February 18, 2010
Frances Lankin Plans to Step Down as Head of United Way Toronto
Departure will take several months as search begins for new president and CEO
United Way Toronto president and CEO Frances Lankin today provided one year's notice of her plan to step down as head of the organization. In a memo to volunteers and staff, the Chair of United Way's Board of Trustees, Alnasir Samji said the search for a new president will commence immediately and take several months, but that Lankin will remain as president and CEO until the transition is complete.
Following are statements from Samji and Lankin:
STATEMENT from Alnasir Samji, Chair of the Board of Trustees, United Way Toronto:
"Frances has long been clear that she planned on moving on to another phase in her life that would allow her more time to spend with her husband, family and friends in Restoule. In fact, Frances very generously extended her stay with United Way by several years until we were confidently executing on our strategic vision and our mission for the community.
"The good news is that Frances will be with us for a few more months as we implement our transition plan. Our Board will begin the search for a new president and CEO immediately. This process will take some time and Frances will continue to serve as our leader until our transition is complete.
"Of course, the time will come when we will have to say goodbye to one of our great community leaders, but I know all of you will join me in wishing Frances the greatest happiness as she goes forward.
"It is difficult to adequately express the impact Frances has had on United Way Toronto. Under her skilled leadership and vision for our neighbourhoods, we have undergone the most important transformation in our history – from a trusted and well respected fundraiser and support to community charities, to an organization that works to deepen community understanding our city's social problems and seeks lasting impact on their resolution.
"With Frances, we have grown in ways we never imagined. Our organization and our team are both stronger than at any time in our history.
"For over 50 years, United Way has been a fundamental part of the essential social fabric of our city. From a small charitable umbrella organization in 1956, we have become one of the largest and most effective United Ways in the world and one of our city's great institutions. We have learned a great deal in the decades between then and now. And we will be putting our new skills to work in the decades ahead as we continue to create opportunities for a better life for everyone."
STATEMENT from Frances Lankin, president and CEO, United Way Toronto:
"My dearest friends and colleagues,
"After much reflection these last several months, I have decided to provide our Board of Trustees with a year's notice of my departure as president and CEO.
"This was not an easy decision to make. United Way and all of you are very much a part of my life. However, my plan to leave has been in the works for some time.
"When I first joined United Way, my plan was to stay for about five years. Well, I have now been here for almost nine, so we know how far that plan got! As many of you know, my husband and I actually live in Restoule, a small community outside of North Bay. After spending most of my time, these last several years, away from home, I would like a chance to spend more time with my husband, family and friends while I consider the next stage of my own personal journey.
"I believe the time is right for me to take this step. Our organization has made such incredible strides in just a few short years, we've become more confident in our work, and we've never been more sure that we're making a lasting difference in our community.
"My actual departure is some time away, yet. We will be moving immediately to implement our transition plan and I have committed to being here while we enter this important next phase of United Way's evolution to community impact.
"But as we all move forward, I also look back on these past nine years with incredible gratitude for the opportunity I was given to work alongside such a professional, talented, and amazing group of caring staff and volunteers. I've also had the enormous fortune to work with some of our community's most gifted organizations and individuals.
"The dedication to community service, to creating opportunities for a better life for everyone, and the generosity to others demonstrated by the people of Toronto, all of this has left the deepest impression on me. I consider my own career to have been one of great fortune. But the chance to work here at United Way with all of you, our volunteers, and community agencies and partners has easily been the greatest privilege and the most rewarding experience of my life thus far.
"I look forward to these next months, working shoulder-to-shoulder with all of you as we work to fulfill our mission of making deep and lasting change in our community. I know in my heart this will be a year of incredible success for United Way Toronto, and the start of many more years of success ahead."
For information:
Caitlin Stidwill
United Way Toronto
416 777 1444 ex 396
cstidwill@uwgt.org
