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After more than two decades in the charitable sector, including 12 years spent leading Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada (CAFC), Valerie McMurtry, President and CEO of CAFC will be retiring from her role in spring 2026.
Since joining CAFC in 2014, Valerie has been a transformative leader, guiding the Foundation through a period of remarkable growth, innovation, and impact. Under her leadership, CAFC has expanded its national reach and influence, deepened partnerships across sectors, and significantly increased philanthropic investment for children and youth with experience in government care.
Valerie’s tenure has been defined by her bold vision for equity and opportunity and her unwavering belief that every young person from care deserves the resources, supports, and relationships they need to thrive. She has been a tireless advocate and collaborator, always ensuring that the voices of young people are central to the Foundation’s work.
Highlights of Valerie’s leadership include:
• Transforming CAFC into a truly national organization, expanding its reach and impact in support of young people from care across Canada
• Building and deepening partnerships with funders, child welfare agencies, community organizations, young people, governments, and volunteers to drive meaningful and lasting change
• Championing equity-focused initiatives that support Indigenous youth, Black youth, and other young people overrepresented in the child welfare system
• Raising more than $170M in consecutive national fundraising campaigns, including the record-setting $100 million Futures Transformed campaign, increasing access to education, mental health care, employment and other critical supports for children, youth, and families involved in the child welfare system
The impact of Valerie’s work will live on in the thousands of lives she has touched and in the strong, resilient organization she has helped to build that will continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead.
The Board of Directors has begun the search for CAFC’s next leader and is committed to a smooth transition. Valerie will remain in her role until her successor is in place and then continue to support the Foundation as Special Advisor to the Board.
On behalf of the Board, staff, partners, and the young people connected to CAFC, we extend our deepest gratitude to Valerie for her extraordinary leadership, unwavering dedication, and the compassion and vision she has brought to this work every single day.
Please join us in celebrating Valerie’s remarkable contributions and in wishing her every happiness as she embarks on her next chapter.
Dan Barclay, Chair
On behalf of the Board of Directors
Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada
