Welcome to Melissa – Director of People and Culture

From: Sujata Connors, CEO

To: The Menno Place Team

Re: Director People and Culture

As you are aware we have been recruiting a Director of HR since January.  Recruiting the right fit to support our organization is incredibly important.  We need the right person with the right experience and skill set, yet who also cares deeply about the team and culture they are supporting.

Our recruitment journey has led us to reflect on the role title.  The role this individual will hold at Menno Place is about more than managing human resources and staffing.  It is about supporting effectiveness, innovation, engagement, and resiliency.  It is about implementing leading edge strategies, initiatives, and programs to support people and cultural transformation.  We have a people focused organization.  It is evident in every interaction I have had with folks at Menno Place from those directly caring for residents to the support services to the Board of Directors. For this reason, we are renaming the role to Director of People and Culture.

I am delighted to announce that Melissa Francis with be joining Menno Place executive team as the newly titled Director of People and Culture on June 5^th.  We feel that we have found in Melissa the experience, skills, and heart to fulfill this essential role.

Melissa is a faith-based leader who brings over 12 years of experience in human resources, talent management, and organizational development. She was born and raised in the southern part of the United States and moved to Canada 10 years ago to re-connect with family. Growing up in a small town she learned at a young age about the value of family and community.

Melissa has a Master of Business Administration, Human Resources, a Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology, and an Associates of International Business. Throughout her career, she’s had the privilege of working with diverse teams and leading transformative initiatives in various industries, including non-profits, government sectors & residential tenancy.

Melissa sent the following message to be shared with the team:

“I am thrilled and honored to introduce myself as the new Director of People and Culture at Menno Place. It is with great excitement and enthusiasm, I join this incredible organization and look forward to partnering with each and every one of you. I am truly honored to join this dynamic team and contribute to the growth and success of Menno Place. Once I am there, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, suggestions, or ideas you may have. My door is always open, and I am eager to collaborate with all of you as we embark on this journey together.”

Please join me in extending Melisa a warm welcome.