Montréal, August 15, 2024 — The Portage Board of Trustees is proud to announce the arrival of Ms. Geneviève Lefebvre as the organization’s new President and CEO, effective September 9, 2024. Ms. Lefebvre, who will succeed Mr. Peter A. Howlett, brings with her extensive leadership experience as well as a passion for the well-being of individuals and communities.
Ms. Lefebvre has worked with people seeking to break free from the cycle of addiction for most of her career and firmly believes that every person deserves a chance to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. After beginning her career as a counselor, Ms. Lefebvre rose through the ranks to find herself at the head of various organizations, including the Quebec Professional Order of Criminologists, Maison Jean Lapointe and the Centre québécois de lutte aux dépendances (CQLD). An experienced clinician and manager, Ms. Lefebvre has strong skills in change management and continuous improvement, as well as an in-depth knowledge of the continuum of services in addiction and mental health. Her experience and innovative vision will be valuable assets to our organization.
Portage would also like to express its deep gratitude towards Mr. Peter A. Howlett for fifty years of dedicated service as founding president. Mr. Howlett has led the organization with passion and integrity, significantly contributing to its mission. Under his leadership, Portage reached many remarkable milestones, and his legacy will continue to inspire our work in the future.
Since its founding in 1970, under the vision and leadership of Mr. Howlett, Portage has turned around the lives of more than 40,000 people and expanded its services in more than three Canadian provinces. Mr. Howlett will continue to play a key role in the transition. In the coming months, Portage will have the opportunity to highlight his dedication and his many accomplishments.
“We are deeply grateful to Peter A. Howlett for dedicating his life to helping others and, above all, for lending a hand to help them overcome their addiction and find fulfillment. His legacy is immeasurable, and we look forward to celebrating his contributions over the coming months. We are pleased that a person of Ms. Geneviève Lefebvre’s caliber will be joining the team. She will undoubtedly be an incredible asset in supporting the vision and needs of Portage.”
- Paul Côté, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
“It is with great pride that I pass on the torch to Ms. Geneviève Lefebvre who will take up the role of President of Portage. I am certain that Ms. Lefebvre will lead the organization with great skill and dedication. Her expertise and commitment are undeniable. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years, and I am certain that Portage will continue to thrive under its new leadership”.
- Peter A. Howlett, Outgoing President of Portage
“It is with the greatest respect that I join the team at Portage to continue building on the strong foundations laid by Mr. Howlett. I am thrilled to contribute to this critical mission and to work with such a dedicated team. It is an honour for me to succeed a man of Mr. Howlett’s caliber, who has poured his time and energy into helping those struggling with addiction. I would like to thank the Board of Trustees for putting their trust in me.”
- Geneviève Lefebvre, Incoming President of Portage
About Portage Canada
Portage is a non-profit organization providing drug rehabilitation services. Founded by Mr. Peter Howlett and supported by hundreds of staff, governors and partners, Portage has helped thousands of people overcome their addiction and rebuild their lives. To learn more, please visit portage.ca
Source and Information:
Seychelle Harding
Communications Director
(514) 939-0202 ext. 1118
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