Our community's United Way is entering a new chapter. The United Way Peterborough & District has announced that Jason Seguya will take the helm as Chief Executive Officer on Saturday, July 6, marking a generational shift in leadership for the organization that has long served as a pillar of local social services.
The 27-year-old leader steps into the role following the retirement of Jim Russell, who announced his departure this past December after a remarkable 15-year tenure guiding the organization through significant growth and community impact.
"The work that he has done for this organization has been so integral in the organization's growth and that does not stop here today," Seguya said of Russell's legacy. "It continues with more faces, more hands and more individuals involved, including myself, to make that work impactful."
Seguya brings a unique perspective shaped by his journey from Uganda to Canada. After immigrating to Toronto, he pursued his post-secondary education in Ottawa, where he built his leadership credentials serving as executive director of The Fulcrum Publishing Society for the University of Ottawa and Ontario Student Voices.
"I am deeply honoured to be joining United Way Peterborough & District and to have the opportunity to build on the incredible legacy of leadership, service, and community impact that Jim and the team have advanced," Seguya said. "I believe the strength of any sustainable, long-standing organization lies in its people, and United Way Peterborough & District's impact has continuously been made possible by the dedication of its staff, board, volunteers, donors, partners, and community members who have brought this mission to life every day."
Russell reflected warmly on his time leading the organization and his decision to remain in Peterborough. "Serving this community through United Way Peterborough & District has been one of the greatest privileges of my career," he said. "I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together alongside our staff, volunteers, donors, partners, and supporters. As I prepare for retirement, I do so with deep confidence in the future of this organization. United Way's best days are still ahead."
He noted that he met the love of his life here and jokingly added that she ensured he stayed in town—a testament to the personal connections that bind leaders to the communities they serve.
Karen Wilson, Board of Directors Chair, expressed confidence in the transition. "Jim's dedication and leadership have positioned United Way Peterborough & District for continued success and a smooth transition as he enters his well-earned retirement," Wilson said. "After a careful and deliberate selection process, the Board is proud to make this announcement to our community."
Seguya arrives with a clear vision for the organization's future, emphasizing that building community is an active, ongoing process rather than something inherited. His priorities include strengthening the organization's commitment to reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion—both internally and in how the United Way engages with the broader community.
"One of the key things that's been made with both the board of directors and staff is really incorporating reconciliation, equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion in our work," he explained. "What this looks like internal to the organization is boosting the capacity so we're able to speak on these items and support communities whereas externally, removing some barriers so that folks can engage with the United Way Peterborough & District in different ways."
His approach centers on a fundamental principle: supporting the most vulnerable members of our community creates benefits that ripple outward to everyone. In his new role, Seguya will work closely with staff, volunteers, community partners and donors to strengthen community impact and advance the United Way's leadership in local social change.
"It really leans on that belief that if you support those who are most vulnerable, all will benefit from it," Seguya said. "That's one element of this work but the other element is truly rooted in community and that will be an ongoing conversation which will pass discussion by discussion, issue by issue."
As Seguya prepares to officially begin his tenure in just over two weeks, the United Way Peterborough & District stands poised to continue its mission of creating positive change throughout our region—now guided by a young leader ready to build on decades of community service while charting a path forward that reflects the diverse voices and needs of everyone who calls this area home.
