Phot Supplied by the New Canadians Centre
The incoming executive director of the New Canadians’ Centre is embracing the opportunity afforded him and, as such, is anxious to put his mark on the organization’s mandate to help newcomers adjust to their new life.
Chosen from close to 300 applicants, JJ Thevasagayam will step into the role that became vacant when longtime executive director Andy Cragg announced his retirement earlier this year.
Currently Peterborough’s manager of housing, Thevasagayam has served with the centre’s board of directors for two years – an experience which has provided him with a full understanding of the centre’s mission, and its many programs and initiatives. In addition, he brings to his new role lived experience as a Sri Lankan refugee who came to Canada as a child with his family.
Thevasagayam takes on his new role at what is a particularly exciting time for the centre, which announced earlier this year that it now owns its St. James’ United Church location.
Thevasagayam says working with Cragg, and experiencing his brand of leadership firsthand, will serve him very well in his new role. That said, he notes there are challenges associated with the a goal of expanding the centre’s services regionally.
For more information about the New Canadians’ Centre, visit www.nccpeterborough.ca.
(Written by: Paul Rellinger)
