Steve Woodman, Executive Director of Durham Children’s Aid Society (CAS), has officially announced his retirement, effective September 30, 2024.
Woodman joined Durham CAS in September 2019 after seven years as Executive Director of Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington and 23 years in the child welfare sector. A Certified Public Accountant, he has held senior positions in corporate services at both the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies and Peel Children’s Aid Society.
During his tenure, Woodman has been a catalyst for change, challenging entrenched norms within child welfare. His leadership has led to significant changes in service delivery, particularly in supporting families early and in a culturally responsive manner and reducing the number of children and youth in care.
Reflecting on his time at Durham CAS, Woodman states, “It has been my privilege to serve during this period of transformation. I am honoured to have collaborated with our dedicated staff, board members, caregivers, volunteers, and community partners who have embraced some bold changes. We must continue to address historical injustices and dismantle inherent inequities within the child welfare system and actively fight systemic racism.”
Woodman has ensured that diversity, equity and inclusion are the foundation for all aspects of the work of Durham CAS. Not only are these values promoted, but there is a recognition that those working in child welfare must continually move beyond denouncing racism and move to a place of actively fighting systemic racism in child welfare and society at large.
Under his leadership, Durham CAS has fostered strong relationships with community partners, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community engagement which are critical to ensuring positive and successful outcomes for children, youth and families.
Durham CAS has begun the recruitment process for Woodman’s successor. See the full posting on our Careers page.