SSC’s longest serving CEO retires at 74
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Schizophrenia Society of Canada honoured its retiring CEO Dr. Chris Summerville on Oct. 2 at the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach.
SSC moved from Winnipeg to Steinbach in March 2020 during the pandemic, when it downsized and cut costs. Summerville became SSC’s CEO about 20 years ago in 2007 when it was financially struggling. Under Summerville, SSC grew significantly and became financially stable.
“After over 31 years as a leader in what I call, ‘the Schizophrenia- Recovery Movement,’ yes I will be retiring as the longest CEO at age 74 on Dec. 31 of this year,” Summerville said at MHV.
SSC executives, family members and prominent figures like Ed Schreyer and Kelvin Goertzen attended the event. Many of Summerville’s friends including former Liberal Senator Michael Kirby also joined in virtually.
“I find it difficult to find words adequate to express the gratitude and the thanks that we owe Chris and those who work with him,” Schreyer said.
Schreyer met Summerville for the first time in Winnipeg.
“I remember vividly meeting Chris in the first place, when he was in his little office. I went to see him because both my wife, Lily, and I were in distress.”
Goertzen also thanked Summerville for his advocacy on mental health.
“I’m sure there were times it was difficult, and people probably didn’t say the nicest things to you when you were advocating. As a politician, I have some sympathy for that,” Goertzen said. “But you continued, because you knew it was the right thing to do.”
Summerville said in his early life he never imagined he would get to help people struggling from schizophrenia. He was a pastor for 20 years.
“Who would have imagined ‘a nerd from Alabama’ serving the Mental Health Commission of Canada?” he said.
Summerville said he is looking forward to his life after retirement.
“I’m looking forward to my new grandchild that will be here in a couple of months and our current grandchild,” he said.
“The Lord and his wisdom and foreknowledge led me into the Schizophrenia Recovery Movement,” Summerville said.