Fort St. John Friendship Society appoints new executive director

The Fort St. John Friendship Society has appointed Jolene van Wieringen as its new executive director, replacing Todd Morrow, and she will begin on Monday, January 19.

The Fort St. John Friendship Society has announced a change in leadership at its Friendship Centre. Jolene van Wieringen will take over the executive director role from Todd Morrow. Her start date is Monday, January 19. Wieringen has a background in social work and has held roles with regional Indigenous and community organisations. Key details: - Jolene van Wieringen was named executive director and is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 19. - Todd Morrow has stepped away from the executive director position. - Van Wieringen holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Northern British Columbia and has a background in social work. - Her recent roles include work with Métis Nation British Columbia as a suicide prevention workshop facilitator, a position with School District 60 as an Indigenous social, emotional learning specialist, and service as a community social worker in Doig River First Nation. - In a LinkedIn post she described the centre as an important place of connection, culture and support and said she was honoured to take part in its future development. Summary: The appointment places a social-work–trained leader at an Indigenous-led community centre that provides programs to promote healthy lifestyles and relationships. Van Wieringen will begin the role on January 19 and has expressed a commitment to working with the board, staff, Elders and community as programs and relationships continue to be developed.