Dear CWCF members, allies, and friends,
After 30 years as CWCF’s Executive Director and involvement from its early beginnings in 1991, I have decided to retire from CWCF at the end of 2026. It’s an emotional decision, but it also feels very right. With a new cycle of Strategic Planning beginning, it’s the right time for new leadership.
It has been an honour and a privilege to work alongside the current and past board members, advisors, staff, and members of this organization. The people I have had the privilege to work with are among the most values-driven people anywhere. They share the vision and deep commitment to building a just, democratic, and inclusive economy, and demonstrate true caring on a consistent basis. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you.
This Federation has had struggles and successes. I’ve seen it grow from a handful of volunteer idealists to the organization that we have today. I’m proud of what it has built, from the most incredible conferences, the support for worker co-ops, its strong network of organizations and individuals, the increasing focus on Justice, Equity, Diversity, Decolonization and Inclusion, and the Common Good Capital registered plans program. Yet, much more remains to be done to build a growing worker co-operative movement across the country.
To support the transition, the Board has decided to move to a Co-Executive Director model for (at least) the transition period. The Personnel Committee will be launching a hiring process for a Co-Executive Director in the near future. Please watch for the announcement and job posting.
I remain committed to the values and vision of CWCF and the co-operative movement, and look forward to my final year of service to the organization. It will include documenting more of my experience and working collaboratively with the new Co-Executive Director. Co-operation is in my DNA, and I will stay engaged in the co-op movement, including as a Friend of CWCF. Looking further ahead, I’m also excited to be able to spend more time with family and friends, and to have more space in life for music, cooking, hiking, reading, getting back into sewing, and exploring.
In solidarity,
Hazel Corcoran