We are sharing with you today the news that Chris Cowie is stepping away from CJI after 15 years of stellar leadership.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are sharing with you today the news that Chris Cowie is stepping away after 15 years of stellar leadership. We must say that we were taken aback to hear that the seemingly endless tank of energy was so depleted.

One mark of a true leader is the strength of the organization being led. Chris has developed a solid leadership team and staff, and in turn our volunteer core is second to none. CJI is a much stronger organization after 15 years of Chris’s leadership and will continue to be a vital community resource for years to come.

A second mark of a good leader is knowing when your time is up. It takes a great deal of strength and self-awareness to know when it is time to move on to other challenges and we applaud Chris for his insight.

We joined the CJI board because of our interest in restorative justice. Chris spent a great deal of time with us, increasing our knowledge in this area. His infectious enthusiasm and deep knowledge made us all better board members.

We will immediately begin the search for a new Executive Director. While the next leader will have big shoes to fill, we are confident we can find someone who can build on the CJI vision and values that Chris so diligently enhanced.

In the interim, we are very happy that Kate Crozier will be the acting Executive Director; we look forward to working with her.

While we will miss Chris and his dedication to restorative justice, we wish him well and thank him for his service and for his tireless work promoting CJI and its programs.

Andre Rajna and Roxanne Chartrand
Co-Chairs of the Board of Directors

Dear community partners, supporters and friends of CJI,

I hope this message finds you well. It is with a mix of emotions that I write to you today. After 15 incredibly fulfilling years serving as the Executive Director of Community Justice Initiatives, I am announcing my resignation, effective August 16, 2024.

These years have been nothing short of extraordinary. Together, we have grown from strength to strength, developing and delivering impactful restorative justice programs that have truly made a difference in our community. Our collaborations and partnerships have not only thrived but have set a standard for excellence and dedication.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and commitment of our community partners and supporters like you. Your belief in our mission and your collaborative spirit have been instrumental in our success. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside you, sharing ideas, overcoming challenges, and celebrating milestones together. I can confidently say that this has been the most rewarding work of my career.

I am immensely proud of the talented team of employees and volunteers who have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to our cause. Their passion and hard work have been the driving force behind every achievement we have celebrated.

Additionally, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated and knowledgeable Board members. Their guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support have been invaluable throughout my tenure.

As I look forward to the next chapter in my journey, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. While I will no longer serve as the Executive Director, I remain committed to our shared mission of promoting restorative justice and fostering a more just and compassionate community.

I have complete confidence in the leadership team and Board to continue the excellent work of CJI. They are deeply committed and exceptionally capable, and I am certain they will lead the organization to even greater heights.

Please know that this decision was not made lightly, and I leave with a profound sense of gratitude for the experiences and relationships that have enriched my life immeasurably.

Thank you once again for your partnership, friendship, and support over the years. I look forward to staying connected and continuing to contribute to our community in new ways.

With warm regards and deepest appreciation,

Chris Cowie