(September 17, 2014) –
MISSISSAUGA, ON - The Board of World Vision Canada today announced that the organization's President and Chief Executive Officer, Dave Toycen, has decided to retire within the next 9 months, upon completion of a process to choose his successor. In the meantime, Toycen will continue as President and CEO, giving leadership to World Vision Canada, this country's largest humanitarian relief, development and advocacy agency.
Toycen has been recognized as a great Canadian leader in the humanitarian sector, and received the Order of Ontario in 2011. His retirement will bring to a close a remarkable career of more than 40 years of continuous service to World Vision globally.
World Vision Canada's Board of Directors has appointed a special committee to direct the search process to choose Toycen's successor.
QUOTES
"I've been privileged to lead one of Canada's greatest charities," Toycen says. "There is never a perfect time for this type of transition, but after more than four decades with the organization and 18 years as CEO of World Vision Canada, the time is right to find a leader who can steer the organization for years to come. World Vision Canada's core focus – following Jesus in serving children and bringing lasting change to their communities – will remain the same, regardless of who is at the helm. I have tremendous confidence in our current senior leadership team to support the new leader, and I look forward to working with them and the board during the coming months."
"Dave Toycen has been a strong, well-loved and highly regarded leader, guiding the organization through many challenging times," says Ron McKerlie, chair of the board. "His dedication and passion for the well-being of children has brought a better life to literally millions of children and families globally. The board is inspired by his passion, and grateful for his innumerable contributions and his distinguished tenure as CEO. We are committed to a smooth transition, and to finding a candidate who combines a deep passion for World Vision's work alongside substantial business acumen."
ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
A Canadian citizen, Toycen has been World Vision Canada's president and chief executive officer since 1996. He first joined World Vision in 1973 for a summer job as an Audiovisual Programmer in the American office. After marketing leadership roles in the USA and Australia, he joined World Vision Canada in 1988 as Vice-President of Donor Development.
In his years as a leader with WVC, more than $4 billion has been raised in aid and development for people living in poverty, and the number of children sponsored by Canadians has increased fivefold to nearly 500,000.
Toycen has provided on-site assessment and support during many large-scale humanitarian disasters, championed efforts to reduce poverty in Canada, and led World Vision Canada into justice and advocacy work in areas such as child and maternal health, the rights of girls, and the protection of children in armed conflict.