Ilona Kusic receives PSKN’s 2026 Taras Hryb Educational Builder’s Award for her contributions to private investigator education and training in British Columbia.
By Laura Newcombe
The Professional Security Knowledge Network (PSKN) recently presented Ilona Kusic, Director, Kusic and Kusic Private Investigators Ltd, with the 2026 Taras Hryb Educational Builder’s Award.
This award was presented during the Professional Investigators’ Association of British Columbia (PIABC) Spring Conference and is sponsored by PSKN.
This award is named in recognition of Taras Hryb, who made outstanding contributions to education and training initiatives in British Columbia’s (BC) Private Investigators industry. Hryb was instrumental in the creation of the Introduction to Private Investigation courses that PSKN delivers in both BC and Alberta.
Established in 2022, this award honours his legacy and acknowledges individuals within the PIABC membership who demonstrate a significant contribution to the education and training of private investigators in BC.
“Through her leadership and commitment to learning, Ilona has been fundamental in expanding educational opportunities for private investigators across BC,” said Lee Gauthier, manager, business development, PSKN. “Her dedication to advancing professional development truly embodies the spirit of this award.”
Kusic has been a part of the private investigative industry for 34 years, dedicating her career to encouraging excellence in the field and investigative training.
She values the integrity of investigative work and enjoys the challenge of solving complex puzzles while maintaining strict ethical boundaries working within privacy laws.
“This award is more than just a trophy on the shelf,” explained Kusic. “It acknowledges the standard I have spent decades building.”
PSKN is the Canadian Police Knowledge Network’s (CPKN) dedicated division to supporting security professionals, private investigators. and public safety experts.
