After over three decades at the helm, the CEO of the United Way of Chatham-Kent is retiring.
This August, Karen Kirkwood-Whyte will be leaving the position she’s held for 35 years.
Under her direction, various initiatives were spearheaded at the United Way including Operation Cover-Up, Operation BackPacks, The Chatham-Kent Children’s Safety Village, and a number of other programs.
During her time with the organization, the United Way raised and invested over $53 million in agencies, programs, and services in the community.
A Transition Committee has been established to find Kirkwood-Whyte’s replacement and ensure the organization’s strategic plan remains on track.
Kirkwood-Whyte says she has a retirement “bucket list” that includes more ways to carry on the United Way’s message of hope, strength, joy, and belonging to those who need it most.