Pushing Boundaries, Embracing Change

Description text MEDIA RELEASE Angel Foundation for Learning Appoints former TCDSB Communications Chief as New Executive Director FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 9, 2019 TORONTO - The Angel Foundation for Learning (AFL), has appointed John Yan, the Toronto Catholic District School Board’s former Chief of Communications and media spokesperson as its new Executive Director. “This appointment is the result of a comprehensive selection process undertaken over the past few months by a Search Committee comprised of members from the AFL Board,” says AFL Board President Nancy Murdocca. “John’s extensive experience in the private, public, and notfor- profit sectors provides him with a unique, multi-dimensional perspective on the diverse challenges facing the Foundation as we continue the crucial work fulfilling our vital responsibility to assist TCDSB students, especially during this current period of uncertainty regarding funding.” The AFL is the official charitable foundation of the TCDSB with a mandate to empower its students to focus on their education and enhance their ability to achieve. Through the contributions of donors, sponsors and volunteers, the AFL is able to assist, inspire, and nurture students through its Four Wings of Support, including Student Nutrition Programs which serve over one-million meals each month in TCDSB schools. “I am profoundly humbled by this opportunity to contribute to the Foundation’s future,” says John Yan. “Toronto is a beacon to the world and as a refugee to Canada who grew up in Regent Park, I have a “real-life” understanding of the critical role charitable foundations like the AFL play in supporting young people and their families, while also advocating for a sustainable and more humanistic approach to helping communities in need.” Mr. Yan retired from the TCDSB in December 2018, having served as a key member of the Board’s senior executive leadership team. Prior to joining Canada’s largest Catholic school board, he was the Director of Corporate Communications and Government Relations for the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) based in Ottawa and one of the world’s leading sources of information on the effectiveness of drugs and medical devices. During his career he has served as the Manager of Corporate Communications for the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the nation’s largest business group, and notably he was also the Legislative Assistant to former Toronto Deputy Mayor and City Councillor Norm Kelly during his term as the Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre in the House of Commons. While Mr. Yan officially assumes the role on May 21, 2019, he will be assisted by current Executive Director Marisa Celenza, who is retiring as of June 30, 2019. A transition plan has been developed to ensure a smooth changeover as the Foundation continues to deliver on major program initiatives. “We want to express our deepest gratitude to Marisa for her incredible contributions and distinguished record of service as AFL Executive Director for the past 7 years and we all join in wishing her well as she enters this exciting next chapter of retirement,” says Nancy Murdocca. -30- Founded in 1987, the Angel Foundation for Learning is the official charity of the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Through the contributions of donors, sponsors and volunteers, the AFL delivers programs through its Four Wings of Support that empower TCDSB students to focus on their education and overcome challenges affecting their ability to achieve their best. This includes the management of the Student Nutrition Program which delivers over 10-million meals annually in TCDSB schools. Media contact: Pat Martin, AFL Communications and Marketing Manager Tel: 416-222-8282 ext. 6022 Email: pat.martin@tcdsb.org here

Angel Foundation Annual Report