Meet the Director

On July 20, 2010, the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies (OACAS) announced the appointment of Mary Ballantyne as Executive Director of the provincial child welfare association. With over 24 years experience in child welfare, Ms.Ballantyne has contributed significantly to the field in a leadership and management role.

Beginning November 1, 2010, Ms. Ballantyne will lead the association representing Children’s Aid Societies in Ontario in advocacy, education, research and public education. Following the retirement of then-Executive Director Jeanette Lewis in June, the Board of Directors selected Ms. Ballantyne after an extensive consultation with member agencies and stakeholders and a thorough search process. In the interim, Virginia Rowden, Director of Social Policy, has been appointed Acting Executive Director of the Association and will continue in this role.

Mary Ballantyne has been the Executive Director of the Simcoe County Children's Aid Society for the past ten years.  She has been an active part of the Ontario child welfare field for over 24 years including front line, middle and senior management positions as well as various special project secondments. Some of Mary's notable contributions include the development of the Eligibility Spectrum, leading her agency through pilot testing for the Single Information System and providing leadership to various provincial projects such as leadership development, shared services and the funding advisory committee. Mary brings a genuine, compassionate and courageous approach to working with people and systems to improve the lives of children and families.

The OACAS Board of Directors welcomes Ms. Ballantyne to the Association.