Pathways to Education Canada is pleased to announce that Susanne Gillespie will join the organization as the new President and CEO

TORONTO, June 8, 2015 /CNW/ - The Board of Directors of Pathways to Education Canada is pleased to announce that Susanne Gillespie will join the organization as the new President and CEO effective June 29, 2015.

Sue is a senior executive with a wealth of experience and a track record of success in the non-profit sector, delivering community based health and social services in provincial, regional and community settings for over 20 years.  Most recently, Sue served as the CEO of Carizon Family and Community Services in the Waterloo Region – Pathways Kitchener community partner – where she gained a reputation for providing visionary leadership to community initiatives by building capacity and encouraging collaboration. She led the successful merger of Mosaic Counselling and Family Services and KidsLINK, and subsequently developed new governance and corporate policies, a mission, a vision, a strategic plan, and an organizational structure that was both embraced and supported by stakeholders.

As Carizon delivers the Pathways to Education Program™ to Kitchener students, Sue brings first-hand experience with both the Program and the issues facing individuals and families who participate to her role as CEO.

"I am excited to join Pathways in a national capacity and to use my experience and knowledge of the Pathways to Education Program™ to expand the organization's reach and continue to deliver exceptional results," says Sue Gillespie.

Prior to her role at Carizon, Sue had a leadership role at The Canadian Hearing Society (CHS).  As the Director of Counselling Programs for 10 years, she worked collaboratively with multiple organizations. This collaborative experience will serve as a strong asset as Pathways to Education Canada continues to expand nationally, building new relationships across the country.

"We are thrilled to welcome Sue, a valued Pathways partner, to the national team.  We are confident that, under her exceptional leadership, Pathways will continue to serve more youth across the country and move even closer to our goal of making Canada a Graduation Nation," Samuel L. Duboc, Chair, Pathways to Education Canada.

About Pathways to Education – pathwaystoeducation.ca  
Pathways to Education Canada is a charitable organization that helps youth in low-income communities graduate from high school and successfully transition into post-secondary education or training. Pathways to Education addresses systemic barriers to education by providing leadership, expertise and a community-based program proven to lower dropout rates. Founded in 2001, Pathways operates in 17 communities across Canada, with programs in Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Manitoba, and British Columbia.

SOURCE Pathways to Education Canada

Colleen Ryan, [email protected]; or (For media inquiries) Katherine Heydon, Fleishman Hillard, [email protected]