Jim Russell, CEO – One of Peterborough’s Top 20 Most Influential

Peterborough This Week’s annual Top 20 includes a familiar face this year. Jim Russell, CEO United Way Peterborough & District hit this year’s list at number 6.

“The collection of names and personalities is a definitive guide to the power structure of this community. While some will (and have) taken exception to who cracked our top 20, few can argue with the impact each individual has on shaping our community,” says the local paper’s Editor, Mike Lacey.

Mr. Russell shared the Top 20 with a selection of local politicians, philanthropists, business minds, lobbyists and a young scientist who also made Canada’s Top 20 under 20 for his research on cancer treatment.

“The depth of commitment and influence in our community is certainly much larger than 20. I am sure everyone on the list would agree what a privilege it is to serve and live in such a fine place as Peterborough,” says Russell.

Jim arrived in Peterborough almost 3 years ago to assume the CEO position at United Way and has been frequently quoted for wanting this to be his last job.

“It’s always humbling to be recognized, especially among a group of such august peers, but I credit the hard work of United Way staff, Board, volunteers, and the hard work of our leaders among our partner agencies who deliver such tremendous service to the community,” Russell added.

Top 20 selection criteria includes;

  •  Candidates must live in the City or County of Peterborough
  •  The decisions they make impact a large number of individuals
  •  They are leaders within their respective fields
  •  They increase the chances of a project’s success by becoming involved.

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📬 It’s that time of year again!
We were thrilled to visit @miskinlaw this morning and are proud to announce Miskin Law as the Presenting Sponsor of Day of Caring 2026 with a generous $5,000 contribution. 

Day of Caring brings volunteers and workplaces together to support local agencies and strengthen our community through hands-on impact. Partnerships like this one make it all possible!

Thank you to the whole team at Miskin Law (including Leo🐶) for your leadership, generosity, and commitment to building a stronger Peterborough. We can’t wait to work together for an incredible Day of Caring 2026!
Our office will be closed today, Monday, may 18th and will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19th! Have a safe and restful  long weekend. 

Need support? Dial 211 to connect with a live agent and find assistance with food, housing, healthcare, employment and more.
🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Today we stand for love, dignity, and inclusion.
 
Everyone deserves to live authentically and without fear.

United Way Peterborough & District remains committed to fostering inclusion, advancing equity, and supporting initiatives that uplift 2SLGBTQI+ communities across our region.
 
#IDAHOBIT
Last week, nearly 60 community members came together at our Solutions Summit to share ideas, build connections, and help shape the future of Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) work across Peterborough City & County. 

The conversations were thoughtful, honest, and inspiring, and we know there are still more voices to hear.

We’re now inviting the broader community to help inform how up to $300,000 through our new Priority Issues Fund will be invested over the next 18 months.
Whether you attended the Summit or not, we want your insight.

📝 Complete the Priority Issues Fund Survey before Tuesday, May 19 at 10:00 a.m. and help shape this work moving forward.

🔗 Link in bio

Thank you to everyone who has already contributed their time, perspectives, and lived experience to this process. We’re excited to continue learning, evolving, and building this work, together!
Happy Mother’s Day 💖
 
To every mom and mother figure — your love and care make our communities brighter.
Do you have an idea to make your community better? 

This is your chance to bring it to life.💥 Apply to the Neighbourhood Fund for the chance to receive a small grant and turn your project into something real.

Every big change starts small and it could all start with you!

🔗 Apply today at uwpeterborough.ca 
🗓️ Deadline: Wednesday, May 27 at noon
May is Leave a Legacy Month in Canada. It’s about more than a gift, it’s about the future you believe in.

A future where everyone in our community has the support they need to thrive.

Planned giving is a way to carry your values forward and make a difference for generations to come. 

Learn more by visiting our website www.uwpeterborough.ca
Today we honour and remember missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.
 
We listen.
We learn.
We reflect.
We act.
 
🧡

#MMIWG2S
✨ Your mental health matters.
 
This #MentalHealthWeek, let’s nurture our minds and create space for honest conversations.
 
Need support? Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.ca to get connected. 💚
 
You’re not alone.
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