(Fredericton, NB) The board of directors of 21inc is proud to announce the appointment of Sara Ehrhardt as the leadership development organization's new executive director.
Launched in 2007, 21inc's advanced leadership experiences for young people, aged 20-35, have spread to encompass all four Atlantic provinces. Ehrhardt, a recently returned Maritimer, will be tasked with continuing to grow support for 21inc's programs at this exciting and crucial time for the region.
"As 21inc continues to grow its vision for developing young leaders in Atlantic Canada, the timing is perfect for a new leader to carry the ball," said Alycia Morehouse, chair of the 21inc board of directors. "We are extremely confident Sara is the right person to carry out this vision."
Ehrhardt, who grew up in Riverview, N.B., has alternated her career between the non-profit and public sectors and recently returned to the region. She has degrees in engineering from the University of Waterloo and public policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, and has worked in New Orleans, Western Africa, and Southern Ontario.
"We are thrilled to have someone with Sara's education, experience, energy and skills to carry out 21inc's vision of developing dynamic leaders who can excel in this region," Morehouse said. "Sara has a wide range of experience across Canada and internationally, combined with a strong passion for her home region, which make her a perfect fit for this role."
In 2007 Ehrhardt relocated to Alberta to recruit and manage Alberta Environment's first public policy team focusing exclusively on environmental management of the oil sands. She then returned to Ottawa, serving as an economist within Finance Canada's International Trade and Finance Division and later as an advisor on drinking water issues for Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. For her early contributions to public service, Sara was awarded the Public Policy Forum Emerging Leaders Award in 2009.
"21inc is about developing top talent in the region and I'm excited to work to make that happen," Ehrhardt said. "Our leaders in 21inc are some of Canada's best talent. I'm so happy to be home and looking forward to working with our supporters to build Atlantic Canada's leaders of tomorrow."
Morehouse also recognized the outstanding contributions of founding executive director Tim Coates in building the organization.
"21inc would not be where it is today without Tim Coates. He has left an excellent foundation and built a strong network of young leaders to continue where he left off. We wish him the best as he pursues new challenges, both personal and professional," Morehouse said.
Ehrhardt will be transitioning with Coates in her first few weeks on the job, meeting with key partners and focusing on the flagship 21 Leaders program, targeting a launch of both the New Brunswick and Nova Scotia programs in early 2012.
21 Leaders is a 10-month advanced leadership education experience that immerses participants in an environment that increases expectations and ambition of what can and should be accomplished. The program includes leadership projects, mentorship and peer-coaching, accelerators, and a six-day study-tour.
Other 21inc programs Ehrhardt will oversee include the 21inc Ideas Festival, a biennial event that brings together provocative economic, cultural, and public policy thinkers and doers with inspiring young leaders over two days to influence positive change, as well as the Emerging Leaders Summit, high-impact alumni programs, a leadership video series and other engagement practices.
Ehrhardt plans to reach out to leaders around Atlantic Canada to continue to grow 21inc's support network.
"2012 will be a big year for 21inc. From financial supporters to speakers to mentors to ideas people, we are looking to build connections around this great region so that our important work can continue to grow," Ehrhardt said.
