Siloam Mission CEO stepping down

The CEO of Siloam Mission is stepping down as the agency implements a six-month organizational support plan.

On Monday, the organization announced Sonia Prevost-Derbecker will be stepping down after taking on the role of CEO earlier this year.

It notes Prevost-Derbecker will facilitate a knowledge transfer to the incoming executive support team in the coming weeks.

“Leading Siloam Mission has been deeply meaningful to me, even though it has been at an incredibly challenging time,” Prevost-Derbecker said in a news release.

“I am proud of the work we have accomplished together and am grateful to the staff, volunteers, donors, and community members who continue showing up every day to support the lifesaving work that this community deserves.

Prevost-Derbecker’s resignation comes as Silom Mission undergoes a temporary organizational support plan that includes enhanced financial oversight, leadership transition, and governance and fundraising reviews. The plan also includes bringing in a temporary executive support team with knowledge in organizational transition, governance, operations and charitable review development.

Siloam Mission explained the support plan is in response to financial pressures, increased community need and operational challenges.

“Like many charities across Canada, we are navigating rising costs, declining donations, increasing service demand, and an extremely challenging fundraising environment,” said board chair Tracey Silagy.

“The Board has made the decision to move forward with focused organizational support efforts to ensure Siloam remains strong, sustainable, and able to serve the community for years to come.”

CTV News previously reported that Siloam Mission was laying off 16 workers amid a reduction of donations and increase in demand for services.

The organization will also be reducing drop-in hours beginning July 1.