New United Way chief targets poverty, housing stability

Kim Tetley takes over Sept. 9 after serving as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area.

After a lengthy search, United Way Elgin Middlesex has hired a new president and chief executive. Kim Tetley, who has about 15 years of experience in non-profit leadership, said she’s grateful and humbled to lead an organization she admires. “London is home, and I’m really passionate about providing opportunities for people to thrive, mobilizing collective action and working with community partners,” Tetley said.

“United Way is really at the heart of supporting our local community, and I’m really passionate about that work.” She replaces Roxanne Riddell, who has served as interim president and chief executive since January. Riddell will continue in her role as director of community impact.

Tetley starts Sept. 9. Most recently, the 39-year-old served as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of London and Area and previously held senior leadership roles with Tim Hortons Foundation Camps. “Kim distinguished herself throughout the search process through her exceptional leadership, strategic vision, deep understanding of community needs, and proven ability to foster strong partnerships,” board chair Colin Yausie said in a release.

“We are confident that her experience, values, and commitment to community will further advance our mission, strengthen our impact, and position United Way Elgin Middlesex for continued success in the years ahead.” Tetley said she plans to focus on alleviating poverty and “giving everyone a fair shot at a good life” across Elgin and Middlesex. “What that looks like is a really robust collective impact strategy, which focuses currently on mental health supports, gender-based violence, inclusion and belonging, housing stability and essential needs,” she said.

About 40 agencies receive United Way funding, including London Cares, Homeless Response Services, YMCA of Southwestern Ontario’s St. Thomas-Elgin branch, Changing Ways, the London Abused Women’s Centre, the Crouch Neighbourhood Resource Centre, the London Food Coalition and Meals on Wheels. “Based on the community needs assessment, (United Way) really needs to focus on homelessness and housing stability,” she said. “As I get into the work, it looks like that’s going to be a big part of the next chapter for United Way.”

In the last funding cycle, United Way received about $10 million in funding requests but had about $4 million available. “Some really challenging decisions did need to be made, and there were some significant shifts in how funding is allocated,” she said. “The reality is we need to raise more money,” she said.

“If we can bring more people together, if we can raise more funds, then there’s more to allocate. There are so many deserving organizations in our community. “United Way is really great at bringing people together and is involved with so many different workplaces.”