Ben Hazzard has been elected as the new president of Community Living Wallaceburg.
On October 8, 2020, Community Living Wallaceburg hosted their 64th annual general meeting (AGM) where members of the organization virtually discussed the agency’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 11 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.
Hazzard will be replacing Kevin Cavanagh, who led as Community Living Wallaceburg’s president for three years.
Community Living Wallaceburg officials say 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, Hazzard is keen to step into the leadership role, following Cavanagh’s solid and effective direction over the last years, Community Living Wallaceburg officials added.
“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,” Hazzard said in a press release.
It is an honour to work together with fellow directors, and staff to empower people to meet their goals and dreams. @CLWallaceburg https://t.co/fPRoFRWCpG
— Ben Hazzard (@benhazzard) October 8, 2020
Deborah Hook, executive director of Community Living Wallaceburg, thanked Cavanagh 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,” Hook said in a media release.
“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 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 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,” Hook said.
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.
