Wellnitz’s contract not renewed

July 4, 2013 – The Canadian Rental Association has not renewed the contract of executive director, Amanda Wellnitz. Wellnitz has stepped down effective immediately and the board will begin a search for a new managing director, according to Region 10 Director, Paul Kenyon. Wellnitz became executive director of the CRA in 2005.

"Mandy is a great girl and you will not find anyone in the association who does not say that," Kenyon said. "Unfortunately, directors have a fiduciary duty to find the best leadership for the association." Kenyon credits Wellnitz with bringing the CRA back from financial difficulties and restoring it to a high level of member engagement and organization. He cited her achievements in modernizing the CRA head office, which communicated mainly by fax when she arrived, and launching web and Facebook pages, email communications and the online trade show registration system, Cvent. Kenyon noted that Wellnitz learned the role on the job.

The board decision to replace her was unanimous.

Kenyon says the board will be looking for a bilingual managing director with significant experience managing large trade associations. He highlighted the importance of properly serving the Quebec chapter of the association, which has operated semi-independently, resulting in duplication of services. "We are going to take this association to the next level," Kenyon said. The CRA has engaged an executive search firm that will look for candidates for the position. Member services coordinator Pascale Lambert will run the office in the interim. Kenyon says the present plan is to keep the head office in Winnipeg, but will not rule out a move to Toronto or Montreal.

Wellnitz was not immediately available for comment.

Related links
www.crarental.org