Announcement of new Executive Directors
“I know that these senior leaders will be great assets to the Department of Community Services and will inspire innovation, transformation, collaboration, transparency – and help us to provide better programs and supports to those we serve,” says Nancy MacLellan, Associate Deputy Minister, Strategy and Transformation.
Sandy Graves has accepted the position of Executive Director, Employment Support and Income Assistance. Sandy has an MPA from Dalhousie, and most recently, she has been Director of Employment Nova Scotia at Labour and Advanced Education. Sandy’s prior experience includes more than 18 years with Community Services in Employment Support and Income Assistance, and she brings significant experience in leading change and transformation – and a great energy, sense of humour, and action orientation.
Vanessa Chouinard has accepted the position of Executive Director, Policy and Information Management. Vanessa has a Bachelor of Information Systems from St. F.X. and an MBA from Dalhousie, and most recently was Project Director for Access for Citizens with Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. Prior to joining government, Vanessa was a management consultant with Barrington Consulting Group and with Deloitte. Vanessa brings a strategic orientation, and a strong change management and project management approach to the department, has a results and outcomes orientation, and has great capacity for facilitating collaborative approaches to transformational change.
Joe Rudderham has accepted the position of Executive Director, Services to Persons with Disabilities. Joe has a BSc from St. F.X. and an MBA from St. Mary’s, and most recently was the Director of Apprenticeship at Labour and Advanced Education. In addition to his strong leadership skill, Joe has a rich personal volunteer history with supporting persons with disabilities, including being a founding member of Abilympics (Canada Association) and a former member of the Disabled Persons Commission. Joe brings a methodical and thoughtful approach to work, a strong client orientation, and significant experience in leading change.
Vicki Wood has accepted the position of Executive Director, Family and Children Services. Vicki has a BA from Acadia and an MSW from Dalhousie, and most recently held the position of Acting Executive Director (15 months) and Director of Child Welfare. Vicki has great experience in the field of child welfare, has a research orientation, and effectively uses evidence to support decision making. Vicki is a collaborative leader with staff, senior leaders, stakeholders, and partners and effectively manages complex and compelling subject matter.
“Special thanks are due to the highly experienced staff who helped the department in acting capacities during this time of transition,” says Deputy Minister Lynn Hartwell. “We have great knowledge and experience in the department and strong teams in each of these program areas. We all have important contributions to make in supporting innovation together.”