It’s hard to believe three years have gone by since I accepted the role of Executive Director. Those years have been full of changes for BCAHA, from changing faces around the Board table, to a brand new visual identity program and website, to a new, more streamlined format for the provincial conference in even-numbered years. All of this progress, together with the legacy of my mother’s 30 years as an Auxilian in Ontario, cemented my respect and affection for BCAHA and for each Auxilian I was fortunate to meet, and it is with mixed emotions that I prepare to hand over this great opportunity to incoming Executive Director Judith McBride at the end of June, 2016. I believe the only solution for the feeling of loss I am bound to experience, is to join my local Auxiliary . . . after completing a journey my husband and I have been promising ourselves for several years.
Lynda Avis, BCAHA president, presents Helen with a gift of thanks and appreciation.
The Board’s recruitment of a new ED included widespread communication of the opportunity, resulting in a solid field of candidates. Although she does not officially assume the role until mid-June, the Board confirmed Judith McBride as the successful candidate early in the year so she could attend the provincial conference, to gain a better sense of BCAHA by meeting members from across BC, as well as the BCAHA Board. Judith’s many years of association management experience, together with her warm, friendly, yet professional approach, give me complete confidence that I leave BCAHA in very competent hands.
I have valued the opportunity to work with and support our President Lynda Avis and other members of the BCAHA Executive and Board, and in particular, to respond to Auxiliary leaders from across the province. I wish all of you the very best in the years to come.
Helen Carkner
Executive Director, BCAHA
