Chilliwack Community Services has a new executive director, a “jeans-wearing kind of guy” who is “passionate about non-profit work,” says Alex McAulay, CCS board president.
“After an extensive search and review of over 100 candidates, the board of directors ... is delighted to announce that James Challman will arrive Aug. 15 from Alberta to lead the society in the role of executive director,” McAulay said in a statement.
“We are fortunate to have found someone with so much experience and someone who shares our values and fits our organization so well,” he said.
Challman is replacing Dale Cuthbertson, who announced his retirement in March after 12 years as executive director.
McAulay said Challman started his career in a “frontline” position at the Skills Society in Edmonton, Alberta, working with adults with disabilities.
After several years on the frontline, Challman then moved into a program manager position, and then moved again into an executive director role with the Blue Heron Support Services, providing support to individuals with a variety of disabilities.
During his tenure there, the organization grew to a staff of over 150 with a $5-million budget,” McAulay said.
Challman has a Bachelor of Science degree with a specialization in psychology from the University of Alberta, and is expecting to complete his Master of Arts in leadership from Royal Roads University this fall.
“He brings a lot of experience and proven leadership in the areas of contract negotiation, strategic planning, and accreditation standards development,” McAulay said.
“He’s a jeans-wearing kind of guy, and will be active finding out what’s happening in the agency and the community,” McAulay added. “His family life and community life are important to him, and he is anxious to start getting involved.”
“The board is confident James will be an excellent fit for Chilliwack Community Services, and for the Chilliwack community,” he said.
Suzanne Cameron, who has been serving as interim executive director, will resume her role as operations director when Challman arrives.
Chilliwack Community Services is an independent local charity with a staff of 90 employees, and 240 volunteers who work out of several locations in Chilliwack and Sardis.
The organization provides a wide variety of support services that help people create positive changes in their lives, including Family Place, Central Gateway and Preschool, Child Care Resource & Referral, Immigrant Settlement Services, Family Support Services, Victim Assistance, Youth Services, Meals On Wheels, Community Drivers and Volunteer Chilliwack.