Laurie Dillon-Schalk named interim executive director of Kawartha Community Foundation as Eric Smeaton steps down

Kawartha Community Foundation has announced that Eric Smeaton is stepping down from his role as executive director. This comes as Smeaton recently announced his candidacy for Ward 7 in the upcoming municipal election.

“During his time with the foundation, Eric brought tremendous energy, opened new doors, strengthened relationships, and helped advance our work in the community. His knowledge of community priorities and his genuine commitment to improving the quality of life in our region have been a real asset to the foundation. We are grateful for his leadership and the momentum he has helped create,” Mark Knoester, board chair, said in a statement.

“My experience with the Kawartha Community Foundation and its projects, such as Vital Signs research, have given me new windows into the priorities facing our community. I look forward to remaining a friend of the foundation in its pursuit of improving the quality of life and sense of belonging for all in our city,” Smeaton said.

Effective immediately, Laurie Dillon-Schalk has returned as interim executive director as the foundation considers its next steps and undertakes a search for a new executive director. “Dillon-Schalk brings a deep passion for our community and the foundation, along with extensive knowledge of our work and relationships across the region,” Knoester said.

“I’m happy to rejoin in support of the foundation. I’ll always have a meaningful connection to the foundation, and I’m grateful to Eric for his energy, connection and efforts, which came at a time when I needed space for family. I look forward to filling Eric’s shoes, who filled my shoes,” Dillon-Schalk said.

Together with staff and board of directors, Dillon-Schalk will help ensure that the foundation remains focused on its priorities, continues to serve the community, and builds thoughtfully toward its next chapter.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Eric for his contribution to the Kawartha Community Foundation and wish him every success in this next chapter. We look forward to continuing to build strong relationships across our community and to the next chapter of the Kawartha Community Foundation,” Knoester said.