The United Way Peterborough & District has announced Jim Russell will be retiring as CEO in summer 2026.
Having led the non-profit organization for the past 14 years, Russell is its longest-serving CEO.
In 2011, he moved from Toronto to Peterborough to take on the role, having previously worked as senior director of community involvement for the United Way of York Region, executive director of ThinkFirst Canada, and in various senior management positions with the Daily Bread Food Bank.
“I had been visiting Peterborough regularly in the early 2000s and decided that I wanted to complete my career in this community,” Russell said in a media release. “The vibe was just right for me.”
After his first five months as CEO in 2012, Russell told kawarthaNOW that his greatest hope was that “the people who are already vulnerable in our community receive the support they need so that they don’t get left behind.”
“I love the staff here,” he added. “They’re on fire and excited about the opportunity to build community and make lasting change.”
During Russell’s tenure, the United Way Peterborough & District secured more than $36 million for its partner agencies through multiple sources, including the annual community campaign, grants, individual gifts, and federal funding.
He led the organization during a time of increased focus on addressing poverty and homelessness, including through the production of research reports including Housing is Fundamental, multiple Point-in-Time Counts, The Gap: Income (In)Adequacy Report 2024, and The Gap: Living Wage Report 2022.
“United Ways across the country are responsible for identifying key issues in communities,” Russell said. “We are a trusted partner to be an arbiter on need and where best to invest donations to support community resilience.”
United Way board chair Karen Wilson said that she is especially proud of Russell’s leadership when it comes to poverty and homelessness, as two of the most significant issues in the Peterborough area.
“It has been my sincere pleasure to work with Jim,” she said. “He is leaving big shoes to fill.”
To that end, the United Way says its CEO hiring committee — comprising past and current board chairs, board members, and past campaign chairs — has created a plan for a “thorough selection process” starting in January 2026 that will hire Russell’s successor.
“We strive to celebrate diversity as a strength,” Wilson says of the CEO search. “We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where every voice is heard, respected, and empowered to contribute to success.”
“As such, we are particularly keen to hear from equity-deserving individuals.”
Information about the CEO position and how to apply will be available in early January at www.uwpeterborough.ca/career-opportunities/.
