The world I live in is so different from what I have been part of over the past 40+ years…and that’s not all bad, just different. One of the things that has been true about that 40+ years was that it took me some time to find intersections with anything other than TSA. I was absorbed one might say by the task at hand…but small glimpses which I enjoyed were involvement with local politicians or social groups like the Women’s Institute or the Rotary Club. Then came the Billy Graham Mission, Church Planting Canada, Arrow and an advanced degree where my shoulders rubbed both with faculty and students.

These past ten years added experiences with search companies, government officials of provincial and national prominence, and a growing awareness within myself that I could work in these realms with confidence and competence. And I really liked it.

So in retirement, I decided to leverage some contacts and find a way to connect with a different world than TSA. Well that happened through a conversation with the deputy mayor of Edmonton and following the process.

Today, I met with the CEO, board chair and three of the vice presidents to go through the orientation, pick up my iPad for use with the board and my security badge and pass. These guys are organized well, even done to sending me a map that highlighted the parking spot I was to use.

I’m likely going to serve on the governance and HR committee but that is to be finalized.

Civida is shifting from being a landlord to a more people focused organization that meets the ministerial order with care and compassion for those in their care. I think my interests, background and experiences make this a great marriage – I’m very encouraged and looking forward to the experiences of the next two years.