Co-execs at IWEN
Image: Contributed.
Kate Phelps (left) and Tamara McLellan (right)
A Kelowna-based not-for-profit has taken its expansion in a unique direction, hiring a pair of executive directors to head up the organization through a “shared, collaborative co-executive director leadership model.”
The Intercultural Women’s Education Network of Canada, an organization dedicated to supporting marginalized women and girls in Canada and Nepal, recently transitioned two of its current board members into the positions.
Former vice president Tamara McLellan and former director of programs Kate Phelps will share overall strategic management of IWEN, and many day-to-day operational responsibilities.
McLellan will focus mainly on fundraising and communications, while Phelps will be responsible for program development and policy execution.
“We’re still a volunteer board here, but we have decided we need to spread our wings a little bit and grow the charity,” says Kevin Edgecombe, IWEN’s president.
“Having both McLellan and Phelps in the role is like getting the best parts of two existing candidates in one. These two women bring a solid history of dynamic leadership and complementary skills and experience. We are excited to have two women who are completely devoted to creating opportunities for marginalized women and girls working together for a brighter future,” he added.
McLellan officially resigned as the director of marketing of FineLine Solutions to accept her new position. She brings ten years of work in the marketing and not-for-profit industries to the table, having traveled and volunteered in Africa, India, and Central America.
She has formerly held positions on various boards and steering committees, most recently co-founding the Global Empowerment Coalition of the Central Okanagan.
Phelps had been one of the longest-standing board members at IWEN. She has lived and worked in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, and pulls together a diverse, fifteen-year professional background in banking, management, and the international development sector.
In the past she has worked for the Royal Bank of Canada, the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Commission, as well as several research, empowerment, and advocacy groups.
The two women assumed their new roles in early May.
For more information about IWEN Canada visit the organization online.
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