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Kim Payne steps down at Huron United Way
In many ways Kimberley Payne’s name has become synonymous with the Huron United Way By Marc Hulet
Friday March 28, 2008 In many ways Kimberley Payne’s name has become synonymous with the Huron United Way.
Payne has been the executive director of the United Way in Huron County on two separate occasions: from 1997 to 2000 and from 2004 to 2008.
However, she will be walking out the door of the Huron United Way on April 4 headed for a new challenge.
Payne has accepted an offer from the Stratford Chefs School to become the new executive director.
Randy Stanlake, chair of Huron United Way, said she will be missed.
“She will be deeply missed locally but also regionally, provincially and nationally within our movement,” he said. “Although Kimberley will be missed, we wish her well in her new career.”
In addition to running annual fundraising campaigns, Stanlake said, her most notable contribution to the community has been her championship of Community Matters, and her passion for collaboration in making Huron County a better place to live.
Payne said it was a difficult decision to leave Huron United Way. But the time was right.
“I’ll always be a champion for the United Way... but this was an opportunity to grow,” she said.
“It’s been a wonderful, wonderful job. It’s more than a job; it’s a calling - like a minister or a doctor.”
She also stressed that she is not leaving Huron County right now. Payne will continue to commute to Stratford while still being involved in a multitude of Huron County initiatives.
As for the person that fills her shoes, Payne said the person will require a strong vision for the future and the ability to interact with people.
“You have to be able to build trust... and you have to be able to walk the talk,” she said.
The No. 1 thing Payne is going to miss most about her position at the United Way is working with the people of Huron County.
“I have built some tremendous relationships... I know so much more about this community than I did a week ago. I learn new things every day.
“There is such a passion in this community.”
The biggest challenge during her time at the United Way was fundraising, Payne said.
“The environment we have to raise money in is difficult,” she added. “There are so many causes now. You have to go so much further and work so much harder.
“Sometimes you’re in competition with some other very deserving causes.”
As for her new position, Payne said, as an amateur cook, she is excited.
“It’s a passion of mine,” she said.
“It’s a school. It helps people realize their dreams and it’s very exciting for me. It’s the premiere chef school in Canada and it was an honour to be offered the job.”
She expects the job to have an element of fun and entertainment - something she’s looking forward to.
The Huron United Way’s board of directors is developing a strategy to replace Payne, Stanlake said, and will be sharing that information with the community in the next few weeks.
“It is paramount that we choose the right person for the position and we will take the necessary time to ensure that result,” he said.
Scott Tousaw, of the Huron County Planning Department, has worked closely with Payne and said she will be missed in the county.
“Kim has a lot of creative energy and collaborative spirit,” he said, adding that she was a driving force behind the county’s Community Matters initiative. |
