Announcement: Acting CEO Appointment and Office Update

Greetings.

I’m excited to share that, as of Friday November 7^th, 2025, I will be stepping into the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer for the National Association of Friendship Centres until early February 2026 or until the position is filled.

It’s truly an honour to serve in this capacity and to support NAFC, PTAs and Friendship Centres through this period of transition.

During this interim period, our focus will remain on continuity, stability, and supporting all staff, programs, and initiatives. Veronica Wemigwans (Executive Coordinator) will be working closely with me to help ensure smooth communication and coordination. Please include her ( vwemigwans@nafc.ca ) on any correspondence directed to me to ensure all matters are properly addressed and nothing is overlooked.

The NAFC has also had some recent changes on our Management Team that I would like to share. Our Senior leads have stepped into leadership roles and will be here to support the work of the NAFC, PTAs and FCs during this transition.

• Sandra Hines, Director of Finance, shines@nafc.ca
• Kara Louttit, Acting Policy and Research Manager, klouttit@nafc.ca
• James Lavellée, Acting Programs Manager, jlavallee@nafc.ca
• Jenna Chisholm, Acting Youth Initiatives Manager, jchisholm@nafc.ca

Senior members of the Operations team are also taking on some added responsibility during the transition.

• John Paillé, Senior Communications Coordinator will also be lead contact on the 3^rd Urban Indigenous Summit, jpaille@nafc.ca
• Andrew Macumber, Senior Information Analyst will be leading continued process development and work planning support internally, amacumber@nafc.ca

NAFC staff contact list is available here: Contact Us — The National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC)

In the coming weeks I will be working closely with the NAFC Executive to continue to advocate for Program Renewal and actively working to connect and set up meetings with key Federal Government contacts.

I will actively be working to connect with Friendship Centres, PTAs, and key partners, outlining points of contact and ensuring our network continues to receive the guidance and support they rely on from NAFC.

Transitions can be a mix of emotions — change, reflection, and anticipation — but they also remind us of the shared purpose that brings us together.

Important Office Relocation Update – The NAFC was notified that Spaces Laurier Centre, located at 135 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa, will be closing all operations on November 20^th, 2025.

To minimize disruption, we have developed a relocation plan to ensure continuity for our operations. The NAFC will move our office to Regus Lisgar at 116 Lisgar Street, 6^th Floor, Ottawa (located just off Elgin Street in Centre town). Please use this as our mailing address moving forward.

Thank you in advance for your support and patience during this time.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions and need any support from the NAFC.

With gratitude and excitement!

Jennifer Rankin

Acting CEO

NT5