Board Chair Report Welcome to the Skills Society Annual Report for 2018/2019. If this is your first exposure to the Skills Society, we are an Edmonton-based non-profit organization that contracts with the Government of Alberta for the provision of a variety of community supports for adults with developmental disabilities and adults who have sustained serious brain injuries. We also provide respite services for families who have children with disabilities. The Skills organization provides services to about 400 people. We employ 458 staff working in 796 full and part time positions. Guided by our vision, mission and core values, the Skills Society is exceptionally passionate about supporting the people who choose our services to live meaningful lives as valued citizens. There are many stories to tell about the 2018/2019 year. Clearly, it was a watershed year for us. Key highlights follow. Executive Director Patricia Conrad Retires After 25 years with Skills, Executive Director Patricia Conrad retired in February 2019. Among other things, Pat brought to the organization a passion for excellence and an unrelenting pursuit of inclusion and belonging for all citizens. The board of directors is profoundly grateful to Pat for providing top tier executive leadership and commitment to our organization. She will be greatly missed.
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Ben Weinlick Appointed Executive Director After a lengthy executive search, the Skills board appointed Ben Weinlick to the position of executive director on February 11, 2019. Ben has worked for Skills Society for more than 15 years in a number of different capacities. In 2011, Ben completed a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University in Victoria. In 2011 he assumed senior leadership responsibilities with Skills and excelled each time additional responsibilities were added to his portfolio. The Skills board is confident Ben will honour the deep roots of our past while continuously improving our capacity to support deep belonging and full citizenship for all. Alberta Economic Downturn Continues Unabated The ongoing recession in Alberta created challenges for many citizens, businesses, three orders of government and all non-profit organizations, including Skills. Unrelenting downward pressure on government funding resulted in Skills Society having to cope with increased operating costs without the benefit of corresponding funding increases from government. While Skills was able to absorb inflation-driven operating cost increases for four consecutive years, we are acutely aware of a slowmotion erosion of our capacity to deliver safe, reliable good quality supports.
