The Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre's search for a new executive director has come to an end.
The CFEC has hired Jess Fraser to replace longtime executive director Chris Pettman, who left the position in June after he moved down to Victoria. Fraser officially took on the mantle on Monday, Dec. 2 and is honoured to have the opportunity to serve the South Cariboo community.
"There are so many needs in all communities and without community-based social service organizations such as CFEC, so many children and families start slipping through the cracks," Fraser said. "These are essential services, as far as I'm concerned. There are days it's incredibly challenging but (social services) is my passion and I don't see it just as a job. It's a way of life for me."
Originally from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island area, Fraser began her career as a vet technician until a life-changing injury forced her to take a step back. While recovering Fraser said she came to appreciate the work charities and social services did for the community. When she recovered she joined a therapeutic riding group as a coach and has spent the last three decades of her life working in social services.
Fraser remarked that she first became an executive director of that therapeutic riding organization after it went through five of them in five years. As one of the most senior people by that point, she decided to step up and take on the role.
"I reluctantly accepted the ED role and then I went to the British Columbia Institute of Technology for two years for their business management and fundraising course while working full time," Fraser said. "From there I just never stopped."
While she has done the majority of her work in the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, Fraser said she has done contract work across Canada and the United States with various non-profits.
"I consider myself a non-profit warrior because it's been a life commitment," Fraser said. "I love giving back to my community, it's really important to me to serve my community wherever I go. It's just second nature to me now."
Fraser noted that she firmly believes the people who work in social services and the non-profit sector are incredibly special people. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, she noted there has been a high burnout rate which is why one of her priorities as an executive director is staff wellness.
Since 2020 Fraser has had her eye on the Cariboo wanting to move there and ultimately retire. When the CFEC position became available she applied and was excited to get the job.
"As far as CFEC goes, it's an amazing organization and I have big shoes to fill following Chris Pettman. I feel very fortunate to be here," Fraser said. "I intend to do this for as long as I can and everywhere I go, my philosophy is to recognize talent in an organization and set them up for success."
Fraser said her initial plans as executive director are to settle into the community and get a good sense of how the CFEC currently operates and what the needs of the community are. By March next year, she predicts she'll have a handle on things and will then begin to implement any changes she deems necessary.
So far Fraser said she has found everyone working at CFEC to be "kindred spirits" noting they all have tremendous empathy and commitment to their roles. She said she loves collaborating with people like that.
Outside of her work, Fraser said she is a "hardcore horsewoman" and looks forward to becoming part of the South Cariboo's local equestrian scene. She noted she has also found the South Cariboo to be incredibly welcoming and open to her since she arrived in late November.
"My plan is to hopefully retire here in this area someday. It's incredibly beautiful and after living on the Island and the Lower Mainland, I crave a smaller community with more open space," Fraser said. "I'm really excited to just explore this region and this community over the next few years."
Fraser invites anyone who would like to meet her or any of the staff at CFEC to stop by their office during regular business hours and request a meeting.
