Alzheimer's Society Huron Perth welcomes new ED
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
By: Gary West
The Alzheimer Society Huron Perth (ASHP) has a new executive director.
Tracey Jones has taken over from the retiring Cathy Ritsema, who has been the executive director of the local branch of the society since the Perth and Huron chapters were unified in 2022. The retiring director was also involved in this leadership role with the Huron County Alzheimer Society for 23 years.
Ritsema was formerly a chapter co-ordinator and organized the society’s day programs.
Prior to that, in 1987-1998, she worked in Wingham and Area Health Care, with the Alzheimer’s adult day programs and was also involved in financial analytics.
She then took on the role of managing programs and services and became the executive director for the Huron County Alzheimer’s Society.
Tracey Jones took over as the new executive director for Huron Perth on Aug. 1.
She was raised in Wiarton and received her anthropology degree from Western University and has worked for 25 years in area not-for-profit organizations.
She also received her Master’s in interdisciplinary studies from Athabaska University in Alberta, oversaw the Brain Tumour Foundation across Canada, and has worked for the Goderich Parkinson’s Society, where she helped organize many support groups.
For seven years, Jones had been the executive director of the Wellspring Cancer Support Centre in London, serving southwestern Ontario, including Wellspring Stratford.
Her employment in the past has also included being the public educational co-ordinator for the Elgin-St. Thomas Alzheimer’s Society.
The society’s board welcomes Jones to her new position.
In her message in this year’s annual report, Donnalene Tuer-Hodes, chair of the board, stated that “As ASHP marks its fifth year since unification, the board remains committed to strengthening its position as a trusted source of dementia knowledge and support. The organization continues to collaborate with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and the Huron Perth & Area Ontario Health Team to enhance integrated care across the region.
“… The important work of the Alzheimer Society Huron Perth would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. While approximately 75 per cent of our programs are funded by the Ontario Government, it is your donations that enables us to expand and enhance our services. Every contribution – no matter the size – has a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of individuals living with dementia and their care partners.”