The United Way of Chatham-Kent has found its new CEO.
The organization announced on Wednesday that Barbara Palace will be taking on the role starting on January 10, 2022.
According to the United Way of Chatham-Kent, Palace is a lawyer with a long history of community advocacy.
Palace is currently the Executive Director of the Insurance Council of Manitoba and has worked in leadership roles for not-for-profit organizations for over 25 years. Palace has also volunteered with the United Way Winnipeg for over 13 years.
"I am very excited to join UWOCK's team and to make my home in Chatham-Kent where I will be closer to family," said Palace. "I look forward to learning about the issues that we care about as communities, and to work together to address our challenges and needs."
According to the organization, Palace was selected after a rigorous search process conducted by members of the Board of Directors. This process included conversations with community leaders, feedback from community partners, and input from senior United Way of Chatham-Kent staff.
"We are so fortunate to attract such a world-class leader to our community," said President of UWOCK Board of Directors Wes Thompson. "Hiring [Palace] is an essential part of the new direction at United Way, as we get back to grassroots and the bigger picture of what matters to the community. Not only is [she] immensely qualified, she is also very down-to-earth and fun."
