For Immediate Release
YW Calgary Announces Leadership Transition: CEO Departing After 15 Years of Organizational Growth and Success
May 23, 2025 – YW Calgary shared today that Sue Tomney, Chief Executive Officer, will be stepping down later this year to explore new opportunities. The organization’s Board of Directors will shortly launch an executive search to find YW’s next CEO. To ensure a smooth transition, Sue will continue to serve as CEO until a successor has been identified and appointed.
“It has been an incredible privilege and honour to lead YW Calgary’s talented team of employees through such a critical and transformative period,” said Sue. “Together, we have made huge strides in evolving the organization into a high-performing business that will continue to ensure our ability to embrace innovation, drive organizational effectiveness on a base of strong financial health, and allow YW to provide uninterrupted and exceptional support to women and their families.”
Under Sue’s leadership, starting in December 2010, the organization has seen asset growth from approximately $7 million to over $100 million. This includes three new facilities – YW Community Hub, YW Crisis Shelter and YW Taylor Family Home – each built on time, on budget and without debt.
“With YW operating from a position of strength, now is an ideal time for new leadership to take YW to the next stage and I am confident in the team’s ability to build off this momentum and drive further impact,” shares Sue.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Sue for her significant contributions over the last 15 years. Our intent is to continue to grow the great foundation that she has created,” says Aalia Ratani, Chair of YW’s Board. “Our priority is to ensure the organization is poised to advance its vision of women and their families thriving in a safe and equitable community. We are committed to identifying a leader who can build on successes to date who has the relevant skills and expertise to drive impact for the nearly 10,000 individuals YW supports, while ensuring ongoing confidence and trust of our donors and partners.”
YW is in an enviable position today thanks to Sue’s leadership of over 300 exceptional leaders and employees. The organization has a strong balance sheet and is about to launch their next five-year Strategic Plan which promises they will remain relevant and focused in the years ahead. This all confirms the incoming Chief Executive Officer will have a solid base from which to continue the great work and profile of this 115-year-old organization.
“My respect and admiration for the YW Team, our community partners and supporters are very personal,” says Sue. “While I look forward to what future opportunities lay ahead, I am deeply committed to supporting the Board and the organization through this leadership change to ensure YW is well positioned to continue to provide uninterrupted and exceptional service to women and families.”
For information and interview inquiries, please contact:
Carla Link
Director, Communications and Community Relations, YW Calgary
Phone: 403.705.5779 | Email: clink@ywcalgary.ca
