School board director to become head of Hamilton-Burlington-Brantford YMCA

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is losing director of education Manny Figueiredo, but the Hamilton-Burlington-Brantford YMCA is gaining him as president and CEO, effective March 1 of next year.

In a release, the HWDSB announced Figueiredo will step away from his role with HWDSB effective Feb. 28, 2022.

In the same release, the board highlighted his accomplishments as director of education and gave their well wishes for his new position with the YMCA.

With a commitment to teamwork, Manny initiated effective strategies and leadership practices that resulted in positive outcomes," said Dawn Danko, the chair of HWDSB.

Figueiredo was at the helm as the board navigated contentious issues such as: a racism controversy at the trustee level, which led trustees to ask one of their own, Carole Paikin Miller, to resign - an unprecedented move, though Paikin Miller never resigned; the 2019 murder of 14-year-old Devan Selvey on school property, a death his mother linked to bullying, prompting a national discussion on the issue; and most recently, student-led protests over school dress codes which prompted the board to update its policies.

At the YMCA, Figueiredo is replacing long-standing president and CEO Jim Commerford, who is retiring after more than 40 years at the YMCA, including 18 years in his current role, the YMCA said in a release.

Our search committee recognized almost immediately the critical strengths Manny would bring given his leadership in education, a sector that continues to experience transformation and change," said John Chisholm, chair, YMCA CEO search committee.

I look forward to building upon the strong foundation that's been established and working with partners across our community to ensure that more people of all backgrounds and abilities have access to the YMCA programs and services they need to thrive," said Figueiredo.

Chisholm said Figueiredo will be an important bridge" between the HWDSB and the YMCA, as the board has a partnership with the organization for child care, newcomer, settlement and community outreach programs.

The HWDSB intends to begin a search for a new director of education in a timely manner."

Alessia Passafiume is a reporter with The Spectator. Reach her via email: apassafiume@thespec.com