MCA ANNOUNCES HIRING OF NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is proud to announce the hiring of a new Executive Director to lead the organization.

The search for a new Executive Director began earlier this year with assistance from Higgins Executive Search, a national executive-level recruitment agency with a proven track record of placing talented leaders at executive level positions. Higgins Executive Search has conducted more successful Indigenous executive search engagements than any other firm in Canada.

The goal of MCA's search was to find the best applicant-with the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and aptitudes required-to carry out the responsibilities of this position. The Executive Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership, assisting in carrying out governance, improving community and external relations, directing day to day operations of the organization, and managing risk. The Executive Director is also responsible for implementing the short and long-term goals of the organization and community.

Additionally, the Executive Director will (continue to) play an important role in the implementation of a strategy introduced by MCA and its Workplace Revitalization Workgroup (WRW) this fall. The strategy is designed to make MCA a more citizen-focused organization and a better place to work.

A number of applicants were interviewed by the members of the WRW. Following a series of interviews the best applicant was chosen. Mr. Jordan Wapass has accepted the offer to serve as the new Executive Director for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. Mr. Wapass has chosen to vacate his position as the Director of Operations for his home community, the Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan, in order to serve the Akwesasne community in this capacity.

"Mr. Wapass is an impressive individual with experience in a broad range of areas including change management, capacity development, finance, marketing, and child and family services," said Grand Chief Abram Benedict. "He will undoubtedly become an asset to our organization and our community. We are excited about his arrival and hope everyone shares in welcoming Mr. Wapass to Akwesasne."

The official start date for Mr. Wapass is Monday, December 5, 2016.

"Working with MCA in this capacity is an incredible opportunity for myself and my family to learn more about Mohawk culture, history, and tradition and contribute to the progress of MCA in a meaningful way," Mr. Wapass said. "I am excited to work with leadership, staff, elders and community members to meet the community's vision and goals. I look forward to meeting you all and working together to support a strong, healthy and prosperous MCA."

Acting Executive Director Heather Phillips will support Mr. Wapass during the transition period.

Community members will have the opportunity to meet the new Executive Director at the upcoming MCA Open Houses, Dec. 5, Dec. 12 and Dec. 14.