Community Living Essex County honours retired executive director
- Ron Giofu
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
It was a day filled with tears, laughter and gratitude as Community Living Essex County (CLEC) bid farewell to its executive director last week.
Colleagues, friends and family of Karen Bolger gathered at the Ciociaro Club last Thursday evening to celebrate her retirement from the organization after a stellar 40-year career. Bolger started off her career as a support worker, worked her way up the ranks and was the agency’s executive director for the last seven years.
Bolger thanked her co-workers, the board of directors, partner agencies, friends and her family for the support she received over the last 40 years. She admitted to being “happy and sad at the same time,” and that while she knew she would retire one day, it always seemed to be well into the future.
“For me, the journey has been all about the relationships and growing together,” she said.
The types of relationships that have been highlights for Bolger include those between the staff, the people they support and the families. She said she entered her career full of hope and is leaving with lifelong memories.
“I am proud of what we accomplished,” said Bolger. “I know the future of the agency is in good hands.”
Bolger expressed her gratitude to everyone she worked for or alongside during her 40-year career.
“Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives,” she said. “You have changed mine forever.”
Corey Dalgleish, who has moved up from the director of operations role into the executive director’s position this week upon Bolger’s retirement, told Bolger “you are leaving a legacy” that will inspire those with the organization for years to come.
“You set the bar high because the people we support deserve nothing less,” said Dalgleish.
Dalgleish was one of many to use words like compassion, kindness and steady leadership in describing Bolger, noting there have been several challenges in her seven years as executive director including leading the agency through a global pandemic.
“I can’t think of anyone else that would have been a perfect fit to be here,” said Dalgleish. “You’ve led with your hard work, dedication and unquestionable dedication. You leave with our utmost respect, admiration and sincere gratitude and appreciation.”
Sandra Paisley, manager of Community Living supports, represented CLEC’s leadership team and presented Bolger with several gifts. She recalled working with Bolger early in her career when Bolger went from residential to vocational supports. Bolger kept moving up in the agency and Paisley said it was “an amazing 40 years.”
Julie LaSorda, director of marketing and innovation with CLEC, recalled how her relationship with Bolger developed since LaSorda joined the agency in 2008. She noted Bolger’s kindness, dedication, leadership skills and willingness to stand up for her positions, even when it went against the grain.
“She truly wants the best for the people we support, their families and the people in her life,” said LaSorda. “Karen has a huge heart.”
CLEC board chair Chad Sutherland presented Bolger with a retirement gift from the board as well as an honourary life membership, the latter being an honour rarely bestowed. Sutherland said it was hard to believe how quickly time went by between when Bolger announced her intention to retire to her actual retirement date.
Sutherland added Bolger has had “40 remarkable years” with Community Living Essex Couty and said it was a great milestone. He praised her strength, passion and commitment to the agency and that her time as executive director saw even more inclusivity and innovation.
“You leave behind not only a positive legacy but an excellent example for us to follow,” he said.
Community Living Essex County supports over 700 people with intellectual disabilities and their families. For more information, visit www.communitylivingessex.org or call 519-776-6483.
Community Living Essex County honours retired executive director
By Ron Giofu
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