We are bidding a fond farewell to our Executive Director, Ashleen Montgomery, as she moves on to a new role. Her care for SPEC and the communities we serve has shaped our work for the past two and a half years and we’re grateful for all of her contributions. While we’ll miss her leadership, we’re happy for her as she moves toward a new chapter in her career.
A note from Ashleen:
“It is with gratitude that I share the news of my decision to move on from my role as Executive Director. SPEC has been an important part of my journey and I’m so appreciative for all the experiences and learnings it has given me. Before my time serving as Executive Director, I was a participant in SPEC’s programming, including the Repair Cafes, Master Recycler, and SPEC’s Zero Waste Committee. Like many people who find their way to SPEC, I was looking for a place where I could contribute in a meaningful way, but I wasn’t sure where to start. What I found was a welcoming, supportive community that made environmental action feel doable and practical. Joining SPEC has had a profound impact on me, underscoring the meaningful role it plays as a community organization.
While I’m incredibly thrilled about my new role where I’ll be helping advance Canada’s circular economy, I’m also sad to be leaving SPEC in my current capacity. SPEC’s work remains very important to me and I’m committed to ensuring organizational stability and ongoing program delivery as I pass this role to SPEC’s next leader.
I’d like to thank SPEC’s board, staff, volunteers, and partners for the trust you’ve placed in me for the past 2.5 years. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to have worked alongside you all. As I move onto the next chapter in my career, I look forward to continuing to champion all of SPEC’s work.”
Ashleen’s last official day as Executive Director will be October 21, but she’ll be staying on in a part-time advisory position to help ensure a smooth transition and stability for the organization. Current staff, our working board, and an interim administrative support team are committed to ensuring continuity for all our programming.
We’ve begun the search for our new Executive Director. If you’re passionate about empowering communities to take collective environmental action or know someone who is, please consider applying or sharing the job posting.