Toronto, ON (August 31, 2012) – As announced at the 2012 National Exposition last May, Amy Harder is retiring from ACE after more than thirteen years with the organization and Nicole Almond will assume the role of President effective immediately.
“Serving our cause has been the greatest of honours. To the students, academic professionals, industry leaders, donors, staff and directors, I thank you for inspiring me each and every day. You have changed my life and I look forward to continuing my involvement as an active volunteer,” states Amy. “I whole heartedly endorse the Board’s decision to appoint Nicole as my successor. Under her leadership, I know this organization will be taken to new and unprecedented levels of achievement – making an even greater difference in the lives of so many here in Canada and around the world.”
“On behalf of the Board of Directors and all stakeholders of the organization, I would like to thank Amy for the incredible contributions she has made to ACE since she started working for the organization in 1999,” states Ian Aitken, Chairman and Founder, ACE. “As President since 2006, she has worked tirelessly to deliver quality programs and drive the organization to new levels of success, having a tremendously positive impact on the organization and all those involved in our programs. We cannot thank her enough for all she has done and we wish her the very best in all that lies ahead!”
“The Board is very pleased that Nicole Almond has agreed to lead the organization as she has the skills, the passion and the experience that are required,” stated Mr. Aitken.
Nicole developed a passion for community development, creating and implementing educational outreach projects as a SIFE student at Wilfrid Laurier University. As part of this involvement, she earned the opportunity to represent Canada at the SIFE World Cup in Germany, Spain and Toronto, placing in the top 6 internationally in 2004. After completing an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Co-op) in 2006, Nicole joined the ACE National Office. She has served in a number of different capacities, progressively taking on senior leadership roles in fundraising and program development. She was appointed Vice President in 2010 and has been working closely with the President over the past two years setting the strategic direction of the organization and executing on a plan to achieve it.
“ACE has had a profound impact on the person I am today,” explains Nicole. “I am excited to work with our National Office team, our donors and the Board of Directors as we strive to improve the lives of Canadians through the positive power of business.”
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