Image: Chilliwack Community Services / Chilliwack Community Services bid a fond farewell to executive director Diane Janzen (centre), who served as ED for 6 1/2 years and will soon transition to her new role as CAO of Skwah First Nation in Chilliwack.
Chilliwack Community Services

Chilliwack Community Services bids fond farewell to executive director Diane Janzen

Jan 28, 2023 | 7:35 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack Community Services steadily grew during the tenure of executive director Diane Janzen the past six and a half years, bolstered by a staff of 107 people and approximately 500 volunteers.

In a Facebook post on Friday (Jan. 27), the non-profit organization that serves broad swaths of the Chilliwack community through 39 diverse programs bid a fond farewell to the sturdy leadership of Janzen, who will soon transition to her new role as chief administrative officer of Skwah First Nation in Chilliwack.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to work with Diane Janzen, executive director of CCS for the past 6 1/2 years,” said Luke Zacharias, president of the board of directors for CCS. “Diane has done an incredible job in her role as Executive Director. During the time that Diane has served as Executive Director, she has worked with the Board in a highly collaborative and effective manner, guiding and leading the organization and working with our dedicated group of 107 staff and 500 volunteers.”

CCS serves more than 12,500 people annually and one out of every 10 people in Chilliwack receives help and support from CCS, Zacharias said in a Facebook post Friday (Jan. 27). The organization is in a strong position moving forward.

“We have been strongly supported by the community, donors, sponsors and funders and as a result of their support, we are in a solid financial position,” Zacharias said. “CCS is also in the process of constructing the Paramount Project, the largest project in CCS history, dedicated to affordable housing for seniors and young adults. CCS owes our success to its staff, and we are committed to supporting and investing in their growth and development.”

CCS will have big shoes to fill due to Janzen’s departure, which was announced back on December 16. In the interim, Darlene Staarup, director of immigrant services and training and development, will serve as acting executive director effective January 30, until the next executive director is chosen and starts in the executive position.

“The hiring of the Executive Director is one of the most important jobs of the Board of Directors and we are committed to a thorough and public process for the hiring of the next Executive Director,” Zacharias said. “We will be reaching out widely to seek applications and carry out an extensive process of selection to get the right person for the job. We wish Diane Janzen all the best in her new position as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) with Skwah First Nation.”