Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction

The Senior Leadership Team at CCSA is comprised of eleven people. They are responsible for ensuring CCSA achieves its strategic goals. The team develops strategic directions that align with the mandate of the organization and its core functions.

Alexander Caudarella, MDCM CCFP AM ABAM(d), Chief Executive Officer

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Alexander is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization and its overall management. He is accountable for the performance of CCSA, its projects, programs, staff and associates. In partnership with the Chair, Alexander enables the Board of Directors to fulfill its governance role, and facilitates the optimum interaction between management and the Board of Directors. He also provides direction for the formulation of CCSA's mission, strategy and annual objectives, and leadership in their achievement.

 

 

Rhowena Martin, Chief Operating Officer

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Rhowena provides operational leadership and direction in implementing the organization’s mandate to address substance use and addiction. She gives ongoing strategic leadership and advice to the CEO, while using strong business and operational planning to cultivate organizational excellence and efficiency. She also oversees the Public Affairs and Communications, Information Systems and Web Services, Quality and Performance Measurement, Human Resources, Knowledge Mobilization and Research divisions.

 

 

John Weekes, PhD, Director, Knowledge Mobilization and Strategic Partnerships

John bridges the gap between what CCSA knows and what it does in the field of substance use health and addiction with his knowledge of mobilization techniques and experience. John ensures implementation and continuous improvement of the integrated knowledge mobilization framework, with a focus on encouraging the uptake of CCSA products. He leads the development of innovative knowledge mobilization strategies to maximize impact and uptake by a broad range of populations and formulates CCSA’s strategy to engage and collaborate meaningfully with diverse interest groups and organizations.

 

 

Pam Kent, PhD, Director, Research

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Pam ensures that CCSA advances knowledge in the substance use and addiction field by providing the best available evidence and research-based policy analysis to inform national policies and professional practice, and to respond to gaps in knowledge. She encourages collaborations with and among researchers linked with the addictions field to monitor emerging trends and bring multi-disciplinary perspectives to addictions research.

 

 

Rosalind Robertson, Director, Policy

Rosalind builds and manages policy capacity at CCSA by providing subject-matter expertise, policy analysis and strategic advice. She works in collaboration with CCSA’s external facing divisions to communicate key messages and assists in the knowledge mobilization of research findings to promote evidence-informed policy and practice.

 

 

Heather Ochalski, MA, Director, Indigenous Partnerships and Strategies

Heather develops and nurtures collaborative relationships with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and organizations across Canada. She builds CCSA’s internal capacity to cultivate reciprocal relationships with these communities and organizations, and works closely with partners to create meaningful reconciliation initiatives. Heather works with the CCSA senior leadership team and staff to create and implement a strategic plan for developing a reconciliation framework. Heather also advises senior leadership on key emerging issues, themes, evidence and approaches specific to the shared priorities of CCSA in the context of First Nations, Métis and Inuit health and wellness.

 

Catherine Frame​​​, Director, Finance​

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Catherine manages CCSA's financial and reporting systems. She ensures they have the capacity to meet the Centre’s strategic directions, and internal and external reporting requirements. She acts as the leading interface between management and the Board of Directors' Finance and Audit Committees on financial matters.

 

 

Susan Landry, CHRL, Director, Human Resources

Susan leads the design and implementation of progressive, innovative and cost-effective employee programs and practices. These programs and practices enhance CCSA’s work environment and culture to increase employee engagement. She support CCSA employees by delivering results in human resource policy development, performance management, professional development, staffing and compensation.

 

 

Director, Public Relations and Community Engagement

The Director, Public Affairs and Communications, leads the promotion of CCSA as Canada’s national, unique voice on substance-related issues. They use a range of public affairs, government relations and communications services and advice to support this mandate. They also support the strategic directions and activities of other divisions through marketing, communications, design, publishing and translation.

 

 

David Haswell, Director, Information Systems and Web Services​

David Haswell, Director of ISWS

The Director of Information Systems and Web Services optimizes the use of tools, systems and processes to ensure CCSA achieves its strategic goals by maximizing organizational efficiency and effective information management while improving information technology practices and support. They are also responsible for enhancing CCSA’s online presence, products and performance through developing informed technology strategies and innovative solutions.

 

 

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