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June 26, 2008

Vancouver, BC - Following a long and thorough search process, Union Gospel Mission is pleased to announce the appointment of Bill Mollard as fourth president of one of Vancouver's most prominent relief organizations. Mollard succeeds Maurice McElrea who has served as UGM president for the last 29 years. Mollard will officially become president on July 11, 2008; McElrea will continue as President Emeritus until December 2008. A short ceremony to commemorate the event will be held at 2 p.m.
With over 25 years of leadership experience specializing in organizational optimization and expansion, Mollard is poised to lead UGM into a period of rapid growth. Known also as "a man with a heart for the poor and for the city," Mollard shares his predecessor's passion and vision for effectively responding to the needs of the hungry, hurting and homeless.

"We're thrilled that Bill Mollard has decided to lead the Union Gospel Mission team," says Board Chairman Robert Pasman. "His experience in the not-for-profit, business and healthcare sectors will be of huge benefit to our burgeoning organization. We are confident that Bill is the perfect choice for UGM's next president."

Most recently, Mollard served as Chief Operating Officer for the BC Division of The Salvation Army. Formerly, he held leadership roles such as CEO, Executive Director and Director of Accounting for service areas such as William Jackman Memorial Hospital in Newfoundland, Buchanan Lodge in New Westminster and the Saskatoon Eventide Home.

Longtime president Maurice McElrea endorses the leadership choice. "I've been privileged to support UGM's service to the hungry, hurting and homeless for nearly 30 years -- originally on the Downtown Eastside and now through 12 locations across Metro Vancouver and the city of Mission," says McElrea. "I have every confidence that Bill Mollard will further UGM's positive impact and continue the trajectory of growth that UGM has experienced since its inception."

McElrea, if anyone, can attest to UGM's effectiveness at meeting needs. In the 1960s, the Irish immigrant found himself on Vancouver's streets without even hope to hold onto. "I had no money, no home, no family and no job," he recalls. Utterly broken, McElrea wandered through UGM's doors one night where he "enjoyed five bowls of soup mixed with tears." Soon after, his life improved. He got married and began working in the printing business. In 1980, he left the industry to take over the leadership of the then little rescue mission.