Introducing Threads of Life’s new Executive Director

The Board of Directors of Threads of Life is pleased to announce the appointment of Eugene Gutierrez as the new Executive Director. Eugene will officially join the organization January 15, 2025.

“As a member and volunteer for Threads of Life, Eugene brings a deep understanding and great passion for our mission,” says Board Chair Peter Deines. “His leadership will allow us to position ourselves for the future and further grow the reach and impact of our organization.”

Threads of Life – the Association for Workplace Tragedy Support, is a national Canadian charity which provides peer support programs to individuals and families affected by work-related fatalities, serious injuries and occupational disease. Threads of Life is passionate about working to prevent future tragedies. 

The search for a new Executive Director has been underway for several months since current Executive Director and founder Shirley Hickman announced her intention to retire. Along with other families personally affected by workplace tragedy, Shirley established Threads of Life in 2003. Shirley’s 21-year-old son Tim died after an explosion at the arena where he worked part time. 

Aiming to do something positive with her family’s love for Tim, Shirley created the ground-breaking one-to-one peer support program called Volunteer Family Guides, hosted regional Family Forums which bring together those affected, launched the respected Threads of Life volunteer speaker’s bureau, and started Steps for Life, the premier health and safety event in the country.

Eugene has also been personally affected by workplace tragedy, having lost his father, Bot, to a workplace fatality. He has been a member of Threads of Life since 2018. He brings extensive experience in marketing and management, complemented by a strong background in volunteering and community building.

“Threads of Life has played a major role in the healing journey for myself and my family after my dad’s death,” Eugene says. “I am deeply honoured to step into this new role and continue the vital work of this organization. I am committed to helping Threads of Life grow and expand its reach to serve all who need this support. Together, with our volunteers and partners, we will work and collaborate to bring about a world in which workplace tragedies are unacceptable.”

Eugene and Shirley will be working together for several weeks to ensure a smooth transition. The Board and staff look forward to working with Eugene in his new leadership role.