Executive Director Kelly McClure Retirement
September 2, 2020
Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre (WNC) announced this morning that Kelly McClure, the Executive Director will be retiring on September 25th, 2020. Until a final decision is made, the Board has named Natasha Francis, currently, Acting Assistant Executive Director of WNC, as the Centre’s new Acting Executive Director beginning September 28th. Natasha started with WNC in 2002. Along with a wealth of experience in the field, Natasha has a BA in Sociology. In addition, Eneyda Guerra, formerly the Supervisor of Children’s Programs who has worked with WNC for a total of 17 years, has been named as the new Acting Assistant Executive Director beginning at the same time. Eneyda comes to the position with a B.A.in Psychology and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education. The Board has every confidence that the current team have the management skills to carry the agency forward to its 30th year and beyond.
The board is grateful for the many years Kelly has given to the Waterfront Neighbhourhood Centre. Kelly was first hired in September of 1991 as the Program Director. Since that time, she has been the Assistant Executive Director and finally as the Executive Director in January of 2020.
Linda Ballantyne, Past Chair and Founding Board Member was on the hiring committee when Kelly was first interviewed for the position. “Kelly was our number one choice. She has been an exceptional leader over the past 29 years and along with the management team navigated the agency during this extremely difficult Covid19 reality timeframe”.
“The Board wants to thank Kelly for her longtime commitment to the agency and the community. When Kelly first started in 1991 there was nothing but an empty lot where WNC currently stands. Three portables arrived later in the fall of that year and the Centre was born”, said Saida Said, who serves as WNC’s Board Co-Chair. “Kelly and now retired Executive Director Leona Rodall, fought tirelessly along with the Board of Management, community members and volunteers to get the then named Harbourfront Community Centre built as a permanent facility”.
“Kelly will be missed by many of those she worked with in the community and by the staff and board. The Board is thankful to Kelly for the hard work, compassion and thoughtfulness she has brought to the agency. We wish her the best in her well-deserved retirement”, said Amani Yagob, who also serves as WNC’s Board Co-Chair.
If you have any questions or concerns during this transition process, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Board Co-Chairs.