Search for new WIS boss draws criticism

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This article was published 25/04/2018 (2887 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As Westman Immigrant Services searches for a new executive director, some former employees and volunteers are questioning if the organization has cast a wide enough net for potential candidates.

The job was posted on April 17, with a deadline of April 27. It appears the posting is limited to a relatively local audience: in The Brandon Sun classifieds, on ebrandon.ca, the WIS website and on mansomanitoba.ca (Manitoba Association of Newcomer Serving Organizations).

This has sparked some concerns that the organization isn’t doing a more thorough search to find a suitable executive director.

“I think that there needs to be a fresh perspective in the organization,” said Myrna Jahn, a former WIS employee.

“Somebody that has a lot of not-for-profit background, understands the kind of funding that’s in place and also has experience working with immigrants and refugees.”

An independent investigation was recently conducted at WIS, which was sparked by allegations of harassment, bullying and intimidation. The current executive director, Richard Bruce, was at the centre of the allegations. Weeks after the investigation was completed, Bruce announced his retirement. His last day is May 31.

All allegations against Bruce have not been proven.

Despite repeated requests by telephone and email this week and over the past few months, WIS board chair Jim Brannan has not responded to questions from The Brandon Sun.

The newspaper is seeking comment from the board to provide further clarity on the independent investigation and its subsequent recommendations; to comment on Bruce’s retirement; discuss the hiring process for a new executive director; and how the board is feeling about the future of the organization.

Brannan has been identified as the board’s sole spokesperson and media liaison. However, he has not responded to interview requests.

The only official correspondence from the board has been through faxed press releases on Feb. 16, March 1 and March 23.

The Brandon Sun also requested an interview with a member of the new human resources committee, which the board established in February amidst the controversy. A request made by phone and email to executive assistant Darlene Kretai on Tuesday was also not responded to by press time.

Allegations of a toxic work environment were first made public on Feb. 10. Jahn was one of six former WIS employees who submitted impact statements to the board in January. Chris Macdonald, a WIS volunteer, also submitted a statement. The group reached out to The Sun when they didn’t hear back from the board. Statements included claims of a disrespectful, unprofessional and intimidating workplace. According to figures provided by the former financial officer, 17 full-time staff members have left the organization since June 2016, either through resignation or termination.

“I think they need to be very careful on (hiring) an empathetic and supportive executive director,” Macdonald said. “I think that it would be wise to canvass more widely than in Brandon.”

Another former employee, Wendy Petersen, shares similar views.

“They need to bring in somebody who is a strong manager and is going to help that organization heal,” she said.

“Going internal in a case like this … I don’t think it’s the best thing that they could do. Sure, the person knows the organization but they’re also carrying with them all the baggage and carnage that went on.”

Caroline Slimmon, one of the six former employees, said she is concerned that an internal candidate may have already been earmarked for the position, and is wondering if the current executive director is involved in the hiring process.

“The board should have widely advertised the position and given more time in order to bring in the best of the best,” Slimmon said. “Once again, they are hurrying this through in a rather underhand way to ensure the outcome.”

The job posting states WIS is seeking “a dynamic person to lead the organization into the future.” The executive director will report to the board of directors, and will be a “highly visible leader who actively engages key stakeholders, policy makers, employers and the public to shape public opinion, policy and practices towards a just and inclusive society.”

The ideal candidate is “a strategic and innovative leader … a highly effective communicator and relationship builder. Knowledge, empathy and passion for the immigrant and refugee experience will be seen as key.”

WIS is a government-funded, not-for-profit organization. The primary funder is the federal Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada department. The organization provides settlement, employment and language programs to newcomers in the area. Services include interpreter programs, community orientation, youth programs and English classes.

The Brandon Sun reached out to IRCC for an interview, which was declined by a spokesperson who requested a list of questions. Answers from the federal department were not returned by press time.

» jaustin@brandonsun.com

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