Thank You and Farewell Lynn McIntyre

It is with mixed emotions that I announce that Lynn McIntyre has decided it’s time to relinquish the helm as Executive Director of the PDCF. Over the past seven years, Lynn has given his heart and soul to the PDCF and the results speak for themselves. Under Lynn’s watch, the number of endowed funds increased from 24 to 57, the endowment fund grew from $990k to $5.6m, and the annual grants to local charities increased from $57k to $270k.

In 2015, Lynn played a leadership role in connecting key community players to form the Community Alliance for Refugee Resettlement (CARR). Lynn oversaw the completion of our first Vital Signs Report in 2017. During COVID 19, Lynn administered four new programs providing $264k in grants in Lanark County. Lynn also saw the implementation of new software to greatly improve financial tracking and accuracy, and improve our communications with donors and the community.

When asked about his years with the PDCF, Lynn commented,

“It has been honour to work for the Perth and District Community Foundation. It has been a very rewarding and personally satisfying experience. I feel so fortunate to have worked for a community foundation that supports so many charities in our caring community.”

Lynn plans to continue harvesting hops for the Perth Brewery’s annual Late Harvest Beer, a fund raiser for the PDCF, and to volunteer with the CARR. Depending on the season, you’ll find Lynn grooming trails and cross country skiing in Murphys Point Park, skating the lake at Portland, or sailing on Bobs Lake.

I am beyond grateful for Lynn’s exceptional contributions. I know you’ll join me in wishing Lynn the very best as he starts the next chapter in his life.

Pictured right: Lynn and his partner, Lynne Underhill, harvesting hops for Lynn’s annual Late Harvest Beer

Welcome Victoria Gibb-Carsley

I am excited to announce that Victoria Gibb-Carsley has taken the helm as our new Executive Director. Her professional experience with the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the Council of Canadians provides Victoria with the knowledge and skills that are a perfect fit for the PDCF. As an experienced leader with over 8 years of direct management experience in a board-led, progressive, not-for-profit setting, Victoria is well positioned to lead the PDCF into the future.

Victoria recently moved back to Perth after 35 years of study and work near and far. Her experience has helped nurture her passion for Perth and area. Her heart has never been far from this idyllic, vibrant, and connected community. She understands that our community’s specialness hasn’t just happened by chance. It has been realized through the thoughtful, committed collaboration of generations of citizens who hold a common vision of strengthening the quality of life for everyone in our community.

When asked about taking the helm, Victoria responded, “Basically, it is my dream job. I am going to be able to put my energy, effort, and experience towards helping make my hometown and the surrounding communities healthier, more equitable, and stronger for everyone. I can’t think of a better way for my career to culminate. I can hardly wait to get started!”

I know you’ll join me welcoming Victoria!

Right: Victoria sporting her new PDCF business card

And Lastly, Board Member Changes

I am pleased to inform you that Michael Couchman has joined the Board of Directors. Michael strongly believes that supporting the local community and fulfilling the philanthropic objectives of our benefactors would be both a personally rewarding and socially impactful use of his knowledge and skill set. Along with his PhD, Michael brings a wealth of experience to the Board of the PDCF.

I wish to express my heartfelt thank you to David Stewart for his years of service as a member of the Board of Directors. David helped guide us through seven years of growth, while carefully managing and growing the endowment fund through his role as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. He has been and will continue to be a strong champion of the PDCF.