Ben Hazzard Elected President of Community Living Wallaceburg
Jay Smith
On October 8, 2020, Community Living Wallaceburg hosted their 64th Annual General Meeting (AGM) where members of the organization virtually discussed theAgency’s successes from April 2019 to March 2020.
During the AGM, the Members re-elected Lauren Freeburn, Amy Mikhaila and Ryan Allaer to the Board of Directors. Ed Freeburn was also elected to the Board, bringing the Board of Directors team to a total of eleven volunteers and the Executive Director (who is appointed as the Board Secretary).
Following the AGM, the Directors elected the Agency’s new President, Ben Hazzard. Ben will be replacing Kevin Cavanagh, who led as Community Living Wallaceburg’s President for three successful and busy years. Cavanagh felt that the timing was right to hand over the leadership to a fellow Director as the Agency embarks on a new and ambitious four year strategic plan.
A Director since 2015, President Hazzard is keen to step into the leadership role, following Cavanagh’s solid and effective direction over the last years.
“Building on the great work that Kevin has accomplished in leading Community Living Wallaceburg – which employs 250 people, delivers crucial supports and services to over 400 individuals and families throughout Chatham-Kent and Lambton-County and works with many community partners to build a more inclusive community – is an important responsibility that I’m pleased to accept,” stated Hazzard.
Deborah Hook, Executive Director of Community Living Wallaceburg, thanked Kevin in her report to the members.
“Kevin’s commitment to the Agency and his sound leadership have been key to the success of the work that we’ve done over the last years. I would like to thank him for great work he has done for the people we support, our employees and for supporting me in the work I have done”.
Looking to the future, Hook said that she is excited to work with the new President and Board to implement the new Strategic Plan. She also noted that although the Annual Appreciation evening was cancelled because of restrictions related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it is only a postponement.
“When this special evening does happen, it will be a wonderful opportunity to recognize the amazing work done by all employees during these very difficult times and underline the resiliency and creativity of the people we support.”
Community Living Wallaceburg was established in 1956 and has a rich history of community building activities. The agency provides a full range of accommodation, community and employment support to more than 400 individuals and their families throughout Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton.
