News

We wish to inform you that our Executive Director, Amanda Burrows, has announced her candidacy for the Vancouver – Strathcona riding for the upcoming provincial election on October 24.  

Amanda is currently on her pre-planned sabbatical until November 30th. Katie Bricknell Koncan and Rob Vandermey are Acting Co-Executive Directors for the duration of her leave term, regardless of the outcome of the election.  Should Amanda be successful in her candidacy, she will resign from her position as ED and the Board of Directors will engage in an executive search process that will begin in the following weeks. The Board of Directors has developed a robust succession plan to prepare the organization for continuity of services and success. 

Amanda was hired by the Board of Directors to lead FIRST’s ongoing operations and the completion of our transformational $92 million redevelopment project and to create and implement a new and inspiring strategic plan. During her tenure with FIRST UNITED, she has been invited to consider public office, including to run for Mayor earlier this year. With the new building open and the organization in a place of stability, Amanda views this as the right moment to accept those invitations.  

Regardless of the outcome of the provincial election, FIRST UNITED will continue to be guided by Katie and Rob as committed leaders, along with a strong and experienced leadership team, and a dedicated Board, ensuring continued stability and strength through this period. 

As a social justice organization, FIRST UNITED has always been on the frontlines, advocating for people living in poverty and has proudly encouraged and supported staff in seeking elected roles. Our history includes trailblazing staff and ministers who have made significant contributions to the local community and beyond, including Amanda’s predecessor, the Very Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne, who was elected Moderator of the United Church of Canada in 2022; the current Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Christine Boyle; and others over the years.  

While we are proud of Amanda’s leadership, as a registered charity, FIRST UNITED does not endorse any candidate or political party. We wish every candidate and party whose values align with our mission the very best. 

FIRST UNITED remains committed to serving the Downtown Eastside as we have been doing for over 140 years, guided by dignity, belonging and justice to become a neighbourhood where every person’s worth is celebrated and all people thrive. We are excited about what will be possible for us as we continue to learn and grow in our new building. We are thrilled to share that we will also be acting as a polling location for the upcoming provincial election as well, enabling our neighbours and those we serve to engage in democracy in their own neighbourhood. 

In keeping with charitable status and elections regulations, FIRST UNITED staff, Board, and volunteers cannot comment on the Executive Director’s candidacy or campaign, make an endorsement, or take a partisan position on parties or candidates while speaking on behalf of or as a representative of FIRST UNITED. A governance policy has been established to ensure separation of duties and regulatory compliance for staff or senior leaders who are seeking election.