Sisley named new director of operations for Yellowhead Centre

By Eoin Devereux Neepawa Banner & Press

The Yellowhead Centre in Neepawa has hired a new Director of Operations.

Yvonne Sisley has taken over the position, which involves the scheduling of events, overseeing of the financials and the general day-to day operation at the local recreational facility.

Sisley comes into the job with her connection to the Yellowhead Centre well entrenched, having been involved for several years in Neepawa Minor Hockey, as a parent, board member and volunteer. As well, Sisley has been a member of the Ice Scrapers Ladies Hockey Club, as a player and manager.

Away from the Yellowhead Centre, just some of Sisley’s recent profession experiences includes operating the ArtsForward Cultural Centre as its general manager and a term on the Neepawa Town Council.

In an interview with the Banner & Press, just before officially taking over the job, Sisley noted that she is looking forward to the opportunity. She added she understands the value this facility has as the regional hub and the importance of maintaining that stature.

“The Yellowhead Centre is an integral and important part of our community. Whether it be social gatherings, hockey, figure skating, recreational hockey, public skating, our MJHL Neepawa Titans, world class curling events, heritage festivals, gymnastics, craft sales, flu clinics, elections…The Yellowhead is the centre for every big event or organized sport or recreation event in our community,” stated Sisley.

Moving forward, Sisley noted there are a few challenges that the 52 year-old facility faces, such as ensuring repairs and upgrades are completed and that funding from all users and municipalities is used as wisely as possible. She is confident, however, that herself, with the guidance of the Yellowhead Centre board, will be able to meet those challenges, and more, head on.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of starting from a clean slate, with the ability to bring this facility to the forefront of our community. I am excited to tap into my background experience in several different areas and aid in developing the Yellowhead as a Recreational Hub for Neepawa and the surrounding municipalities and fostering partnerships with several other organizations in our community,” said Sisley.

Neepawa’s Yellowhead Centre is a communityowned and operated recreation facility that opened 1971. The facility is home to many local organizations, including the Neepawa Titans Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club, the Neepawa Farmers Senior ‘A’ Hockey Club, Neepawa Tigers high school hockey team and local minor hockey. It is also home to the Neepawa Figure Skating Club, Synchro Skating, Gymnastics and other programs.