August 9, 2022
The Board of Directors of Power To Be is proud to announce the appointments of Dana Hutchings and Jason Cole to the positions of Co-CEOs. Both are transitioning into their new roles from their previous senior leadership positions in the organization—Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer, respectively. In this new structure, they will continue to uphold the responsibilities of their current positions, while working side by side to enable a culture of collaboration and progression.
They take on these roles during a time of great growth and opportunity, with the doors about to open on Power To Be’s home at Prospect Lake—a building leading the way in innovative design for accessibility and sustainability, and a hub for inclusive outdoor adventure. They assume these leadership roles from Power To Be founder, Tim Cormode, who has led the organization since its inception in 1998.
“Power To Be is a unique organization and the role of CEO requires a deep understanding of our mission and values, as well as the path that led us to where we are today,” says Cormode. “A Co-CEO role comprised of two long-term senior leadership team members, who I have had the pleasure of working alongside, will position Power To Be to grow and thrive as a trailblazer in inclusive outdoor recreation. Together, Dana and Jason are unstoppable in their abilities to lead with innovation and passion, and I strongly believe that the possibilities are limitless with the two of them at the helm. I look forward to working closely with them and the Power To Be team in my new capacity.”
This is an incredible opportunity for a new leadership team to provide continuity for the organization and to lead Power To Be as it evolves. Power To Be began with an idea: support people living with a disability or barrier to access nature. Since then, it has grown from just serving Victoria into a community that has expanded to become a provincial hub for inclusive recreation, connecting participants to life-changing adventures.
“We always talk about possibilities with our participants, and encourage them to take on new challenges,” says Dana Hutchings. “I look forward to taking on a new challenge of my own and co-leading this team to explore all that is possible in nature, and within themselves.”
“With the opening of our new home at Prospect Lake, and opportunities to expand our reach in the Vancouver area, I am thrilled to be able to take on this new role at such an exciting time,” says Jason Cole.
“Power To Be is excited for the next chapter, building on the incredible history of the organization”, says Board Chair Rahul Ray. “Through the co-CEOs, supported by Power To Be founder, Tim Cormode, we are well-positioned for the road ahead.”
Effective September 30, 2022, Tim Cormode will step down from his role as CEO, but will remain a valuable support for Power To Be. He will stay on as a consultant to provide mentorship to the team and guidance for Power To Be’s fundraising efforts. He will remain a lifelong ambassador and is excited to see the new leadership team move Power To Be forward. The new leadership structure provides an opportunity for Tim to focus his time on Power To Give, a separate charitable foundation, whose broad mandate is to support the charitable sector.
Dana Hutchings (she/her) – biography
In her role as Chief Operating Officer, Dana led Power To Be in multiple years of record setting financial performance and authentically connecting people through their stories and experiences.
Prior to joining Power To Be in 2016, Dana had a distinguished career in broadcast journalism holding both field and leadership roles. She is a Jack Webster Foundation award winner and is a Social Media Award for Excellence in Engagement winner as a result of her work in this industry.
Dana loves the opportunities that come with living on the coast. She believes deeply in the benefits delivered by giving back to the community. She also actively advises other charitable organizations and business leaders. Dana holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Victoria and a Diploma in Broadcast Communications and Media Relations from BCIT.
Jason Cole (he/him) – biography
Jason has been on the Power To Be team since 2008, first as Director of Programs, and most recently as Chief Strategy Officer. He has been a visionary on the design and functionality of Power To Be’s new home at Prospect Lake In his time with the organization, Jason (Jay), has distilled his values of community responsibility, integrity, self-worth, leadership, and compassion into all programs.
Jason’s very fabric is sewn from his love of the outdoors. For more than 20 years, he has sought the restorative qualities of the natural environment and worked to support populations that can benefit from connecting with themselves through the power of nature.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Outdoor Recreation with honours from Lake Head University, Jason’s leadership over the dynamic, committed team ensures he will make this world a little better than when he came into it.