Today I get to share news about an amazing woman, who is both my mentor and leader, and who has just been appointed the new executive director of KCR Community Resources. As you know, I love the organization I get the privilege to work with and feel very grateful for the strong and value-based leadership from our past ED Ellen Boelcke and the volunteer Board of Directors. Change is hard but I am excited for the future and what it means for our team and to the community. Below are some thoughts from both Katelin and David on this change and what makes Katelin the perfect choice for moving our organization forward.

鈥淚 am excited to share the news that Katelin Mitchell is the new Executive Director of KCR Community Resources starting today,鈥� states David in our official news release stating that Katelin is the new executive director effective October 1, 2024. 鈥淜atelin's unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and deep personal commitment to our values make her the ideal person to guide us into the future. Her extensive experience and passion for our mission have consistently demonstrated her ability to foster growth and innovation within our organization.鈥�

Katelin Mitchell has been a critical part of KCR鈥檚 growth over the past 11 years, first as the Manager of Immigrant Services, then the Director of Operations and finally Director of Services, where she oversaw the programs and staff of KCR鈥檚 four departments: Immigrant Services, Employment Services, Family & Adoption Services and Community Services. Prior to joining KCR, Katelin was an Employment Counsellor and Team Lead at the Central Okanagan Immigrant Employment Services for seven years. With a degree in Psychology and as a Certified Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), Katelin has a strong people-focused lens with a specific interest in Organizational Development.

鈥淓arly in my career, I really felt that there was a better way to lead, which helped me to focus on Human Resources and Organizational Development,鈥� explains Katelin. 鈥淚 love working with KCR because we get to help people to meet their basic needs so that they are strong and empowered to achieve their best lives.

鈥淚 feel very grateful to lead a team of passionate and qualified people in this work,鈥� continues Katelin. 鈥淭hrough the years I have seen the impact of KCR鈥檚 work: saving lives through programs like the Crisis Line; people overcoming obstacles to reach their identified successes and providing connections, housing, food and employment. We help people through temporary hard times that we can all experience and support them where they are at.鈥�

鈥淎s we embark on this new chapter, I am confident that under Katelin's leadership, KCR will continue to thrive and make an even greater impact in our community,鈥� adds Brown.  鈥淲e are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and grateful for the continued support of our incredible team, partners, and stakeholders. Together, we are fostering a community where everyone is empowered to lead enriching and impactful lives.鈥�

鈥淲orking at KCR I feel like I have hit the jackpot,鈥� laughs Mitchell. 鈥淚n all seriousness though, KCR really hits my values. I am incredibly proud to work here and show my daughters that we can make a difference. I believe in breaking down systems. As a mother I can look after my family, but I also have a role as a community member and through my work, I can start a ripple effect that makes change immediately, as well as for future generations.鈥�

 To learn more about KCR and Katelin, visit us at .

Dorothee Birker is the communications & development manager for KCR Community Resources.