Shalem Welcomes Liz Way as New Operations Director
Shalem is delighted to welcome Liz Way as our new Operations Director, beginning October 19, 2026.
As Shalem has grown—in the number and reach of our programs, our partnerships, and the complexity of the organization behind them—we have recognized the need for greater operational capacity to support that growth well.
The departure of our long-serving Managing Director, Danielle VandenAkker, after 21 years of dedicated service, gave us an opportunity to consider what Shalem needs for its next chapter. The newly created Operations Director position is a key leadership role, focused on strengthening the organizational systems and infrastructure that support our staff, programs and growing work.
Liz brings more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning organizational strategy, operations, financial stewardship and change management. She comes to Shalem from Redeemer University, where she most recently served as Director of Admissions. Previously, she held several leadership roles at McMaster University, overseeing complex operations, leading teams through organizational change, and developing programs and partnerships that expanded opportunities for students.
Alongside her professional experience, Liz brings a deep commitment to community and faith-informed leadership. She holds a Master of Theological Studies from Tyndale University and is currently pursuing an MBA in Management and Change at Carleton University. She also serves as Chair of Helping Hands Street Mission and on the board of Indwell.
What particularly excites us about Liz is the combination of her strategic and operational expertise with her thoughtful, relational approach to leadership. She brings both the experience to strengthen our organizational systems and a commitment to the people and mission those systems are there to serve.
We are delighted to welcome Liz to Shalem and look forward to the experience, perspective and leadership she will bring as we continue our work of restoring hope.
Please join us in giving Liz a very warm welcome to Shalem!