A familiar face in the community will serve as the interim chief executive for the United Way of Chatham-Kent.
Maureen Geddes was announced for the role in a media release Friday afternoon.
She joined the organization’s board of directors in June of this year. She resigned as a director prior to a special meeting this past week, during which the board voted to appoint her as interim chief executive.
Geddes is the founder of the Cultural Coalition of Chatham-Kent, a former instructor at the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown Campus, and a diversity, equity, inclusion and justice coach and advisor through Geddes Global, a strategic consulting firm.
She holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Windsor, a bachelor of commerce, and belongs to several professional associations, including the Human Resources Professional Association.
Her community involvement includes volunteer roles with 7 Generations Indigenous Cultural Friendship Center, the CK Social Planning and Action Tables, Rotary International, Toastmasters RISE, Chatham Horticultural Society and Pay it Forward.
“The United Way in Chatham-Kent is an organization that’s very close to my heart,” Geddes said in the release. “I’m honored to continue the good work we do in the community and to gear up for a busy and exciting season.”
Chris Appleton, the board’s acting president, believes his skills will be an asset in the leadership position.
“Maureen’s integrity, knowledge of the United Way in Chatham-Kent and her robust scope of volunteer and committee work with nonprofits in our community make her the ideal person to steward the organization through this next chapter,” he said. “We’re so glad she’s on board.”
Earlier this month, previous CEO Barb Palace stepped down from the role.