Financial challenges at the Trail Skills Centre will mean a change at the top of the organization.
In a news release Wednesday, the Skills Centre said over the last several months it has faced “reduced or eliminated federal and provincial funding” for workforce development programming, similar to many other non-profit service agencies across BC.
As a result, executive director Morag Carter will leave at the end of March, after more than eight years in the role.
“Morag has done so much for the Skills Centre and the communities we serve,” board chair Rhys Andrews said in the release.
“She has been a catalyst for major changes with the Skills Centre, including diversifying its programs, services and partnerships in the Greater Trail community. She has changed downtown Trail as the driving force behind the purchase and extensive eco-renovation of the Skills Centre’s new building that will provide opportunities for the community for many years to come.”
Carter will be replaced on April 1 by Emily Gora, who has worked for the Skills Centre for 13 years, most recently as deputy executive director and development manager. She will continue providing leadership in management, fund-raising and program development for the organization, the release said.
“This is a time for creativity, innovation and collaboration,” Gora said. “We are moving forward in a way that is beneficial to the community. We’ll be strengthening partnerships with employers, community members, and other nonprofits to develop and deliver programming.”
The Skills Centre offers workforce skills development, training services, social development and poverty reduction programming.
“We are working very hard to ensure a sustainable future for the Skills Centre and its important contributions to the people and communities it serves,” Andrews said. “Our board members are 100 per cent supportive of whatever changes we have to make.”
In an interview, Andrews added they hope to avoid any service cuts, but further staffing changes may happen as they try to improve their financial position. He said they will seek other funding sources.
