Following the departure of longstanding Choices for Youth (CFY) Executive Director Sheldon Pollett, CFY’s Human Resources and Compensation Committee along with our Board of Directors and support from an external Human Resources consultant began the process of recruiting and selecting a new Executive Director. In early July 2024, we officially announced that our Senior Director of Strategy, Fund Development, and External Relations Jen Crowe had been chosen as our new Executive Director.
Jen brings a wealth of experience in program and policy development to this new role. A graduate of both Memorial University and Western University, Jen holds an Honours degree in Political Silence, a Certification in Public Policy, and a Master of Public Administration. Jen’s previous experience in youth program development includes roles with MUN and Conversation Corps NL. Jen also represents Newfoundland and Labrador as a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Housing Renewal Association.
Jen joined the CFY team as the Coordinator of Strategic Initiatives in March 2020, using her expertise to spearhead the development of a provincial Integrated Youth Services (IYS) model. In 2022, Jen’s role was reclassified to Manager of Strategic Initiatives. She led the development of CFY’s first pan-organization data and evaluation strategy and helped implement our inaugural comprehensive cross-organization client management system. Jen was promoted to Senior Director of Strategy, Fund Development, and External Relations in 2023, providing strategic direction for CFY’s fund development initiatives, communication needs, impact measurement strategies, and IYS efforts.
Looking ahead, Jen is excited to continue fostering stability and support for CFY’s existing programs while growing our proven models to meet the mounting housing, employment, education, and mental health needs of vulnerable youth in our communities:
“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Choices for Youth. Throughout the past 4+ years working within the organization, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the impact of the organization’s innovative and evidence-based programs in improving the lives of the most vulnerable youth in our communities.”
CFY Board Chair Geoff Davis believes that Jen’s background and proven commitment to CFY’s values and strategic goals align perfectly with our organization’s future aspirations for stability, growth, and impact:
“We are confident that Jen will provide strong, visionary leadership as CFY navigates organizational challenges, priorities, and opportunities. We are very excited about CFY’s future under Jen’s leadership and the positive impact she will undoubtedly continue to have on our organization and community.”
The CFY team would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Executive Director Jen Crowe, who officially stepped into her new role on July 15, 2024.
Check the links below for some of the media coverage around the announcement of Jen as our new Executive Director:
CBC Radio – St. John’s Morning Show: https://heyor.ca/gC60ao
CBC News Newfoundland and Labrador: https://heyor.ca/Iv2UB5
Saltwire: https://heyor.ca/3cS39p