Cultivating the Future: Leadership and Succession Planning

Join us for an inspiring in-person event dedicated to Succession Planning in the agriculture and agri-food sectors. We will bring together leaders, industry experts, allies and change-makers to share insights, best practices, and innovative strategies for sustainable leadership transitions. 

You can expect: 

• Expert Panel: Hear from senior leaders in the agriculture and agri-food sectors who will share real-world experiences and strategies for effective Succession Planning. 

• Interactive Workshop: Participate in hands-on sessions offering practical tools and approaches that can be implemented within your organization. 

• Networking: Opportunity to network with leaders, experts and organizations   

Whether you’re early in your career or a senior decision-maker, this event offers valuable insights and tangible takeaways to help shape the future of your organization.

Agenda:

• 1:00 – 1:15pm: Welcome 
• 1:15 – 2:15pm: Panel Discussion 
• 2:15 – 2:30pm: Break 
• 2:30 – 4:00pm: Succession Planning Workshop 
• 4:00 – 5:30pm:  Yukon Sustainability Awards Networking 

Speakers:

Rita Koeller, CPHR

Rita is a passionate educator, business leader, skilled facilitator, and human resources expert, deeply committed to developing leadership potential and improving organizational performance.  With a strong focus on practical impact, Rita specializes in designing and delivering tailored training programs that empower professionals to excel in key areas such as HR strategy, leadership development, communications, employee engagement and service excellence.   

Eileen Melnychuk

Eileen originally joined the HUB as a board member in 2019. Having spent 16 years working and volunteering with local community organizations, she brings a wealth of knowledge about the challenges and successes of the Yukon’s non-profit community.

As a long-time volunteer for many agencies including the Past-President and 10-plus year board member for Victoria Faulkner Women’s Centre, she brings extensive insight into the largest NPO sector (health/ social services) plus the arts and cultural sectors.

As a born-and-raised Yukoner, she leverages her contacts with First Nations and other potential partners, plus lends her writing expertise to help organizations complete funding applications, plus finding funding opportunities, coordinating fundraising events, and community engagement activities for the Yukon NGO HUB’s Board.

Eileen appreciates how much the Yukon’s critical non-profit sector will benefit from the enhanced training opportunities, interconnection and collaboration offered by the virtual HUB.

Currently, Eileen is a board member with the Yukon Learn Society, and Volunteer Bénévoles Yukon, as well as the Past-President and a board member of the Ukrainian Canadian Association of Yukon. (UCAY). A particular point of pride is her recent trip with three other UCAY members to deliver medication, hospital equipment, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine in the fall of 2024.

Along with our board members, she is leading the organization to launch Yukon’s first virtual training, networking and resources HUB for all Yukon non-profit organizations.

Hanna Fish

Hanna brings four years of Yukon experience and deep prairie roots from her hometown in southern Saskatchewan. Her agricultural journey began on her family’s cow-calf ranch, and led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology, with a focus in Agribusiness, from the University of Lethbridge.

In Yukon, Hanna has built a diverse and hands-on career—from working as a Livestock Health Technician with the Government of Yukon’s Agriculture Branch, to training as an apprentice welder, and serving part-time as a Project Manager for the Yukon Agricultural Association. In September 2024, she stepped into her current role as Executive Director of the Association, where she plays a key role in advancing agricultural development, enhancing agri-food awareness, strengthening public procurement, and fostering government relations. Hanna is passionate about supporting Yukon’s growing agri-food sector to promote economic growth, food security, and sustainable farming practices.