FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Toronto (November 20, 2018) — The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rose Vespa as Executive Director effective January 7, 2019. This comes after an extensive nation-wide search, which followed from consultation with the CCBC board, staff, a range of stakeholders and members in developing the profile for a new leader for CCBC.

“Rose Vespa is exactly the leader we were looking for. We are delighted that she will be joining us and working with us all to take this great organization even further in a changing world” said Leslie McCallum, President of the CCBC’s Board.

Rose has extensive public sector leadership experience including expertise in organizational development, mentorship, stakeholder relations, planning and fund development. Her most recent position was Director of Library Services for the Mississauga Library System where she oversaw a $29 million operating budget.

“Children’s literature is a gateway to learning, creativity and empathy” said Rose Vespa. “I began my career as a children’s librarian and I am looking forward to working with the board, the members and the CCBC staff to continue the good work of advocating for Canadian children’s authors, illustrators and literature.”

Rose graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours English and History) and a Master of Library and Information Services. Earlier this year, Rose completed her Master of Public Administration from the University of Liverpool.

 

Leslie McCallum
President of the Board of Directors
Canadian Children’s Book Centre