(June 23, 2016 – Toronto, ON) – ABC Life Literacy Canada (ABC) is pleased to announce that Jo-Ann McArthur has been named the new Chair of the Board of Directors. A literacy advocate and long-standing board member, Jo-Ann is committed to supporting ABC Life Literacy Canada’s mission to raise literacy and essential skills levels of Canadian adults and their families.  

 

Jo-Ann, who becomes the seventh Board Chair in ABC history, brings a wealth of expertise to her appointment. She has been a Board member since 2008 and has sat on many committees for ABC including the Executive Committee, the Communications, Marketing and Sponsorship Committee and the Business Development Committee.

 

“All Canadians must have the literacy and essential skills they need to succeed every day—low literacy affects all aspects of life, including health, finances and employability,” says Jo-Ann McArthur. “We all need to recognize and invest in the resources and tools Canadians need to improve their skills and ABC works diligently with business, government, NGOs and unions to ensure that message is heard and acted upon.” 

 

Outside of ABC, Jo-Ann is President of Nourish Food Marketing, Canada's food and beverage marketing experts, and President of fisheye corporation, which

works with clients in the green and social profit sectors. She has over 30 years of experience in marketing, brand development and organizational leadership.

 

Jo-Ann takes over from Jim Warrington, who continues on the Board as past Chair. Warrington, Chair since 2013 and board member since 2004, has over 35 years of experience in integrated communications and marketing consulting, including senior roles for companies such as Fantail Communications Inc., McManus Elliott Communications Inc., Hill and Knowlton Canada, and the National Advertising Benevolent Society (NABS).

 

“Jim has been a tireless champion of ABC for many years and in his role as Board Chair he provided powerful leadership in a time of great change in the literacy and essential skills sector,” says Gillian Mason, President, ABC Life Literacy Canada. “We are looking forward to his continued support as a Board member and to Jo-Ann’s proven leadership to take us through the exciting next stage of ABC’s journey as we continue to deliver strong advocacy and programming in health, civic, financial, and family literacy as well as workplace essential skills training.”

 

ABC Life Literacy Canada also appointed Anu Bhalla to the role of Vice-Chair. Anu has been a Communications, Marketing and Sponsorship Committee member since 2009 and joined the Board last year. Anu is currently Senior Vice-President Relationship Management at Advanis and brings over 25 years of communications, marketing and business development experience to ABC.

 

 

About ABC Life Literacy Canada:
ABC Life Literacy Canada is a non-profit organization that inspires Canadians to increase their literacy skills.  ABC Life Literacy Canada envisions a Canada where everyone has the skills they need to live a fully engaged life. For the latest news and information on adult literacy please visit www.abclifeliteracy.ca or stay connected with us through Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

 

Stephanie Wells

Communications Manager

ABC Life Literacy Canada

416-218-0010 x 122 | swells@abclifeliteracy.ca