NEWS RELEASE
NORTH EASTERN ONTARIO FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S SERVICES
*************************
The board of governors of North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Cléo Charlebois as the agency’s new executive director.
“The board is confident that Cléo is prepared and will be able to move NEOFACS forward with his vision and passion. Over the years, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to the agency’s staff and to the children, youth, and families it serves,” said Don Anderson, board president of NEOFACS, of the appointment.
Cléo Charlebois assumed the executive director position as of Feb. 24. He began his social work career at North Cochrane District Family Services in 1995 and has over two decades of varied professional experience in the child welfare, mental health, youth justice and social services sectors. The position had been vacant since Oct. 31, 2021, following the retirement of the previous executive director, John Raymond.
“It is with great enthusiasm that I accept this position as my professional and personal experiences and passions align strongly with the organization,” said Charlebois of the news.
Since 2017, Cléo has been a director of services with NEOFACS, where most recently, he oversaw the Residential Programs, Community-Based and Youth Justice Services. Charlebois has championed several system change initiatives, including NEOFACS’ Residential Framework and the introduction of the Therapeutic Family Home Program.
As an active member of numerous local and provincial committees, Charlebois believes that community engagement and service collaboration are critical to ensuring families' positive and successful outcomes. He holds an Honours Degree in Social Work (HBSW) from Laurentian University, is a graduate of the Social Service Worker (SSW) program at Northern College, and attended leadership courses through the Schulich School of Business.
Cléo grew up in Val Gagne, Ont., is fully bilingual, and believes that children and youth are best helped by maintaining connections with their families, cultures, and communities.
“I look forward to working with staff, children, youth, families, alternate caregivers, volunteers, board of governors and the community, while continuing to promote a respectful and productive work environment within a culture built on ethical and anti-oppressive practices,” stated Charlebois of his new role.
Join us in congratulating Cléo on his appointment and welcoming him to his new role.
*************************