Our People
We’re proud of the diverse talents, life experiences, and passions that our volunteer and staff leadership bring to FIRST UNITED every day.
Their dedication is what drives forward our mission of seeking a just society through ministry, housing, advocacy, and community service.
Leadership
The Right Rev. Dr. Carmen Lansdowne
Executive Director (on leave through Oct. 31, 2025)
Amanda Burrows
Interim Executive Director
Mayleen Ahoy, BA, CPA, CGA
Director of Housing
Dr. Cheryl Bear
Director of Community Ministry (Currently on leave) Natalie Gobis Cutayne
Director of Human Resources
Keely Hale
Director of Programs
Katie Koncan
Director of Development
Rob Vandermey
Director of Finance Dr. Cheryl Bear
Director of Community Ministry (Currently on leave) Natalie Gobis Cutayne
Director of Human Resources Keely Hale
Director of Programs Katie Koncan
Director of Development Rob Vandermey
Director of FinanceBoard Of Directors
Our Society is governed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of representatives from the United Church of Canada, as well as committed community volunteers with expertise in the legal, financial, and management sectors.
Dr. Heather F. Clarke
Chair
The Rev Dr. Brian Thorpe
Vice-Chair
John Christie
Treasurer
David Walkem
Secretary
Jacob Black-Lock
Jean Budden
The Rev. Jennifer Goddard-Sheppard
Scott Griffin
Jeremy Hermanson
Elizabeth Kerklaan
Paul Mitchell-Banks
Dave Munroe
Aaron Wilson
Treena Duncan
Non-voting board memberHousing Board
First United Church Social Housing Society is governed by an elected volunteer Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of representatives from the United Church of Canada, as well as committed community volunteers with expertise in the legal, financial and management sectors.
Elizabeth Kerklaan
PresidentAlison Lindsay
TreasurerMaggie Knight
SecretaryRosemary Collins
Andrew Jones
Chris Munroe
Lauren Telford
In compliance with its Bylaws, First United discloses the details of payments for products or services made to board members or companies in which board members have an interest. First United’s bylaws prohibit any payment for products or services made to board members or companies in which board members have an interest. First United’s finance policies allow for board members to have access to reimbursement of reasonable expenses related to the governance and oversight of First United; in the past fiscal year no reimbursements have been claimed.