BARRHEAD - Barrhead had the opportunity to thank Karen Pronisishen for the contributions she made not only to the organization she headed for four and a half years, but also to the overall community.
On June 26, dozens of friends, family, staff members and community members gathered at Barrhead Legion to say farewell to the retiring Barrhead and District Family Community Support Services (FCSS) executive director.
Pronisishen took over the position from Shelley Dewsnap in the spring of 2021 after she decided to scale back her role.
Previous to her joining FCSS, Pronisishen's experience was in municipal government, including serving as the CAO of the Town of Beaverlodge for a year and a half. Before assuming the role as the municipality's top employee, she served as the town's FCSS director.
Before joining Beaverlodge, she worked in Grande Prairie's crime prevention program, where she collaborated with the city's FCSS and other social agencies, contributing to the development of much of the city's social programming.
FCSS board chair Jean Loitz, who was unable to attend the function, stated via County of Barrhead Reeve Doug Drozd that Pronisishen's impact has been well beyond the walls of FCSS.
However, Loitz limited her comments to the impact on the organization.
"Your time as executive director of Family Community Support Services has really shaped our lives and our organization. During your time with us, you brought stability to our finances, built a strong and caring team, and created policies and procedures. As a result, we are in a much better position to take on the future, leaving us a strong foundation," she said. "But above all that, what we will remember most is your leadership, kindness and your hard work. You always lead with a steady hand and a positive spirit, keeping our mission of helping people front and centre."
Savannah Belyk, who assumed the role of executive director, said that undertaking this task was daunting, made even more challenging by Pronishen's accomplishments.
"Which have been nothing short of extraordinary," she said.
However, Beylk thanked Pronisishen for the impact she had on her life, noting the former FCSS director had taken her under her wing when she joined the organization as an intern.
"I owe you more than words can express," she said. "You saw potential in me when I didn't see it myself. You challenged and supported me, and never hesitated in offering me honest advice. Sometimes it was tough, but it was always very thoughtful."
Pronishen said she was honoured to have worked at FCSS, adding that when she first became executive director, she could never have imagined how much the people and the organization would come to mean to her.
She added that while she is humbled by the adulation and best wishes she has received since announcing her plans to step down from her role, it was the staff and volunteers who were the true heart of FCSS.
"Your dedication, creativity and genuine caring inspired me daily. You've taken every task, big and small, with grace and grit. I've watched with pride how you've supported each other while serving the community with open hearts."
She also thanked the FCSS board and the Barrhead municipalities, whose support was the foundation which allowed the not-for-profit society to continue its work.
"I know I leave FCSS in great hands. [FCSS'] work will continue because of Savannah and the efforts of the entire team, because I know the spirit of FCSS is alive in all of you," she said. "Thank you for allowing me to lead this remarkable organization. I will carry every one of you in my heart."
Before the event, the Barrhead Leader spoke with Pronishen about what she believes are some of her and the organization's best accomplishments during her tenure.
Pronishen said her most significant challenge and accomplishment was to modernize FCSS, encompassing policy, occupational health and safety, and technology.
"Bringing everything up to standard. Things were a little dated, the website, financials, everything," she said.
Pronishen added that another challenge was dealing with and finding ways to continue providing services during the pandemic, as well as the opening of a reception centre in the spring of 2023 for more than 1,300 Swan Hills residents who were forced to evacuate due to a wildfire.
As for her biggest takeaway, she said it was the generosity of Barrhead residents.
"Having worked in multiple areas, this is the most generous community that I have been part of. The support of the town and county councils has also been amazing, and coming from a municipal background, I know how important that relationship is."
