MakeWay today announced that Alex Sardar has left the organization as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The Board of Directors thanks Alex for his contributions and wish him every success in the future.
Erin Blanding will serve as Interim CEO, supported by MakeWay’s strong and collaborative senior leadership team.
Erin joined MakeWay in 2021. As Chief People and Learning Officer, she oversees people and culture, organizational development, learning, and HR operations, while cultivating support for capacity strengthening in the social purpose sector. She also oversees MakeWay Charitable Society (the “Shared Platform”). With more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, movement organizing, and community building, Erin has dedicated her career to creating pathways for change by bringing people together across diverse communities.
Aerin Jacob, Chair of MakeWay’s Board of Directors, said:
“We extend deep gratitude to Alex for his contributions, including supporting the stewardship of the exceptional second gift from Mackenzie Scott, overseeing recruitment of an outstanding cohort of new Board members, and launching a strategic planning process. We wish Alex continued success.
The Board has complete confidence in Erin Blanding and MakeWay’s exceptional senior leadership team to guide the organization through this transition. Erin is a trusted and respected leader whose deep understanding of MakeWay, our people, and our mission provides continuity at an important moment for the organization.
This transition also provides an opportunity for the Board to reflect on the organization’s evolving needs, advance our strategic planning work, and ensure that the organization is set up for long term success.”
MakeWay is moving forward from a position of strength and stability.
Over the past year, five exceptional new Board members have joined our long‑serving directors, bringing additional expertise and perspectives to the organization. MakeWay continues to benefit from a dedicated leadership team, committed staff across the country, a vibrant community of projects and partners, and a strong financial foundation.
Erin Blanding, Interim CEO, said:
“This is a meaningful moment for MakeWay. We’re living through extraordinary times, and we have an extraordinary opportunity before us – one that carries both tremendous possibility and a deep responsibility to steward it well. I’m honoured to step into this interim role. Together, we’ll stay focused on what matters most: continuing to advance work already underway, deepening our partnerships across the country, and building towards the future with care, courage, and purpose.”
In the months ahead, the Board and staff will continue advancing MakeWay’s strategic planning process. This work will help shape the organization’s future priorities and inform the Board’s search for MakeWay’s next CEO. The Board expects to launch the CEO recruitment process in the coming months.