NEWS RELEASE
HALTON CHILDREN’S AID SOCIETY
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The board of directors of the Halton Children’s Aid Society (Halton CAS) is happy to announce the appointment of David Willis to the position of executive director effective September 23, 2024.
David succeeds Janice Robinson, who will retire from the Society on July 12, 2024, after almost six years in the role of executive director of Halton CAS and 38 years of loyal service to the child welfare sector. Michelle McGaw, who has served as the director of human resources and administration for the Halton CAS over the past 13 years, will act as the interim executive director until David commences his employment.
David holds over 30 years of experience developing relationships with funders, stakeholders and others who partnered in helping to build a sustainable, effective and accessible children’s mental health sector. Most recently, David has served as the CEO for Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services.
During David’s time at Keystone Child, Youth and Family Services his agenda for renewal resulted in successfully expanding their live-in treatment program to double in size in partnership with the regional hospital system, a re-branding for the organization, a new strategic plan, and organizational education on equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.
Prior to his position as CEO of Keystone, David oversaw the child and youth mental health sector for the Greater Toronto Area, where he introduced services such as city-wide walk-in clinics, centralized access to services as well as integrated psychiatry services for the most complex mental health patients.
Prior to this, David was in psychiatry leadership at the Hospital for Sick Children, where he oversaw the brain and mental health services that included telepsychiatry, psychiatry, adolescent medicine, urgent care and eating disorders. His role also included building relationships and working in partnership with Indigenous and Inuit communities.
"After a comprehensive and thoughtful search, the board is very pleased to welcome David Willis to the executive director role," says Joyce See, Halton CAS selection committee chair.
"David brings a deep understanding of the complex needs of our community, as well as demonstrated experience collaborating across sectors to successfully serve children, youth and families. His innovative, strategic leadership and strong focus on community partnerships will allow him to continue to build on the many successes of the Halton Children's Aid Society."
The board wishes to extend their thanks to the stakeholders who helped to inform its search, and to all the candidates who participated in the recruitment process. Finally, the board wishes to share its deep appreciation and gratitude to the current executive director, Janice Robinson, for her continued leadership of the Society during its period of transition.
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