Oxford County CAO Michael Duben today announced the appointment of Kelly Black as Director of Human Services effective March 28, 2022.

Black joins Oxford County from her role as Chief Administrative Officer of the District of Timiskaming Social Services Administration Board, a partnership of 23 municipalities and two unorganized areas providing oversight for and operation of Ontario Works, Children’s Services, Housing Services and Paramedic Services. Prior to her appointment to the CAO role, Black served for nearly a decade as the Board’s Housing Manager, overseeing finance and funding, regulatory compliance, new development, information technology, operations and more. Black’s previous positions include Kirkland Lake Non-Profit Housing Corporation management, hospitality leadership roles, and teaching and college instruction.

In assuming leadership of Human (Social) Services, Black takes on a $46.9 million portfolio of services that broadly deliver children’s services, housing, and community services, including financial assistance and Ontario Works. The department’s priorities over the coming year include addressing the housing crisis and homelessness in Oxford County, implementing provincial-level changes to the Ontario Works program, and maintaining strong collaboration with local community partners and employers.

Black assumes the role vacated by former director Paul Beaton in December 2021.

Comment

Michael Duben, Chief Administrative Officer, Oxford County

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Kelly to Oxford County. Her track record of advocacy, collaboration and relationship building is a welcomed addition to our community, where we work with our area municipalities to ‘grow stronger together’ in our service to the people of Oxford.”

Kelly Black, Incoming Director, Human Services, Oxford County

“Oxford County is a recognized innovator in how it delivers social services. I’m excited to learn more about local issues and the community partners who I know have been working so effectively to address the challenges of poverty, homelessness, and building children’s services.”

About Oxford County

Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 123,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, becoming a zero waste community, working towards zero poverty, and aiming to be 100% housed. Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that is driving innovation in sustainable industries and diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan is at oxfordcounty.ca/strategicplan.

Kelly Black assumes role as new director of Human Services effective March 28, 2022