The Board of Directors of YWCA Brandon has announced the appointment of Lois Ruston as Executive Director.

Ruston will officially take leadership of the organization on April 11.

“Lois is a well-known and respected member in our community, having supported and provided leadership to many non-profit organizations over the past two decades” said Candice Waddell-Henowitch, Board President. “Her work in the area of social services has highlighted the importance of the YWCA, and she will play a pivotal role in delivering on our strategic plan and primary mission to grow our services for the betterment of all Westman communities.”

She has served on a number of Boards and committees throughout her career and is a 2014 recipient of the YWCA Women of Distinction Award.

With this appointment, the organization also intends to pursue a name change from YWCA Brandon to YWCA Westman, demonstrating its renewed commitment to foster connection, relationships and support to Westman communities. Furthermore, it reflects the organization’s full regional mandate of support, which is the largest YWCA mandate in Manitoba.

 

“I am honoured to have been selected to help lead this important organization,” said Lois Ruston. “The Board has emerged out of COVID whole, and has developed a solid, and ambitious, strategic plan to grow the programs and services of the YWCA. I am proud to be able to support the team in achieving our vision for all Westman communities.”