Abilities Centre – The Abilities Centre Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Stuart McReynolds to the role of President & CEO effective January 1, 2019.

This announcement comes at an exciting juncture for Abilities Centre. Since opening its doors in 2012, Abilities Centre has received local, national and international recognition as one of the most accessible community hubs in the world, with a growing reputation for developing, testing and delivering innovative programs that bring communities together to improve health and well-being, quality of life, and social inclusion for all.

Under the leadership of current Executive Director, Leo Plue, Abilities Centre has established national partnerships, been an active advocate and participant for academic research on accessibility and inclusion and laid the foundation for Abilities Centre’s vision to be shared with many more communities across Canada and internationally.

“In our first six years, we have made tremendous strides towards our goal of being one of the most innovative organizations and social enterprises in Canada,” says Mark Wafer, Chair of the Board. “It was the vision of our founders, Jim Flaherty and Christine Elliott, that Abilities Centre would serve as a model and example for others to value and take charge of inclusion in their own communities. Stuart’s personal and professional skills, his deep knowledge and experience on inclusion and accessibility, and his experience with Abilities Centre make him an ideal candidate to take the reins and help lead Abilities Centre on the next step of its journey to be a leading voice for inclusion and accessibility.”

“Everything that Abilities Centre has achieved in its young history is a testament to the vision and hard work of so many people,” says McReynolds. “It’s an honor to lead the organization through the next stage of its evolution. Our vision is nothing less than to change how the world views inclusion as a strategy to building stronger communities. I want to thank the Board for their trust and Leo Plue for his guidance and leadership.”

Stuart has worked with outstanding organizations supporting inclusion in the health, education, sport and recreation sectors in Canada, Spain, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. These varied experiences have enabled him to develop astute leadership skills, which he has effectively employed to support organizations in surpassing their goals, motivating staff and creating a culture of innovation and success. He has led various stakeholders in the pursuit of challenging society’s perception of persons with disabilities and marginalized groups, and in positioning the true value of inclusion for all members of society.
About Abilities Centre (www.abilitiescentre.org)

With its headquarters in Whitby, Abilities Centre is a charitable organization that delivers enriching sports, fitness, arts and life skills opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. We provide resources and research tools that promote inclusivity and accessibility, while enhancing the quality of life for all individuals in a safe and inclusive environment. In addition, Abilities Centre works with organizations and communities nationally and internationally to enhance quality of life, health and wellness and social inclusion for persons of all abilities.

For more information, please contact: Mark Wafer, Chair, Board of Directors Bree Grenon, Executive Assistant mwafer4@gmail.com bgrenon@abilitiescentre.org
905.665.8500 x 100