YWCA Edmonton is pleased to announce the appointment of Rachel Foley as the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, beginning April 20, 2026.
Rachel brings more than a decade of senior leadership experience, including executive roles with the Government of Alberta where she led significant initiatives across health, housing and education. She is widely respected for her ability to navigate complex systems, bring partners together across sectors and advance work grounded in community priorities. Her experience leading system-level change will help strengthen YWCA Edmonton’s work supporting women, girls and gender-diverse people across our community.
Her leadership approach reflects a deep respect for the dignity, expertise and lived experience of those she works alongside. She believes meaningful progress grows through trust, shared purpose and sustained relationships.
“I’m honoured to join YWCA Edmonton and to work alongside the staff, partners and community members who make this organization’s impact possible,” said Foley. “YWCA Edmonton has a powerful legacy of supporting women and families in our community, and I look forward to building on that work together.”
Rachel’s appointment follows a comprehensive executive search conducted by the Board of Directors with the support of an external recruitment firm. The process engaged a broad and diverse group of candidates and reflected the strong reputation and impact of YWCA Edmonton across the sector.
“Rachel brings the strategic leadership, collaborative spirit and commitment to community that will help guide YWCA Edmonton into its next chapter,” said Kelsea Zalaski, Board Chair. “We are excited to welcome her and look forward to the leadership she will bring to the organization.”
The Board would also like to express its sincere appreciation to Christine McCourt-Reid, who stepped into the role of Interim CEO during this transition period. When Christine accepted the interim role, she did so with the intention of guiding the organization through the leadership transition so the Board could conduct a full search for YWCA Edmonton’s next CEO.
Christine has been part of YWCA Edmonton for seven years and has made a significant contribution to the organization’s growth and impact. She will support Rachel’s onboarding through May 7 to help ensure a smooth transition.
YWCA Edmonton looks forward to welcoming Rachel and continuing its work alongside staff, partners, and the broader community to create safer, stronger and more equitable communities for all.
About Rachel Foley
With a longstanding connection to community and a career dedicated to system level change, Rachel brings more than a decade of senior leadership experience, including executive roles with the Government of Alberta, where she led reforms across health, housing, and education. She is recognized for navigating complexity with clarity and purpose, bringing people together across sectors, and advancing work grounded in community priorities.
Her leadership is shaped by a deep respect for the dignity, expertise, and lived experience of those she works alongside. She believes lasting progress grows through trust, shared purpose, and sustained relationships.
Guided by her commitment to advancing equity and women’s leadership, Rachel is honoured to serve as the CEO of YWCA Edmonton. She is excited to build on the organization’s strong legacy, working alongside staff, partners, and those served, and to ensure the organization remains community centered as it expands opportunities for women, girls, and gender-diverse people.
