Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre Appoints New Executive Director

The Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre (KSAC) Board of Directors has appointed Melinda Wall as the organization’s new Executive Director.

Melinda Wall, during her tenure as the Peterborough Regional Centre PRHC director of mental health services in 2021. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Wall is a registered nurse and senior health-care leader with over 20 years of experience across clinical practice, health-care administration and executive leadership. Her career has spanned acute care, mental health and addictions, community health, and population-based initiatives focused on social determinants of health and health equity.

Wall has held progressive leadership roles in hospitals and community organizations, including 10 years as a senior leader at Peterborough Regional Health Centre and most recently, as Vice President at Durham Community Health Centre, where she oversaw integrated care, strategic operations and interdisciplinary teams supporting equity-based populations.

“Melinda’s work is grounded in a commitment to equitable, person-centred care and strengthening the conditions in which individuals and communities can thrive,” said Kerianne Sidler, KSAC Board Chair. “She brings extensive experience in governance, organizational performance, workforce planning, and cross-sector collaboration, and is known for fostering transparent, respectful, and values-driven work environments.”

The Peterborough native has completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Trent University, following two years of study in Women’s Studies and Indigenous Studies—a foundation that has deeply influenced her approach to health care and community engagement.

“I entered the nursing profession with a goal of working in women’s counselling, specifically with women who have been subjected to sexual assault or abuse,” said Wall. “When the KSAC Executive Director position became available, it felt like the right time to fully realize that vision.”

Wall assumes the role with the departure of Brittany McMillan, former executive director and Lindsay Haacke, who held the title in an interim capacity.

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