. jamie niessen: new CEO of volunteer calgary

Volunteer Calgary appoints new CEO
On June 13, 2011, Jamie Niessen was appointed as the new President and CEO of Volunteer Calgary.

Niessen’s extensive background in the non-profit industry and strong ties to volunteerism has made him an ideal candidate for the position and he looks forward to continuing the organization’s strong 56 year history in Calgary. Hailing from Claresholm, Alta, Niessen believes that volunteering is essential in establishing a sense of belonging within a community.

“Volunteering is a huge part of how I learn, grow and connect with the city where I live,” he stated. “It gives me a more well-rounded sense.”

Jamie Niessen, CEO of Volunteer Calgary

With a degree in Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, the CEO has had the opportunity to work for a variety of public, private, and non-profit organizations throughout Eastern Canada. However, it was a hectic traveling and work schedule that brought Niessen back to Alberta in 1999, where he took a position at the Banff Centre for the Arts. He then made the transition to Calgary in 2001.Niessen was appointed the President and CEO of Volunteer Calgary on June 13 and is thrilled to be working in such a passionate city.  “Calgary was the next logical step and was ready to be here. The city has a tremendous energy, strong spirit, and a can-do attitude,” exclaimed Niessen.

“So many people are passionate and engaged in this city.”  

Located at Volunteer Way in the heart of the Beltline, Volunteer Calgary aims to connect passionate volunteers with organizations within the community. With 71% of Calgarians donating an average of 14.6 hours a month, Calgary is the volunteer capital of Canada.

And with personal satisfaction and making a difference in the community the main motivator behind over 75% of all Calgarian volunteers, Volunteer Calgary has been working to engage and promote volunteerism within the city. “Volunteers are part of the ties that bind community. No one is making you do it; you are choosing to give up yourself,” he said. While the centre doesn’t do direct volunteer placements, it instead acts as a “dating service” to match local Calgarians with 430 organizations in which they can donate their time to.

An online database matches up volunteers with positions according to interests and skill sets. However, the centre faces challenges in regards to community engagement due to demographic shifts, technology changes, and sustainable funding. “The centre will continue to focus on collaborations and partnerships within the community and what we can achieve together instead of on our own,” explained Niessen.“Volunteering is not a one-way street; you get back what you give.”