Interim CEO, Retiring After 25 Years of Service

Kahnawà:ke (May 28, 2020)

Barbara Taylor McComber, Tewatohnhi’saktha Interim CEO, officially announces her retirement effective September 25, 2020 after 25 years of dedicated service to the community. Barbara’s career in Economic Development began in 1995 as Business Services Officer for the Kahnawà:ke Economic Development Authority offering her expertise with business analysis/finance and evaluation as well as general business consulting. From 1999 and for the next 19 years, Barbara held the position of Director of Business Services overseeing Business Development for Tewatohnhi’sak-tha. In 2018, Barbara took on the role of Interim CEO, in the absence of Kyle Delisle, and today still maintains that interim position.

Throughout her career as a senior officer, Barbara provided steady leadership and has been a role model to her department and the organization. Recognized and respected by her peers for her straight talk and no nonsense professionalism, she has helped shape Tewatohnhi’saktha’s emphasis on quality of service and accountability. Over the years, she guided the Tewatohnhi’saktha Business Loan Fund Ltd. to become well recognized nationally as an Aboriginal Financial Institution. In addition to the various appointments she has held, including as a member representative to the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, a board member of CANDO (Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers), she currently serves as a board member overseeing the Kahnawà:ke Economic Relief Measures Fund.

Barbara has provided her support to the business community on various business chambers over the years and supported the continued development of the Shop Kahnawà:ke Campaign to promote local spending. Today the phrase “Shop Kahnawà:ke” is spoken passionately in our community and Barbara has shown the same passion helping our local businesses succeed throughout the years.
“It is a decision that I have been mulling over for the past year and I have decided the time has come for me to start my retirement and spend more time with my family and my grandchildren,” says Barbara Taylor McComber.

“Tewatohnhi’saktha’s Board of Directors appreciates the hard work that Barbara has done for our organization and for the community over the course of her career. We are sad to see her go as she leaves some big shoes to fill. Barbara is a hard worker and a role model for the community. We wish her all the best in her retirement as she will be able to focus 100 percent of her time and energy to herself and her family”, said Greg Horn, Chairperson—Tewatohnhi’saktha Board of Directors.