Sarah Sahagian appointed Executive Director of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Toronto (September 2, 2022)—The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Sahagian as Executive Director effective September 7, 2022. Sarah has been appointed to this role following an extensive recruitment and interview process informed by the objectives of the current strategic plan, staff, stakeholder and member consultation, and in anticipation of the direction and needs of the CCBC as a leader in the Canadian children’s book ecosystem.

“Sarah will bring fresh energy, enthusiasm and considerable experience to the ED role at the CCBC. I look forward to working with her,” says Zain Velji, President of the CCBC’s Board of Directors. 

Sarah comes to the Canadian Children’s Book Centre from a five-year role as the inaugural Executive Director of the Speech and Debate Canada Foundation. She brings integrated skills and experience in communication, strategic planning, fundraising and management through the key lenses of inclusion and collaboration. Sarah is a writer and podcaster whose book reviews, opinion pieces and podcasts have appeared in such outlets as The Washington Post, Toronto Star, National Post, and Frequency Podcast Network. She is also a published young adult author. 

Sarah graduated from the London School of Economics, Gender Institute with a Master of Science degree in Gender Studies, advancing her knowledge gained at Queen’s University where she earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Gender Studies.

Sarah lives in Toronto with her husband and daughter.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Canadian Children’s Book Centre,” says Sarah Sahagian. “As a book lover, it is my privilege to work with a team of people who believe Canadian readers should have access to high-quality Canadian young adult and children’s literature. The CCBC has a long and impactful history of encouraging Canadian children to develop a love of reading. I am excited to continue that important work. I also look forward to collaborating with this community as we find new ways to spread a deep love of Canadian children’s literature. This role is truly my dream job”.

View the PDF version of this press release here.

For more information, please contact info@bookcentre.ca.


About the Canadian Children’s Book Centre

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1976. We are dedicated to encouraging, promoting and supporting the reading, writing, illustrating and publishing of Canadian books for young readers. Our programs, publications, and resources help teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents select the very best for young readers. Visit bookcentre.ca