After 12 years of service as Executive Director of Mission Services of London (MSL), Peter Rozeluk has announced his retirement as of October 14, 2022. “The Board is deeply grateful to Peter for his countless contributions, wisdom, and leadership over the past 12 years; he has navigated the challenges–and opportunities–that come with his role with steadfastness, leaving Mission Services of London well positioned for the future,” says Allen Page, MSL Board of Directors President. Among Rozeluk’s accomplishments are leading MSL to become accredited through the Canadian Centre for Accreditation, guiding the organization in its transformation to a Living Wage employer, diversifying revenue streams by emphasizing fundraising and social enterprise (resulting in the Mission Store’s expansion to its current location and its recognition as a Corporate Social Responsibility finalist for the London Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards in 2019), and most recently the expansion of our addiction treatment program.

On September 20, Page announced to all staff that Ericka Ayala Ronson, current Director of Development & Communications, will be assuming the role of Executive Director after Rozeluk’s retirement. Ayala Ronson will work in collaboration with stakeholders to guide Mission Services of London as it serves the community in ways reflective of the organization’s vision, mission, values, and faith-based identity.

“The Board undertook a prayerful and rigorous process during which Ericka distinguished herself as the Board’s choice to lead Mission Services of London through the next phase of its evolution,” said Page. “Not only does she have a heart for serving neighbours in need; we also know her as an effective and strategic leader, who manages her team through motivation and navigates change with grace. Her resourcefulness, relationship-building skills and ease for communicating with various stakeholders make her a tremendous asset as a senior leader”.

Born and raised in El Salvador, Ayala Ronson immigrated to Canada in 1996 and has called London home ever since. After completing an Honours Business Administration degree at the Ivey Business School, Ayala Ronson chose to dedicate her talents to the nonprofit sector. Following a number of years in health care fundraising, she joined the senior leadership team at Mission Services of London in 2012, helping to stabilize and significantly grow the organization’s fundraising revenue and communications efforts.

In addition to working in the nonprofit sector, Ayala Ronson is a keen volunteer; her past involvement ranges from door-to-door canvassing to governance committees, to mentorship of students or young professionals, to strategic plan facilitation to sitting on Boards of Directors.

“Being involved in the nonprofit sector is not a job–it’s my calling. I was fortunate to realize that early on in my career,” shares Ayala Ronson. “I’m excited to step into the next chapter and I’m thrilled that I get to do that at Mission Services of London. The team here is dedicated and talented; they inspire me to give my best every day. What we do is a labour of love and resilience that no one person carries out alone–it takes staff, volunteers, donors, government and service partners, and the community at large. It’s an honour for me to serve as Executive Director–especially as we move through a newly unveiled strategic plan. I look forward to our collective work ahead.”

For his part, Rozeluk reflects on his tenure: “I am grateful for the opportunity I was given to serve Mission Services of London for the past 12 years. Each day, I’ve been inspired and humbled by the compassion and diligence of staff and volunteers as they served our neighbours. I’m eagerly anticipating the continued evolution of Mission Services under Ericka’s leadership, and looking forward to a slower pace, spending more time with my wife, Sharon, and our family”.

Ayala Ronson assumes the role of Executive Director as of October 14. In the meantime, she and Rozeluk will continue working closely together, and with the rest of the senior leadership team, to support a smooth transition.