It is with mixed emotions that the Board of Directors announce the retirement of our esteemed Executive Director, Ms. Gisèle Hébert. After more than 35 years of dedicated service to the Children’s Aid Society of the District of Nipissing and Parry Sound, Gisèle has decided to embark on the next chapter in her life, bidding farewell to a remarkable career.
Throughout her tenure with the agency, Gisèle has held various frontline and supervisory positions. In 2004, Gisèle assumed the role of the Executive Director and has led the Children’s Aid Society of the District of Nipissing and Parry Sound through many accomplishments. Her distinguished record of achievements include:
- Serving as a board member for prominent organizations such as the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS), Practice and Research Together (PART) and more recently the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC).
- Providing exceptional leadership and fierce advocacy for children, youth and families on numerous community, provincial and sector planning tables.
- Leading the transformation of the former Near North Youth Centre into Arbour House, an innovative and trauma informed provincial prototype for children and youth in Northern Ontario.
- Launching the creation of Elmwood, a visionary community hub designed to provide a wide array of programming and barrier-free support and services to children, youth and families affiliated with child welfare.
- Demonstrated exemplary leadership navigating complexities during unprecedented times.
Through it all, Gisèle’s embodied an unwavering commitment and passion for the well-being of northern families. Her leadership style, characterized by humility, compassion, and genuine dedication, has set a standard of excellence that will be remembered for years to come.
To celebrate Gisèle’s remarkable career and express our gratitude for her unparalleled dedication, we will be organizing a retirement celebration. More information regarding this celebration will be circulated at a later date.
On June 28, 2024, Nancy Lafrance Rich, current Director of Services will be assuming the role of Acting Executive Director while the Board of Directors reviews next steps in the recruitment process.
Please join the Board of Directors in extending our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Gisèle as she enters this well-deserved chapter of relaxation, adventure, and personal fulfillment.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Kanmacher, Board Chair
The Children’s Aid Society of the District of Nipissing and Parry Sound
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