Amy Widdows Named New Chief Executive Officer of Ontario Disability Employment Network
Driven by vision of fully inclusive Ontario, eager to get down to business building on ODEN accomplishments
WHITBY, ON — After an extensive executive search process, the Ontario Disability Employment Network’s (ODEN) Board of Directors is pleased to announce Amy Widdows has been selected as the new permanent CEO of ODEN, effectively immediately.
Widdows had been serving as Interim CEO since the retirement of ODEN’s previous CEO, Jeannette Campbell, in December 2024.
“This was a rigorous selection process for both the Board and all the candidates. We had over 400 applicants. Everyone under consideration was highly qualified, with different skills, backgrounds and experience, so reaching a final decision was challenging,” says Board Chair Michael Dawthorne.
“Ultimately it came down to who we thought would be the best fit to lead a team that’s 100% remote and has a unique dynamic that we feel is vital to maintain. I and the entire Board are pleased Amy has accepted the role and will continue leading the ODEN team.”
While she had been asked by the Board to serve as Interim CEO during the search, Widdows “knew as the incumbent there were no guarantees” of being selected as ODEN’s new CEO. “It really was a rigorous process as a candidate. I’m relieved it’s over, and I’d like to thank the Board for having the confidence in me to lead this team.”
She explains, “The next five years are going to be an exciting but crucial time for our growing ODEN team. We have a new strategic plan with some deliberately challenging objectives, and some exciting projects we’re developing.”
Among these is a five-year project that will help increase equitable employment opportunities for youth in Ontario who have a disability and create a new standard for their employment. The project is funded by a $1-million grant from The Slaight Family Foundation.
“As well,” notes Widdows, “our members are facing challenges with Integrated Employment Services (IES) in Ontario. We’re putting more emphasis on advocacy as we define it. That is, making everyone’s concerns known and constantly working to bring both sides to the table, to find an employment solution that’s better for everyone involved.”
Adds Dawthorne, “The challenges facing our members is unprecedented. The changes brought on by the IES model are having a significant impact on the sector. The Board felt it was critical for our members that the next CEO already be part of the sector and be highly knowledgeable about employment transformation in Ontario.”
When asked what drives her as CEO, Widdows says, “My vision of an inclusive Ontario, which is a province where there are no barriers left to break down; a province where everyone has skills and talents, and an opportunity to use them and succeed, regardless of whether they have a disability. But especially if they do.”
Widdows has been with ODEN since joining the non-profit in 2018 as a Diversity and Inclusion Specialist. She led the Ontario hub of the MentorAbility Canada project in partnership with March of Dimes Canada.
In 2021, she became Director of Development and Capacity Building, overseeing business development, Disability Awareness and Confidence Training (DACT) and Employment Service Provider professional development training programs.
Since 2023, Widdows shifted to Director of Corporate Engagement and Training, leading ODEN’s Ontario Corporate Training Centre (OCTC) initiative, a three-year federally funded project.
In December 2024, she was asked to additionally take on the Interim CEO role after the retirement of her predecessor. As CEO, Widdows will continue overseeing the OCTC project until it wraps up in January 2026.
Widdows has more than 20 years of knowledge and experience in the non-profit employment services and developmental services sectors. Prior to joining ODEN, she was the Supervisor of Employment and Support Services at Community Living Campbellford/Brighton, ON.
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For more information and to arrange interviews, contact:
Dean Askin, Communications Strategist, Ontario Disability Employment Network
daskin@odenetwork.com 416-818-1514 (mobile)