CJHS Executive Director Retirement

After 23+ years at the Calgary John Howard Society (CJHS), and the last 5 ½ years as the Executive Director, Leslie McMechan  has announced that she will be retiring on January 31, 2025.  

With 150 employees and a multitude of programs, serving a myriad of needs for those involved in the justice system, Leslie has been instrumental in promoting programs and services that tackle the social, economic, and cultural conditions that strengthen communities and discourage crime. These programs help to reduce crime in Calgary by providing alternatives for those at risk of breaking the law. 

“CJHS has been working with individuals involved in the criminal justice system in a holistic, trauma informed way to reduce criminal involvement and improve their quality of life for over 75 years. I am so pleased to have been part of that story for almost 24 of those years.” Leslie says. “Helping individuals that are transitioning from prison to the community is so important. When they have support, they feel part of the community and this in turn, contributes to a reduction in recidivism and increases community safety.” 

The Executive Director position will be taken over by Natalie Noble, starting January 13th, 2025. With over 15 years of experience in community building and expertise in housing and homelessness, Natalie has held leadership roles at the Drop-In Centre and Calgary Homeless Foundation. Her career began as a front-line social worker serving Indigenous communities, children in care, and survivors of sexual violence. Natalie is passionate about driving change for the vulnerable and emphasizes our collective responsibility to address systemic harms. She is committed to preventing crime by helping individuals restore their lives through healing, resilience, and transformative programs that tackle root causes.  

“I am thrilled to have Natalie stepping into this role. Her experience as a community leader, not to mention her passion for policy advancement will carry CJHS well into the future.” Leslie says. “I am excited to work with her over the next 3 weeks transitioning. We’ve met a few times and are so much on the same page as to how to advance the mission and vision of the organization. With the phenomenal staff team that she is inheriting, CJHS will continue to be an innovator in programming for individuals with criminal involvement. She will undoubtedly be an excellent leader.”

“Leslie’s extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication have shaped CJHS into the impactful organization it is today,” says Natalie. “Her vision, compassion, and steadfast commitment to community safety and restorative justice have positively transformed countless lives. I am deeply honored to follow in her footsteps, serving the clients, staff, and community, and to build upon the remarkable legacy she leaves behind.”   

Please join us in thanking Leslie for her leadership and significant contributions to preventing crime in Calgary, and in congratulating Natalie on her new role. 

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