Leadership

CLA is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of people supported, family members, community leaders and business professionals. Every member serves a three-year term. All members are advocates for the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and recognition of their rights. 

Role of the Board of Directors

The Board is responsible for setting the culture and values of CLA. This is achieved through development of the Mission and Vision statements and the Strategic Plan. These roadmaps are established by collaboration and consultation with the people we support and their families, staff, management and community partners. The Board also holds financial accountability in ensuring that CLA is protected from undue risk. The Board of Directors supports the Executive Director who, in turn, oversees CLA’s daily operations of programs and services. 

The Board of Directors ensures comprehensive coverage on all CLA practices and policies by sitting on Committees that represent key areas. Responsibilities of these committees appear at the bottom of this page.

 

Brad Symboluk - Chair 2023-2024

Sault Ste. Marie
Committees: Finance
Brad, who holds his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation, has extensive experience in the banking industry.  He joined CLA as a board member in order to apply his educational and professional experience in the board’s financial matters.

Jacques Ribout – Vice-Chair 2022-2024 

East District Two
Committee: Human Resources and French Language Services; Education
As a parent of an adult child with an intellectual disability, Jacques has had a long-standing commitment to CLA. With a Bachelor of Applied Sciences Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo, Jacques has primarily worked in the mining and environmental fields. He recently retired as Director of Engineering Services for the St. Joseph Elliot Lake Hospital and Long-Term Care Home.

Kris Zanatta - Treasurer 2023-2024

Sault Ste. Marie
Committee: Finance
Kris holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree with a concentration in business and accounting. He holds his Chartered Accountant designation and brings extensive experience in tax planning strategies, auditing and corporate reorganization and succession planning. Kris’ personal community commitment includes the Strive Young Professionals Group in addition to coaching and working as a statistician and treasury assistant in local hockey leagues

Marilu Horton - Secretary 2023-2024

Blind River – East District One
Committee: Education
As a teacher, Marilu has worked as a LEAD class teacher; a Special Education Resource Teacher and then as the Special Education Coordinator for the Algoma District School Board. This position saw her supporting schools in the eastern and northern regions of the Algoma District School Board. She also held an integral role in working with community partners, CLA Support Workers and families.

Margaret Barbeau – Director 

Sault Ste. Marie
Committee: Education
Margaret has been involved with advocating for inclusion since her daughter was born with Down Syndrome. She has been involved with Special Olympics Sault Ste. Marie and is a founding member of the Sault Ste. Marie Down Syndrome Society. She is a retired RN and leads an active life coaching winter sports.

Linda Headrick - Director

Sault Ste. Marie 
Committee: Education; Quality Enhancement
Joining the Board was Linda’s way of giving back to CLA, an organization that continues to provide supports to her son, who was diagnosed with Autism. She is a past member of: Review and Monitoring Committee of ADMRS and CLA; Special Education Advisory Committee of the Algoma District School Board; founding member of the Sault Ste. Marie chapter of the Ontario Society of Autism. Past board member for the Ontario Society for Autism and founding member of the Employee Assistance Program at Sault College.

Ann Ficociello – Director 

Sault Ste. Marie
Committee: Human Resources and French Language Services; Quality Enhancement
Ann is committed to making positive change in the lives of others. Her education was initially in Graphic Design followed by completion of her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. 

 VACANT - Self-Advocate - Director

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Committees of the Board 

Education Committee

This committee promotes CLA’s goal that “individuals go with their neighbourhood friends to their neighbourhood schools.” The committee ensures inclusive and relevant educational opportunities are available for students with intellectual disabilities throughout Algoma. The Education Committee has representation from the board, various educational institutions, parents, teachers, and other community members from across the district. 

Finance Committee

CLA’s Finance Committee guides financial matters of the organization and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors. With representation from the board and community volunteers, this committee also has a sub-committee (Fund-raising Team) that steers fund-raising for the Association. Fund-raising activities are essential in order to protect services and supports that are not covered through government funding.

Human Resources & French Language Services Committee

Board members and community volunteers who are interested in the Human Resource field make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding labour relations and other employment matters. CLA is designated, by the government, as a partial bilingual service provider. This committee ensures that on-going, bilingual Human Resource needs are being identified and met.

Quality Enhancement Committee

The Quality Enhancement Committee has the task of ensuring that services and supports offered by CLA are in keeping with the Vision, goals and priorities of the Association. Program specific goals and objectives are also measured against these criteria. The Committee is also charged with monitoring the impact of reduced government funding for services and supports.

Annually, this Committee conducts “Outcome Based Performance Measures” on the supports and services provided by CLA. The assessment tool measures the outcomes for people supported, based on what they want from services and supports. Emphasis is on the responsiveness to individual needs and choices. This evaluative process includes the creation of Committees to conduct the review and make recommendations for consideration by the Board of Directors.