A major leadership transition is underway at St. Joseph’s Food Bank in Mission, B.C., as long-time manager Sandra Cascaden prepares to step down into semi-retirement this June.
Cascaden, who dedicated six years of service to the organization, described her time there as “life-changing” and praised the unique, family-like camaraderie shared among the volunteers. To accommodate the heavy workload—which previously saw Cascaden working 15-to-16-hour days—the food bank’s board of directors made the strategic decision to split her former management role into two distinct positions.
Moving forward, the food bank will be led by a new duo:
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Karen McDiarmid steps in as the new Executive Director. McDiarmid brings extensive local experience in regional food security and project management, having previously managed the Mission City Farmers Market and worked with the Mission Food Coalition. Her role will place a heavy focus on community engagement.
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Suzanne Rouleau has been appointed as the Operations Manager. Rouleau, who brings a background in data management and operational leadership, has a deeply personal connection to the charity, having first engaged with St. Joseph’s as a client before transitioning into a volunteer. She will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the building.
The leadership change arrives at a pivotal moment. Facilitated by funding from Food Banks Canada, St. Joseph’s is rolling out a newly developed “Standards of Excellence” program. Spearheaded by board member Stephen Evans, this certification process aims to elevate the organization’s administration, HR, and food safety protocols to a higher tier.
Despite these positive structural evolutions, the food bank continues to navigate pressing logistical hurdles. Evans noted that escalating fuel costs for food transit, coupled with a routine seasonal dip in both financial and food donations between January and June, remain primary challenges for the charity. As Mission’s sole registered food bank, the facility plays a critical role in supporting not only local residents but also other non-profits throughout the wider Fraser Valley region.
To read the full interviews and learn more about the transition, check out the original report on the Mission City Record.