The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Thompson branch has been on the lookout for a new executive director ever since Connie Krahenbil, who previously held the position, moved with her family from Thompson to Winnipeg last October
During the time between her move and now, Krahenbil remained involved with the CMHA in Thompson. Now she is working with CMHA Manitoba in Winnipeg.
Paullette Simkins, a long-time Thompsonite originally from Northern Ontario, was recently hired for the position of executive director at the local CMHA. Simkins brings with her a diploma in financial services and 18 years of experience within the financial industry, which she thinks will help her in her new position.
"I've always had a willingness to help others," she explains. "I think I can bring a sort of joi de vivre, a sense of humour and a calming feeling. But I think they [the people at CMHA] are going to end up teaching me as much as my experience or education would help with the position. I'm really looking forward to working with everyone here." Simkins adds her top priorities will be bringing in new funding to the organization, managing current budgets and education.
Krahenbil says around 12 people applied for the job, with four or five of them being from Thompson. Although she was not part of the hiring process, she says she feels the board of directors at CMHA did a great job in choosing Simkins as the successful candidate to take over her former position.
"I know that the board was impressed with her attitude and her professionalism, all those things," Krahenbil says of Simkins. "I was really happy they found someone. Me working out of Winnipeg was working, but you have to be in the North and have to commit to being there. We always knew this was a short term solution."
Krahenbil says she will be coming up to Thompson this month to sit in on a board of directors meeting. She is also helping Simkins transition into her new role from Winnipeg.
