The new chief executive officer of the Red Deer and District Community Foundation brings more than 20 years of experience of working in non-profits to the job.
Michelle Sluchinski, who starts with the foundation on Saturday, was selected out of a pool of highly qualified applicants from across the country. The Saskatoon native is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan and has worked in fund development with The Kidney Foundation of Canada, and planned giving with the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.
After moving to Alberta six years ago, Sluchinski led Habitat for Humanity Red Deer to build four houses in less than three years. She also increased the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s revenue and community exposure while working as the group’s area manager.
“I am excited to meet the many donors who have made it possible for the Red Deer and District Community Foundation to offer support to charitable organizations and build (the) capacity of our terrific Central Alberta area,” said Sluchinski.
Board chair Jean Graham said the board is “delighted” with the experience and energy Sluchinski will bring to the position. “We are confident she will have the skills to continue the growth and impact our community foundation has had on Red Deer and Central Alberta.”
The foundation was established in 1989 with an initial donation of $1 million. Its assets have since grown to $10 million and it has granted more than $7 million to the community in support of the charities for the arts, environment, health care, social services and youth programs.