Montréal, November 26th, 2024 – The YMCAs of Québec’s board of directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Pascale Audette to the position of president and CEO of the organization. This appointment will officially take effect on January 6, 2025. Ms. Audette will thus become the first woman to hold the position in the organization’s 170 years of history. She will take the reins from Stéphane Vaillancourt, who led the YMCAs of Québec for 22 years and recently announced his retirement.
“We are delighted to welcome Pascale Audette to the YMCAs of Québec. Her track record shows that she is well placed to quickly start contributing to the organization’s strategy and reinforcing its mission so that communities across Québec and staff members can shine even brighter,” states François Tremblay, chair of the board of directors of the YMCAs of Québec. “Pascal stands out for her visionary leadership, her ability to rally and inspire teams, and her sound management expertise, all key qualities for the position. What really sets her apart is the profound alignment between her values as a human being and the values of the YMCAs of Québec.”
“I would also like to highlight the work of the selection committee, which oversaw the selection and recruitment process over the last few months, and, of course, recognize Stéphane Vaillancourt’s incredible legacy,” he concludes.
Under the governance of the board of directors, the new president and CEO of the YMCAs of Québec will, as of January, take over the management and strategic development of the organization. Ms. Audette will complete the Y’s transformation with the team and start developing the next strategic five-year plan. As the main spokesperson, she will put forth the Y’s expertise to increase its notoriety and impact in the community and will forge strategic relationships with trusted partners and various key stakeholders. Ms. Audette will also represent the YMCAs of Québec at the national level, notably with YMCA Canada.
“I’m honoured to join the YMCAs of Québec at such a crucial and inspiring time, when community needs are at their highest and the programs and services offered by the Y are more relevant than ever. I’m really looking forward to starting this new mandate and I intend to build on the exceptional work done by the team and Stéphane Vaillancourt. I’m so grateful to Stéphane for his availability and support, ensuring this transition is a successful one,” says Ms. Audette.
“With my business and community organization experience, and inspired by the YMCAs of Québec’s social mission, I’m determined to increase our community impact through innovative and inclusive programs, rooted in the organization’s 170-plus-years of exceptional heritage. Together, we will continue to build healthy communities, founded on mutual respect and common goals,” she adds.
Pascale Audette has over 25 years of work experience in Québec, on both the national and international scale. Recognized for her collaborative leadership, she excels in managing highly qualified, expert teams, promoting an organizational culture that values engagement and collaboration. Her expertise resides in her ability to manage change during a period of growth, develop new initiatives, and balance the strategic and operational dimensions of an organization. Focused on the organization’s long-term impact, Ms. Audette’s goal is to mobilize the team around the Y’s sustainable growth, its increased long-term community impact, the continued improvement of its customer experience, and a spirit of mutual support and cooperation within the team.
To consult Pascale Audette’s detailed biography, please click here.
To consult Stéphane Vaillancourt’s retirement announcement, please click here.