United Way Peterborough & District Introduces New CEO For July 6

The United Way Peterborough & District has introduced Jason Seguya as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of his predecessor, Jim Russell, who announced his departure earlier this year after a 15-year tenure.

Seguya, incoming United Way Peterborough & District CEO (left) sharing a heartelt handshake with Jim Russell, the outgoing CEO (right) as the former is officially introduced to the public. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Seguya says that Russell’s legacy is momentum that should be continued to create a positive impact for Peterborough and the surrounding communities.

“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,” he explained. “It continues with more faces, more hands and more individuals involved, including myself, to make that work impactful.”

The 27-year-old assumes the role on July 6. A Ugandan native, he immigrated to Toronto and then sought his post-secondary education in Ottawa.

He previously served as the 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,” said Seguya. “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. I look forward to working alongside them, with dedication and care as we share this journey ahead.”

Russell announced his retirement from the position this past December. He says he will remain in Peterborough, citing the fact that he met the love of his life here and jokingly adding that she ensured he stayed in town.

“Serving this community through United Way Peterborough & District has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Russell. “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.”

“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,” said Karen Wilson, Board of Directors Chair. “After a careful and deliberate selection process, the Board is proud to make this announcement to our community.”

@ptbo_canada Jason Seguya has been named the new CEO of United Way Peterborough & District, assuming the role on July 6, 2026! #journalism #fyp #news #ptbocanada #unitedway ♬ The Edge Of Everything - Ryman Leon

Seguya remarked that a community is not something you inherit; it is something you build. He is ready to move forward and hit the ground running once he officially assumes the CEO role.

“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.”

According to the United Way, Seguya duties include working closely with staff, volunteers, community partners and donors with a focus on strengthening community impact and advancing United Way’s long-standing 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,” said Seguya. “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.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.