Southwest Economic Alliance (SWEA) Announces Retirement of SWEA President Serge Lavoie
GODERICH, ON, Dec. 11, 2014 /CNW/ - John Grace, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Southwest Economic Alliance (SWEA), announces the retirement of Serge Lavoie from the position of SWEA President.
"Last month, Serge had indicated to us his intention to leave the position in 2015. The SWEA Board Executive Committee consulted with the rest of the Directors and they authorized us to put together a transition plan. Serge has agreed his effective retirement date will be 31 January 2015" said John Grace.
SWEA has engaged the County of Huron to provide interim management resources. Brenda Orchard, Huron County Chief Administration Officer, and her staff team will work closely with Serge Lavoie over the next seven weeks to provide for a smooth transfer of information and records.
"In the meantime, the SWEA Board and its Executive Committee will take the opportunity to take a fresh look at our business model and our value proposition for the municipalities and other enterprises of southwestern Ontario before proceeding with a detailed succession plan for the management structure" said John Grace.
Serge Lavoie joined SWEA as President in August 2009. He has worked with the SWEA Board and its members on a wide range of advocacy initiatives and development projects including the Southwest Development Fund, annual Assemblies, Intelligent Region 2017, sustainable food, regional transportation, cooperation agreements with several other regional organizations dedicated to economic development as well as a full re-structuring of SWEA's governance model.
"Serge has been a most diligent and dedicated manager of our organization, cooperative and flexible, often putting SWEA's financial interests ahead of his own," said John Grace.
Serge Lavoie comments, "My five and a half years with SWEA have been some of the best in my 35 year association management career. I have enjoyed working with people who view challenges as opportunities. SWEA is a great organization and I'll be following its future successes with real interest."
SOURCE: Southwest Economic Alliance (SWEA)
For further information: John Grace, Chair, SWEA Board of Directors, Home: 519.524.1173, Cell: 519.524.0779
Share this article