Kathy Stinson, chief executive of the Victoria Cool Aid Society for 18 years, has announced she will be retiring in May.
Stinson has been the driving force behind one of the region’s largest housing and support organizations for those experiencing poverty and homelessness.
During her time, Cool Aid has more than doubled its employee base to 380 in 21 housing, shelter, health and support service locations in Victoria, Saanich and Langford. Cool Aid supports more than 12,000 people annually.
“Working with Victoria Cool Aid Society and an amazing network of organizations and colleagues in the capital region — all dedicated to providing life-changing options for people experiencing poverty, homelessness and other challenges — has been the privilege of my career,” Stinson said in a statement.
“Supporting our dedicated and compassionate Cool Aid team and growing our health and housing programs to meet the needs of the people we serve has been incredibly rewarding.”
A national search for Stinson’s replacement is underway.
“We recognize the challenge ahead of us in finding someone who can follow in Kathy’s very inspiring footsteps,” said Cool Aid board chair Janet Donald. “Kathy has played a hugely important role not just in the growth and success of Cool Aid but as a contributor to the not-for-profit sector as a whole.”
A certified professional accountant by trade, Stinson has worked in the not-for-profit and public sectors for 34 years.
