Tikinagan gets new executive director

Ernest Beck is the new executive director of Tikinagan Child and Family Services in Sioux Lookout.
Beck replaces outgoing executive director, Michael Hardy, who retired from the organization. Hardy served 12 years with the agency.
Beck, who started with Tikinagan at the end of July, has 20 years of experience in the social services field. He previously worked at Pakyukotayno James and Hudson Bay Family Services.
His experience also includes serving as CEO of the Moose Factory Regional Hospital and executive director of Nishnawbe Aski Nation. He has also held leadership positions as chief of his community of Moose Cree First Nation and grand chief of Mushkegowuk Council.
“What an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to join the Tikinagan team,” Beck said on the Tikinagan website.
Beck said he is impressed with the commitment and compassion from staff for the families they work with in the region.
“I am particularly impressed by the strongly held belief underpinning everything here - that the answers lie in the communities,” he said.
Two other senior managers in the agency also retired, Barb Hancock, who served as director of services, and Arlene McClendon, who served as director of finance and administration.
Thelma Morris and Eartha Davidson are now serving as directors of service for Tikinagan.
John Harrison takes over as director of finance and administration.