Share Family and Community Services has hired from within to fill the job of chief of executive officer.
Effective Nov. 1, Claire MacLean — currently Share's director of programs and services — will take over the job vacated by Sylvia Ceacero, who left to take on a job with a seniors’ organization.
MacLean, who oversaw the delivery of service to hundreds of children and families, including refugee families and youngsters with special needs, said she is looking forward to the new opportunity to lead the Tri-Cities’ largest social service agency.
“For me, I’m fortunate Share has such a rich history in the Tri-Cities and strong partnerships with other community players,” she told The Tri-City News.
MacLean has been with Share since 2016 after spending two years as director of speech language pathology at the BC Centre of Ability. Originally from Calgary, she has a master’s of science in speech language pathology from UBC and has worked with children with special needs and their families in a number of programs, including with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services in Ontario.
Share’s board of directors also welcomes the new CEO. In a statement, board chair Debbie Pudek said MacLean will be a strong leader for the organization.
“Claire has already proven herself to be a strong, thoughtful and innovative leader within the organization,” Pudek stated in a press release.
MacLean told The Tri-City News that under her leadership, Share will continue with its efforts to support the increasingly complex needs of individuals and families in the community.
In the coming weeks, Share will appeal to the community for funding support, either through direct donations or through the upcoming holiday food bank drive.
Share is also working with Simon Fraser Society for Community Living on the establishment of a Tri-City Children’s Centre in a new development on land owned by St. Andrew’s United Church in Port Moody. An open house on the project is planned for the public at the PoMo church Oct. 18 at at 5 p.m.
