Our Place Society has hired a new executive director for a one-year term, with possible extension.
Don Evans has taken a one-year leave from his job in Vancouver to fill the position. He is currently co-executive director of the First United Church of Vancouver.
Our Place is a mission of the United Church, but ties to the church are not a requirement of employment.
Shannon Renault, chair of the board, said Evans’ depth of experience in the field, stretching from front-line work in the Downtown Eastside to his executive role, made him the stand-out candidate.
“He also has a really strong background in financial management and fundraising development,” she said. “One of our goals as a board is to move into a stronger (fundraising position).”
Our Place has been without an executive director since Nov. 25, when Sandra Danco left the job after less than five months.
She relocated from Edmonton to accept the position in July, 2011, replacing long-term executive director, Rev. Al Tysick.
Renault explained the reason for hiring for only a one-year term as follows:
“We’re well aware, as most people are, that lots of people … that follow someone who has been in an organization for a long time are only interested in short term.”
