Oxfam Canada names new Executive Director
Ottawa – Today, Oxfam Canada announced the appointment of Julie Delahanty as its new Executive Director, effective October 1st, 2014.
“We’re excited to announce Julie’s appointment,” said Margaret Hancock, Chair of the Oxfam Canada Board. “She brings great knowledge and leadership in gender equality and human rights, and more than 20 years experience in international development.”
Most recently, Delahanty served as Director of the Central America Program for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD), based in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
“I’m thrilled to be joining such an extraordinary organization,” said Delahanty. “Given growing inequality, the impacts of climate change and mounting humanitarian needs, Oxfam’s work in support of people living in poverty has never been more important. I’m looking forward to working with our supporters across Canada and partners around the world to create a global movement for change.”
Delahanty will replace Robert Fox, who has served as Oxfam Canada’s Executive Director since 2005.
“Robert has put gender justice at the heart of our mission and work,” said Hancock. “We very much appreciate his passion and contribution, confident he leaves us with a solid foundation for the future.”
A much sought after public speaker, Robert has been involved with Oxfam for over 40 years.
“These past nine years have been challenging,” said Fox, “but also immensely rewarding. Oxfam continues to do great work that wins the praise of our partners overseas and enjoys strong support among Canadians because of our commitment to end poverty and injustice.”
Welcoming Delahanty’s appointment, Fox said: “Julie brings new energy and ideas that will help Oxfam be even more effective in ending global poverty through women’s rights. I’m leaving Oxfam in very good hands.”
Hancock extended a warm greeting and sincere thank you to the incoming and outgoing directors.
“On behalf of the Board and our members, supporters and staff, I want both to welcome Julie to the Oxfam family and thank Robert for his years of dedication.”
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For more information:
Melanie Gallant
Media Relations Officer
Oxfam Canada
Biography:
Julie Delahanty
Julie Delahanty, Executive Director of Oxfam Canada as of October 1st, 2014, is a leader on gender equality and human rights with more than 20 years of international development experience.
Most recently, Julie was the Director of the Central America Program for Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD), based in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Before that she served as Deputy Director of the Pakistan Program, as the Canadian International Development Agency’s (CIDA) Senior Program Manager for the UN, Commonwealth and Francophonie, the Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade’s (DFAIT) Human Rights Division and as the Director of CIDA’s Gender Equality and Child Protection Division. She has also worked as an independent consultant for Oxfam International, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Nobel Women’s Initiative, the UK’s Department for International Development, and Health Canada.
A published author, Julie has written extensively on issues of gender and employment, genes, garments and globalization. She’s also offered training on gender equality, development theory, women’s human rights, program evaluation and participatory research methodologies.
Julie has campaigned on infant formula, midwifery, biotechnology and women’s rights. She began her career at the North-South Institute and served on the boards of USC Canada and Women’s Health Interaction. A committed feminist, she is very well connected with the Canadian women’s movement.
Julie has lived and represented Canada in a number of countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.