Siloam Mission cancels public event with CEO amid workplace turbulence

Siloam Mission, which has been mired in workplace strife since its new CEO took over last month, has postponed a public event Saturday in which it was to release its annual report and take questions from the community.

The downtown shelter cited “unforeseen circumstances” as the reason in an email sent to community members Thursday.

In the email, CEO Sonia Prevost-Derbecker, who was to answer questions at the event, said the decision was made jointly by staff and the board of the organization.

“We, as a team, along with the board, have made the difficult decision to postpone our annual report,” says the email obtained by the Free Press.

“We know this may be frustrating, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience,” the email continued. “What hasn’t changed is our focus on serving the community and continuing the important work you make possible.”

Siloam’s board told the Free Press Thursday their “focus remains on supporting our community and staff and ensuring stability within the organization during this time. The meeting scheduled for this week has been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.”

Prevost-Derbecker came under fire two weeks ago after several staff members spoke to the Free Press and called for her removal, as well as the ouster of board chair Tracey Silagy.

The employees, who were not named in the story, said they wanted an independent review of the organization’s executive leadership and board oversight.

Staff alleged that Prevost-Derbecker, who was formally introduced in the role Feb. 20, made derogatory and demeaning remarks about Indigenous people, individuals struggling with substance use, and the neighbourhood around Siloam’s building at 300 Princess St. They also said they were concerned she had asked about her personal spending authority.

Employees who spoke to the Free Press said Prevost-Derbecker made statements “deeply inconsistent” with Siloam’s values and commitment to vulnerable community members.

“Our position remains firm: meaningful governance change is required,” staff wrote in a recent email to the board of directors.

“Our position remains firm: meaningful governance change is required.”

 

“We believe this includes the removal of (Silagy) from the board and the replacement of Sonia as CEO. Without these steps, confidence cannot be restored.”

Days later, two senior staff members went on the record, warning that a wave of departures could follow if the board did not reconsider its decision to hire Prevost-Derbecker.

Darren Nodrick, who has been Siloam’s director of development since 2022, and Tobi Jolly — a former Siloam board member who moved into the interim director of community wellness role in January 2025 — have been placed on administrative leave, sources said Thursday.

Nodrick and Jolly could not be reached for comment.

Siloam’s board said it wouldn’t comment on “individual personnel situations.”

The Free Press obtained a copy of Siloam’s human resources policy regarding whistleblowers. The policy, approved by the board in July 2022, says it “addresses the commitment of Siloam Mission to support ethical behaviour by fostering and maintaining an environment where employees can bring forward legitimate concerns without fear of retribution or retaliation.”

A source said Siloam has retained the services of TIPI Legacy HR+, a Winnipeg HR consulting firm, to audit the mission’s policies, practices and culture.

The firm’s website says it has “deep experience in Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities,” and “will serve as an essential bridge builder.”

Siloam declined to confirm it had hired the HR firm and the company didn’t respond to a request for comment.

The board has repeatedly defended its decision to hire Prevost-Derbecker following a nationwide search that it says drew more than 1,100 applications.

In a statement to the Free Press on March 2, the board said it takes concerns about “leadership, cultural respect, and financial stewardship seriously” but has “seen no evidence to substantiate the claims.”

The board said it has full confidence in her leadership and described her questions about programs and finances as reasonable for a new hire.

However, Siloam’s board acknowledged it did not facilitate a smooth transition to the new CEO.

“The board of directors is deeply concerned for its staff, stakeholders, and the community we serve.”

 

“The board of directors is deeply concerned for its staff, stakeholders, and the community we serve,” the March 2 statement said. “Despite our mitigation efforts, we have not set up a healthy transition for both our staff and our new CEO, Sonia Prevost-Derbecker.”

In Thursday’s email to community members, Prevost-Derbecker said that during her first weeks as CEO, she has spent as much time as possible “listening and learning.”

“I am connecting with staff, volunteers, community members and partners to better understand the incredible work happening here and the people who make it possible,” she wrote.

“The most important lessons in my career have come from spending time with community and listening carefully,” she added.

She said she wants to lead Siloam because “it’s a place where compassion and practical support come together.

“All people who come through our doors deserve dignity and respect, whether they are the community we serve or those we serve alongside.”

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca