The executive director of Squamish Helping Hands Society has announced her retirement effective this spring.
In a news release, the society announced Maureen Mackell’s planned retirement after 13 years in the role and noted several of her accomplishments during that tenure.
“During her tenure, Maureen played a pivotal role in the transformation of the organization, taking it from its 15- bed mat program at the old firehouse behind Squamish Public Library to the now full-scale centralized health and housing organization it has become through the vision and construction of the Under One Roof facility,” reads the release.
Mackell and her team collaborated with numerous provincial and local partners to see the facility's construction come to fruition.
Since opening in 2020, the team has also been able to integrate health services at the facility, including primary care, pain management and harm reduction services staffed by local doctors and clinicians.
Before taking on the executive director role, Mackell worked at Howe Sound Women’s Centre and the Ministry of Children and Family Development. Mackell has spent over 30 years in the social services and social justice sector.
“The Board is sincerely grateful to Maureen for her visionary leadership over these last 13 years. We will miss her and wish her all the best in her retirement endeavours,” reads the release.
The board of directors for the society noted that it is now launching a search to fill Mackell’s shoes in the executive director role.
“We are seeking an experienced leader to guide the organization into its next chapter,” reads the release.
For her part, Mackell said in an emailed statement that she is sad to be leaving, but glad to take a well-earned extended holiday break in the short term.
“I am excited to invite and work with a new executive director when he/she/they are found,” Mackell wrote, adding she will be staying in Squamish and perhaps getting involved with another venture in the future.
“I see this as a great opportunity for our organization to celebrate a newcomer or someone from within who can lead and inspire us all with new eyes, energy, and wisdom …There is still so much work to be done together as we strengthen this amazing community where everyone matters and everyone counts.”
For more information about the Squamish Helping Hands Society, including the role, please visit SquamishHelpingHands.ca.
