The Board of Directors of Batshaw Youth and Family Centres has announced that Margaret Douek has been appointed as the Westmount-based Batshaw Centres’ new executive director.

As the assistant executive director for the past four years, Douek has gained a strong knowledge of the organization and has worked well and effectively with Batshaw's partners in the community and the health and social services network. She has forged strong relationships with all levels of Batshaw's workers, and her leadership skills are based on her highly ethical personal values.

Douek, who has a Master's degree in social work from Carleton University and a

BA from Concordia, was director of Youth Protection at Centre Jeunesse de Laval from 1993 to 2004, and held the same position at Jewish Family Services from 1988 to 1993. Before that, from 1983 to 1988, she was director of professional services at Shawbridge Youth Centres, one of the establishments that merged to create Batshaw Centres.

She will succeed Michael Udy, who retires from this position on Oct.10.