The new CEO and president of the United Way of Calgary and Area will bring with her more than a quarter century of experience working with the city’s communities and empowering them to be their own leaders.
Karen Young will take on the role at the beginning of 2017, replacing Lucy Miller, who announced her retirement Tuesday at the United Way’s annual general meeting and kickoff for The Social Equation campaign.
“Lucy has been a huge mentor and we’ve worked really closely together as partners. She’s probably one of the best CEOs I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with, and I feel like I’ll be able to carry the vision of building a great city for all through the work we’ll do over the next eight months and onward,” said Young, who has been with the United Way since June 2013.
Young worked at the City of Calgary for more than 26 years with a focus on recreation — one of the last projects she was involved with was building four new recreation centres in Calgary. During the 2013 flood, she oversaw all emergency social services in her role as director of community and neighbourhood services.
“(As CEO) I’m really looking forward to moving that collaborative work in poverty, helping kids succeed and building strong communities,” she said.
Miller, who has led the organization since 2012, said it was the right time to step down, with a strong team of staff and volunteers in place and the launch of the charity’s Social Equation campaign, which offers a formula for all citizens in building a “strong, successful and sustainable Calgary.”
The campaign outlines 10 facts and 10 actions people can take, including helping those in need by organizing a collection drive for clothing and hygiene items, and mentoring children to encourage them to make positive decisions.
United Way Calgary President and CEO Dr. Lucy Miller speaks about the organization’s “social equation” initiative at United Way’s annual general meeting on Tuesday, April 26, 2016. Miller’s retirement at the end of this year was also announced.
Miller said she was originally planning to retire in August, but wants to stay on for one more campaign given the need in the city in the wake of the economic downturn. She added many past campaign contributors are requiring the agency’s services this year.
Miller knows first-hand what it’s like to struggle financially, growing up one of eight children in extreme poverty with an alcoholic father. She said she was the first in her family to graduate from high school and further her education, and that helped break the cycle of poverty for her.
“I realized if you’re in school, if you can stay in school and get work, then you’re independent and you can help others. You put yourself in a position where you can make a difference,” she added.
With retirement only months away, Miller said she plans on writing two books she has been working on for 10 years, spending time with family in Nova Scotia, helping out her mother-in-law and playing more golf.
“I can walk away knowing Karen is succeeding me at United Way because I am so confident in her,” she said. “I feel it’ll be a seamless transition.”
