SIDNEY — Beacon Community Services’ Board of Directors announced the appointment of Robert (Bob) Boulter as Chief Executive Officer this week.
Previously the local charity’s Vice President of Finance, Boulter had served in the CEO position on an acting basis since former CEO Isobel Mackenzie was appointed B.C.’s first seniors advocate in March.
“We conducted a comprehensive and thorough evaluation process and it was obvious that Bob’s skill set and knowledge will serve Beacon well,” said Board Chair Keith Rolfe.
“He has a clear vision of Beacon’s role in helping people and improving lives in our community. And he has the financial acumen and administrative experience needed to deliver on that vision.”
A chartered accountant who holds a degree in business administration from the University of Regina, Boulter has held senior finance positions with several large natural resource companies as well as Victoria’s Carmanah Technologies.
As Beacon Community Services’ Vice President of Finance since January 2010, he oversaw the modernization of technology to aid in the charity’s service delivery.
He was also instrumental in successful contract bids for Beacon to deliver a variety of community assistance, including in the fields of employment services and home support.
“Beacon has a really solid foundation and a history of strong service to the community,” Boulter said.
“I want to build on that with our volunteers, staff and community partners – to make sure we dedicate our resources to helping people where and when they need, as effectively and compassionately as possible.”
Established on the Saanich Peninsula in 1974, Beacon Community Services has evolved to become one of B.C.’s largest not-for-profit social services organizations.
More than 1,200 staff and over 500 volunteers operate seven thrift shops and serve more than 6,000 clients across the Capital Regional District, including through programs and services in Child, Youth and Family Services, Counselling and Mental Health Services, Employment and Training Programs, Housing, Adult/Senior’s Recreation Services, Volunteer Services and Home Support Care.
— Submitted by
Beacon Community
Services
Mackenzie traveling province in new role
Isobel Mackenzie, named B.C.’s first seniors advocate in March after serving as Beacon Community Services’ CEO, has been busy traveling the province connecting with seniors in their communities.
As the B.C. Seniors Advocate, Mackenzie said it’s her job to listen to people, their families, caregivers and more about the issues facing seniors.
“This office is not a single-issue panel but a permanent position and we’ll have to develop a plan on how to tackle the issues one at a time,” she explained.
“[We are taking] the summer to assess the impacts of what we’ve heard and what issue we are going to tackle first.”
The advocate is tasked with preparing reports to government and the public about immediate or long-term concerns facing seniors in the province. While her recommendations are not binding, they are made public and can have an impact on provincial policy.
Mackenzie said people have been grateful that her office has been created and noted it’s a long-term commitment to help address issues in the province.
“People are expecting I will be able to give voice to their concerns, making them public and reaching the government as well.”
— News staff
