Len Lifchus – Chair
With over four decades of executive leadership and community service, Len brings a wealth of experience in governance, strategic planning and nonprofit management. Serving as Chief Executive Officer for multiple United Way organizations across Canada – including Burlington and Greater Hamilton, Peterborough and District and the Central and South Okanagan/Similkameen – Len has consistently championed collaborative approaches to social impact and organizational excellence.
A seasoned board member and chair, Len has contributed his governance expertise to over 30 organizations at the local, provincial, and national levels. His leadership roles include:
- Hospice Palliative Care Ontario – Board Member
- Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant CCAC – Board Member & Chair, Governance Committee
- Peterborough Regional Health Centre – Board Member
- Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough – Director
- Central East CCAC – Board Chair
- Showplace Peterborough Performance Centre – Chair
- Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce – Board Chair
- City of Kelowna Social Planning Board – Chair
- Hamilton Gallery of Distinction – Director
- Peterborough Theatre Guild – Past Chair
- Trent Centre for Community-Based Education – Vice Chair
- City of Peterborough Committee of Adjustment – Chair
In addition to his board governance work, Len has served on numerous advisory committees, accreditation panels, and national award selection groups, including the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards National Advisory Committee and Imagine Canada’s Accreditation Program.
Recognized for outstanding leadership and community betterment, Len is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the United Way of Canada Chair’s Awards for Collaboration and was inducted into the Pathway of Fame in 2018.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UBC and multiple certifications in non-profit leadership and program management, Len continues to mentor emerging leaders and contribute to the advancement of community-based governance across Canada.
John Corso – Vice Chair
As a lifelong nurse with over 30 years of experience in healthcare, John brings a strong foundation in leadership, advocacy and governance to the Board of Directors of the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society. His career has been deeply rooted in supporting vulnerable populations, both in clinical settings and through community service. John currently serves as Manager of three units at Peterborough Regional Health Centre, where he oversees staffing, budgets and program development for fifty-six beds.
John’s passion for giving back began with Hospice Peterborough, where he served on the Board of Directors for two terms from 2018 to 2024. He continues to volunteer and contribute as a community representative on the quality committee. This experience has strengthened his understanding of board governance, strategic planning and quality improvement.
Having lived in the Kawartha region for over twenty-three years and raised his three sons here, he is deeply committed to the well-being of our community. He is honoured to support KHCAS in its mission to protect and empower children, youth, and families, and looks forward to contributing his experience and insight to help guide its important work.
Blake Jeffries – Treasurer
As a seasoned legal professional and Managing Partner at Gemmill, Johnston & Jeffries PC, Blake brings over a decade of experience in family law, advocacy and strategic leadership to the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society. Blake’s legal practice is deeply rooted in supporting vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on women escaping domestic violence. Blake has worked closely with Women’s Resources for the past several years, providing both legal counsel and community-based advocacy.
Blake has extensive courtroom experience including child protection and criminal cases, equipping him with a nuanced understanding of the legal and social complexities facing children and families in crisis. Beyond litigation, he manages a diverse practice that includes residential real estate, estate planning, and financial strategy—skills that translate directly into effective governance and fiduciary oversight.
Blake holds a Bachelor of Laws from Leeds University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Public Law from Brock University, with additional studies in Law and History at Glasgow Caledonian University. Blake’s professional strengths include legal research, written and oral advocacy, client and office management and strategic planning.
Blake is committed to contributing his expertise to the Board of Directors, supporting the Society’s mission to protect children and strengthen families through informed, compassionate, and accountable leadership.
Allison Sadowski – Member
Allison is a seasoned educational leader with a distinguished career in public education, marked by her strategic leadership across multiple ministry-funded programs supporting learners of all ages. With a strong foundation in both English and French, Alison has served in various administrative roles within the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB), where she championed innovative programming for alternative, adult, and continuing education, as well as for youth facing long-term suspension and expulsion.
Her tenure as Principal of multiple learning sites and specialized programs from 2015 to 2022 showcased her entrepreneurial insight and fiscal acumen, enabling the successful expansion of services such as Adult eLearning, ESL and Indigenous education. Allison was the first female Principal of Kenner Collegiate and led Kenner through the Peterborough accommodation of schools. Allison also managed five offsite Education Community Partnerships and Programs Classrooms, including the establishment of a program at PRHC that is now offered through the Peterborough Youth Services. Allison’s commitment to equity, student engagement and lifelong learning has been evident in her collaborative work with community agencies and her leadership in initiatives like the School Within a College program and the Local Poverty Reduction Strategy.
Allison’s board-level contributions are extensive. She served on the Board of Directors for the Continuing Education School Board Administrators of Ontario (2018–2022), co-chaired the Central Regional Partnership for Adult Education and represented KPRDSB provincially through Literacy Ontario Central South and ESL Working Groups. Her influence extended to system-level committees including staffing, recruitment and restorative practices, reflecting her dedication to building inclusive, collaborative educational cultures.
A certified International Baccalaureate Administrator and Coordinator, Allison also led Kenner Collegiate through its first IB review and spearheaded literacy and numeracy interventions that significantly impacted student achievement. Since retiring, she continues to support schools as an occasional principal, ensuring safe and effective learning environments.
Arnold Taylor – Member
Arnold Taylor is a long-serving Councillor for Curve Lake First Nation, where he has dedicated over fifteen years to advancing the well-being of his community. A passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and youth welfare, Arnold brings lived experience and deep commitment to his leadership roles.
He has served on the Board of Directors for the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society (KHCAS) since 2012, representing Curve Lake First Nation. In this capacity, Arnold has contributed to strategic planning, policy development and governance oversight, ensuring that the voices and needs of Indigenous children and families are heard and respected within the child welfare system.
A survivor of the residential school system and the Sixties Scoop, Arnold has transformed personal adversity into a lifelong mission to protect future generations. His work on the KHCAS Board reflects his dedication to reconciliation, equity and community empowerment.
In addition to his board service, Arnold has participated in regional governance initiatives, including Tri-Council meetings with municipal partners, where he has advocated for education, health services, and cultural preservation for Curve Lake First Nation.
J. Murray Jones – Member
J. Murray Jones is a distinguished public servant and community leader based in Peterborough County, Ontario, with a legacy of over two decades in municipal governance and regional development. Widely respected for his dedication and leadership, J. served as Mayor of Douro-Dummer Township from 2003 until his retirement in 2022 and held the role of Peterborough County Warden for nearly eleven years across two terms (2010–2016 and 2019–2021), making him the longest-serving Warden in the county’s history.
Jones’s board-level experience is extensive and impactful. He was Chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus in 2011, where he played a pivotal role in regional collaboration among municipalities. Most notably, he served as Chair of the Eastern Ontario Regional Network (EORN) from 2011 to 2022. Under his leadership, EORN launched transformative initiatives including the expansion of broadband infrastructure to rural communities and the Cell Gap Project, which secured funding to improve cellular service across Eastern Ontario.
His contributions have been recognized with his induction into the Peterborough Pathway of Fame in 2024, celebrating his enduring commitment to public service and community betterment.
J. is known for his collaborative spirit, strategic vision and unwavering advocacy for rural connectivity and infrastructure development. His board experience reflects a deep understanding of governance, stakeholder engagement and regional planning.
Becoming a Board Member of KHCAS
The Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society (KHCAS) is inviting applications with diverse backgrounds and skills to join our Board of Directors. Applicants will bring their skills, experiences and interests in ensuring the welfare of children, youth and families in the communities of Peterborough City and County, City of Kawartha Lakes, Curve Lake and Haliburton County.
With commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and Truth and Reconciliation throughout the organization, the primary purpose of the Board is:
- Providing strategic planning and direction.
- Guiding policy and program development.
- Governance including legislative compliance.
- Ensuring accountability in financial, human resource and service areas.
- Hiring, evaluation and supervision of the Executive Director.
KHCAS is governed by a Board of Directors who are representatives of the communities we serve. Board Directors have diverse backgrounds, share a common vision for the well-being of children and maintain the best interests of the organization. The Board of Directors is the governing body. The Board has a responsibility for guiding the organization through policy development, monitoring quality, effectiveness in service and financial performance and strategic directions. The Board of Directors for the Kawartha-Haliburton Children’s Aid Society provides leadership and governance and is critical to the achievement of the Society’s mission, vision and values.
Mission:
Engaging families and the community to protect and support children, youth and young adults.
Vision:
Families and communities that thrive.
Values:
Children and Youth Centred ~ Family Focused ~ Equity and Inclusion ~ Together with Partners ~ Integrity and Accountability ~ Strength Based and Informed Practice
Board Structure
The Board of Directors is comprised of up to twelve (12) Directors that serve as volunteers and are able to dedicate approximately six (6) hours each month on Board-related activities. Board Directors are expected to attend one monthly Board meeting and at least one monthly standing Committee meeting. Participation can be through in-person or by virtual means.
Board Terms
Board Members usually serve a three (3) year term.
Prior to appointment, Board Directors are required to provide a Broader Police Record Check and consent to screening through a Child Welfare Record Check.
Board Member Application
If participation as a KHCAS Board of Director feels like a fit for you, please complete the application and send by email to Amy O’Connell, Executive Assistant at amy.oconnell@khcas.on.ca.
Download Board Candidate Application
Download Board Director Information Sheet
Board of Directors – Recruitment
