For Barb Matthews, there have been some telltale signs of late that retirement may be on the horizon.
The executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin this week announced she will be stepping down at the end of December after 31-plus years at the helm.
She tells myFM her passion for the organization remains as strong as ever.
Moving into the role is Carolyn Johnson, who joined the organization in 2020.
Johnson told myFM it’s all about the need to serve more kids.
Board chairman Brady Ideson says, “our organization has grown and become stronger thanks to Barb’s commitment to our mission, vision and values.”
Matthews’ commitment to people – the staff, volunteers and clients – is her legacy. That was especially true of the young people she came into contact with.
Matthews was a strong advocate for mentoring. And she will continue to do so until the end of the year as she mentors Johnson.
As for what lies ahead for Matthews? Well let’s start with her golf game.
Ideson praised Matthews for her “constant commitment to our kids (which) led to strong community partnerships with like-minded organizations, businesses, hundreds of volunteers and friends of the agency.”
Written by Ian McCallum
