After more than 25 years at the helm of the Delta Hospice Society, its executive director is seeking legal counsel after she says she was terminated by the board of directors.
Nancy Macey, who founded the society and oversaw its growth into one of the most advanced hospice facilities in the province, parted ways with the non-profit organization earlier this month
In a statement to the Optimist, Macey said, “In April 2019, I had my third recurrence of leukemia. The treatment involved hospitalization for close to a month, and then daily out-patient treatment for two weeks. I took a medical leave of absence in April 2019 and was medically cleared to return to work Sept. 9, 2019.
“Just prior to my return to work, I was given notice by the Delta Hospice Society board of directors that I was terminated, effective Sept. 3, 2019. I strongly disagree with the decision of the board of directors and will be seeking legal counsel.”
News of Macey’s departure was communicated to staff and volunteers through an email on Sept. 10.
In the short statement that was obtained by theOptimist, board president Jim Levin stated, “I regret to announce that Nancy Macey has left Delta Hospice Society. On behalf of the board of directors, I would like to thank Nancy for her many contributions over the years.
A search for a new executive director will commence shortly. In the meantime, Sharon Farrish has kindly agreed to continue in her role as acting executive director.”
In a follow-up interview with the Optimist, Levin said the terms of Macey’s departure are between the two parties.
“We are governed by privacy legislation in B.C. and out of respect we are going to maintain that,” said Levin. “As with any organization, we think change at the top can bring with it new ideas and fresh thinking. We think that Delta Hospice Society has grown to be a sophisticated organization and Nancy has built something very special for a new leader to take on. We are going to honour Nancy by ensuring that whoever takes on the role will honour the principles of which this community asset was built.”
Levin said the board intends to use a professional search firm to identify as many top candidates as possible.
“It takes a few months to run the whole process,” he said. “Sharon will be with us in the role until we can identify a new executive director. Programs and services will continue to run as they have been.”
In a 2017 interview with theOptimist, Macey said she couldn’t believe all that has been accomplished since the Delta Hospice Society’s humble beginnings at her kitchen table.
“It’s beyond anyone’s ability to do this. I wasn’t a community builder. I didn’t know anything about fundraising. I was just a person that lived here and saw a need,” said Macey.
