It is with sadness that we share with you that Michelle Hurtubise, our Executive Director, has resigned from Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre, effective August 31. We’re sorry to see her go and also so pleased for what she has planned next. Michelle will be moving to a new position in the Ottawa health and social services sector, and we look forward to continuing our association with her in this new role.

During her leadership with our centre, Michelle has been instrumental in supporting the Board to develop a robust strategic plan, implementing a risk management framework and implementing our first Quality Improvement Plan based on quality indicators from Health Quality Ontario. She has provided leadership within the Four Rivers Ontario Health Team in their recent application with more than 70 community partners and in the development of a unique community housing hub at Christ Church Bells Corners, planned to open in spring 2022.

We have a transition plan. The Board of Directors and senior leadership team have a plan for interim leadership and to hire a new Executive Director. Within the next couple of days, we will be sharing with you the name of the interim Executive Director. A hiring committee has been struck to oversee the search for our new Executive Director. We are feeling positive about the months ahead.

We know that leadership change can sometimes be unsettling. We also know our Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre team is resilient, dedicated to our clients and cares deeply for our community. We’ll work through these upcoming months together.

It’s normal to have questions. Don’t hesitate to connect with Gina Grosenick, our Board Chairperson: boardofdirectors@wocrc.ca.