Smart Phone, Stupid Me,” on Signal Hill’s website.
“Not so fast, my sexy friends. Social media with its thousands of friends and millions of relationships isn’t nearly enough for the simple needs of our hearts.”
Van Berkel calls Borkowski a “collaborative leader” who is respectful of what his employees bring to the table. “He’s a leader who has great vision and desire to move things forward, and he does it in a very gentle, loving way.”
Dan Moric, the outgoing archbishop’s delegate for administration, said Borkowski’s strong business and administrative leadership skills and his committed Catholic faith will serve the archdiocese well.
“He’s certainly highly regarded (at Signal Hill), and the organization is better and stronger than it’s ever been. That has a lot to do with his leadership,” Moric stated.
He said the delegate’s role has been challenging. “There’s something unexpected every day. Part of the job is expecting the unexpected and trying to find solutions for the diocese and the archbishop.”
Moric is leaving his post, which he has held since 2011, to become superintendent of Catholic schools next July.
Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, wished Borkowski “many blessings and every success on his new mission in the life of our local church,” in a letter dated Nov. 5.
Van Berkel and Moric added they hope Borkowski doesn’t become too wrapped up in the archbishop’s office to continue his innovative pro-life work.
Moric singled out his presentations to teachers and parents about sex education: “I admire and respect the leadership he brings to that forum. I hope that will continue if it’s possible.”
Van Berkel said his “ability to connect with the people he’s speaking to,” is “definitely the area he will be missed in his work here at Signal Hill.”
Borkowski and his wife and seven children are members of Precious Blood Parish.
