Community Futures North Okanagan announced today that Norm Metcalf will retire as General Manager and Executive Director after six years in the role and nearly 17 years with the Vernon-based organization that helps entrepreneurs, employers and job-seekers succeed.

“I feel fortunate to have had the privilege of working with so many amazing people over the years,” says Metcalf, who, throughout his time, worked in all three of Community Futures’ service areas: Business Services, Employment Services and Community Development. For the last 15 years, he’s worked in various management roles; in 2011 he took on the role of General Manager/Executive Director.

“There’s such a great sense of pride, purpose and teamwork within Community Futures. We have a lot of people doing great things, and our work is making this community a better place to live. I’m very grateful to have been a part of it.”

“There’s such a great sense of pride, purpose and teamwork within Community Futures. We have a lot of people doing great things, and our work is making this community a better place to live. I’m very grateful to have been a part of it,” says Metcalf, who looks forward to spending more time with his family.

“Norm’s leadership, knowledge and dedication are so appreciated. He has been an integral part of the growth of Community Futures North Okanagan,” says Michele Hill, chairperson of the Community Futures North Okanagan Board of Directors. “We wish Norm well in his future endeavours, and he will be dearly missed as a colleague, mentor and friend.”

The board is also announcing that as Metcalf retires, Leigha Horsfield, Business Services Manager, will assume the role of General Manager/Executive Director.

“The spirit of sharing, working together, continuous improvement, and building foundations in business and in our community is what Community Futures is all about, and Leigha exemplifies these values,” says Hill. “Her hard work and dedication to our organization is simply incredible. We look forward to having Leigha as the General Manager, and we feel confident the North Okanagan is in good hands.”

Horsfield has been with Community Futures for more than 15 years and has extensive experience in all of CF’s areas of service.

Hill says Horsfield’s experience working with Metcalf and the management team, along with her knowledge and understanding of the organization, will provide stability and allow for a smooth transition of leadership, set to begin on April 1, 2017.

“I’m so honoured to be given the opportunity to help lead such an amazing team, and to carry on the vision and values of Community Futures in the North Okanagan,” says Horsfield.