YELLOWKNIFE, December 11, 2024—United Way NWT is announcing a leadership transition within its Board of Directors. After 2 years of dedicated leadership as Chair, Paul Gillard is stepping down from the role while remaining as a board member for the next few months. Current Vice-Chair and long-serving board member Ben Linaker will succeed Paul as Chair of the Board.
Paul Gillard, a long-time Northerner with more than two decades in the region, has been pivotal in advancing United Way NWT’s capacity to serve communities across the North, especially during the organization’s response to the 2023 wildfires. In addition to this work, Paul has served on other not-for-profit boards, including those for Stanton, the Yellowknife Community Foundation, and the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of United Way NWT and to be part of an organization so deeply committed to helping Northern communities,” said Paul Gillard. “The challenges of the past few years have only reinforced how vital this work is, and I’m confident that Ben and the rest of the team will continue driving this mission forward.”
Taking over as Chair, Ben Linaker brings a decade of experience as a United Way NWT board member and has served as Vice-Chair since 2021. Professionally, Ben serves as a senior policy advisor with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Born and raised in Fort Smith, Ben resided in Yellowknife for over ten years, where he has been an advocate for philanthropy and building strong connections between communities in the NWT. Outside of work, he is an avid skier, cyclist, and team sport enthusiast, active in rugby, soccer, and the Yellowknife ski community.
“I’m honoured to step into the role of Chair and continue the incredible work that United Way NWT has led over the years,” said Ben Linaker. “The North is home to some of the most resilient and inspiring communities, and I’m excited to work with the board and our partners to keep strengthening our connections and supporting those who need it most.”
The board and team at United Way NWT extend their deepest gratitude to Paul Gillard for his years of outstanding service and look forward to an exciting new chapter under Ben Linaker’s leadership.
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