Helen Connell Starts Role of Interim Acting CEO
Helen Connell Starts Role of Interim Acting CEO
Erin Naylor
Board Chair
Dear partners, supporters, and friends,
Following our recent announcement of President & CEO Martha Powell’s upcoming retirement, the Board would like to share more news about the succession planning with you. The CEO’s role is of critical importance to the success of the organization, and as such, the Foundation will do all it can to ensure the right person is found.
Replacing a CEO is always a challenge for an organization, but when It’s someone as accomplished as Martha Powell, who has achieved so much in her time with LCF, the task is even greater. For that reason, I’m pleased to say that Helen Connell has started in the role of Interim Acting CEO.
Helen has previously worked as Western’s Associate Vice-President, Communications & Public Affairs, United Way Executive Director, and London Free Press Editor and columnist. Helen has a strong knowledge of the charity sector in London, the key issues facing the region, and the stakeholders working together for the good of the community.
Helen Connell
Interim Acting CEO
She has served 6 years on the LCF Board, during which time, she acted as the Board’s Vice-Chair, Grants Committee Chair; Donor Relations Chair, and the Covid Relief Fund Chair. Helen’s knowledge of the Foundation and familiarity with its processes will go a long way to maintaining the strength of the organization and ensuring a smooth transition period for when Martha’s permanent successor is found.
The Board has established the search process for the new CEO. As a result of the success achieved by Martha and her team, we anticipate the CEO position will attract some outstanding candidates. The Board is committed to finding the very best person. Helen won’t be a candidate, but she has agreed to stay on as long as we need to complete the search successfully.
Martha will be supporting Helen during the transition until June.
On behalf of the Board and the Foundation, I would like to extend my thanks to Helen for agreeing to take up this role and wish her every success.
Erin Naylor
Chair of the Board of Directors
London Community Foundation
For questions relating to this transition, please contact info@lcf.on.ca