effect:hope welcomes its new CEO!

Earlier this month, effect:hope welcomed Kim Evans as its new CEO.

A visionary leader and strategist, Evans received her law degree from Western University in London, Ontario, Canada and practised for 18 years. She then worked for 16 years at Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship of Canada, an organisation focused on inspiring students and youth in their faith. In her role as Senior VP of Advancement and Strategic Operations, she galvanised her team around a mission and increased support for the cause. Evans aims to make a strong, positive impact at effect:hope and generate awareness and funds for people affected by leprosy and other neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

“Experience has taught me that people are generous and have an innate desire to help people who suffer,” says Evans. “There is so much need among the people we serve, but effect:hope is alleviating their physical, emotional and social challenges through our faithful donors, partners and programmes.”

Since 1892, effect:hope has been working to reduce stigma and provide ongoing care for people affected by diseases such as leprosy with the goal of perhaps one day, seeing the diseases eradicated forever. Prior to Evans’ arrival, the Markham, Ontario-based Christian international development organisation was led by Peter Derrick, who retired at the end of August 2019.

“I’m honoured to work alongside a team and partner organisations that are passionate about being agents of hope – dedicated to eliminating NTDs, empowering people in their communities, and effecting lasting, positive change for the future,” says Evans. “I’m also intrigued by the innovative research taking place that takes us one step closer to solving the mystery of leprosy transmission.”

In the next few months, Evans will be busy meeting with donors, visiting the field, and attending partnership conventions. In between travels, and having only recently moved to Toronto, she looks forward to settling into a beloved and truly Canadian routine of hockey and Tim Hortons coffee!

Kim Evans would love to get to know the ILEP community. Feel free to introduce yourself and email her at kevans@effecthope.org, or if you are in the Toronto area on October 10, please attend an evening event where she will be officially commissioned as effect:hope’s new leader. RSVP by emailing bshields@effecthope.org by October 4.