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By Regan Tate

Executive director of local food bank moving onto new role in the community

Aug 27, 2021 | 12:22 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The Medicine Hat and District Food Bank has announced that executive director Celina Symmonds is leaving the organization.

Symmonds has been the executive director for six years. The organization says she was instrumental in launching innovative programs to help address food insecurity in the community.

“Celina was the driving force for us to move to the new Food and Wellness Hub at the Maple Avenue Firehall,” said Cam Jacques, chair of the Medicine Hat & District Food Bank Board of Directors. “She has laid the groundwork for us, and we will continue executing on that plan over the next several weeks.”

Symmonds is moving on to a new position with the Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce as the membership relations manager. “I had the opportunity to witness the business community’s generosity throughout the pandemic, and it was incredible” said Symmonds.

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“I leave the food bank with great memories and satisfaction in having helped feed thousands of hungry Hatters.”

Further information regarding the executive director role will be available over the next few weeks.

Chamber’s Business Development Team

Symmonds is not the only person joining the Chamber’s Business Development Team.

Samantha Tonin is joining as marketing and special event manager.

“We were fortunate to be able to secure both seasoned professionals and student talent in our recruitment efforts,” stated the Chamber’s executive director, Lisa Kowalchuk. “With the experience and community leadership that Celina brings as a previous city councilor, school board trustee and executive director with the Medicine Hat & District Food Bank, we know she will continue to serve the community in her new role and amplify the voice of our business community while providing the necessary supports and services they need.”

“Samantha brings corporate experience, along with event and business planning from her work with CFB Suffield,” continues Kowalchuk. “She has been able to connect with sponsors from a local to a national level, bringing a wealth of knowledge in financial planning and contract negotiations. We are pleased with the dynamic team that will bring not only experience but also capitalize on the energy and innovative spirit of our existing team, student talent and new team members.”

Celina and Samantha will round out the existing team consisting of event manager, Kristen Walsh, communication and project administrator Josh Schafer and two of the Chamber’s co-op students who will continue with the Chamber this fall.