Pillar's search for a new CEO wound up exactly where it started.
Former London Deputy Mayor Maureen Cassidy has removed the interim tag from her title and become the permanent head of the organization.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve as Pillar Nonprofit Network’s CEO,” Cassidy said in a news release on Tuesday. “I remain committed to supporting this dynamic team and working with the community to make London a better place for all.”
Cassidy has held the interim role for nearly a year, taking the job after the organization generated significant backlash in the community in July of 2022, when former President and CEO Mojdeh Cox was fired from the role with little explanation.
After months of turmoil in and outside of the organization, that backlash eventually lead to the entire organization's board of directors being replaced in April.
Kapil Lakhotia, who is also the President and CEO of the London Economic Development Corporation, became the chair when the new board was elected in the spring.
“Since she was appointed interim CEO in October 2022, Maureen’s steadfast leadership has not only helped stabilize the organization through strengthening local funder relationships and rebuilding trust, but it has held constant Pillar’s commitment to the work of systems transformation led by former leadership,” said Lakhotia in Pillar's news release.
“We are delighted that Maureen has accepted our invitation to continue her excellent work at Pillar as CEO. As the organization develops a new path forward, Maureen’s leadership will be instrumental in building a strong non-profit ecosystem in the London region,” he added.
Pillar Nonprofit Network provides organizations an opportunity for "exchanging knowledge and creating meaningful connections across the three pillars of nonprofit, business and government."
Cassidy represented Ward 5 on London City Council from 2014-2022.