The United Way looking within to find their new interim executive director.
Alexya Heelis has been with the organization for 7 years now.
She worked closely with former executive director Wendy MacDermott and want to move and grow the changes and innovations she brought in.
Heelis enjoys how the United Way serving Saint John, Kings and Charlotte is focused on impact.
“Any money we receive from the community, we are investing that back in the non-profits and programs that are really getting great returns and really moving the needle on important issues,” Heelis said.
Alexya Heelis Takes the Helm of @SJUnitedWay – Board Chair says: "There is no better person to take things to the next level as we continue creating pathways out of poverty so that everyone in our community has a fair chance at a good life.” #UNIGNORABLE
— United Way Saint John, Kings & Charlotte (@SJUnitedWay) November 27, 2019
For the first six years, Heelis mostly worked on the campaign side doing fundraising and in the first year, they raised 1.2 million.
“Last year our campaign topped out 1.75 so, I would say that definitely has been the biggest contribution for me to be a part of that and to continue to grow our campaign,” Heelis said.
Heelis says the reason the post is interim is to give the United Way board of directors time to find exactly what they need and want in a new executive director.
“We have a really strong and engaged board. They didn’t want to make any quick decisions but a thoughtful and careful decision about what the future of the United Way looks like and what type of leader is needed to get there. If that looks like me down the line, I will apply if I like this role. If they are looking for somebody different, then that’s fine too,” Heelis said.
Join us today at 4:30 pm to wish @WendyUWSJ well as she rises to the challenge of a new adventure with the Department of Social Development!
Meet us at MIX Resto Bar @DeltaBruns
All are welcome! pic.twitter.com/4t8hTm0XEY
— United Way Saint John, Kings & Charlotte (@SJUnitedWay) November 22, 2019
