Executive Director Transition

April 3, 2025

Stacey Murie, Incoming Executive Director 

I am thrilled and honoured to join Project Canoe as the Executive Director. 

I deeply believe in the transformative power of the outdoors, which is why I know the work Project Canoe does is essential. I’m excited to work with the team and Board to lead the growth of our programs that create meaningful opportunities for youth to connect with nature, build self-esteem and confidence, and foster learning and curiosity. 

I’ve personally benefited from time spent outdoors. Being surrounded by trees brings me calm, balance, and clarity, along with a sense of wonder. Each summer, I look forward to exploring new national and provincial parks through camping trips or day hikes. I love trying new outdoor activities and challenging myself to do things I never thought I could.

Before coming to Project Canoe, I had the privilege of working for a variety of non-profits including CivicAction, Horizons for Youth, The Stop Community Food Centre, MADD Canada, and CNIB Lake Joe. Past colleagues have said that my professional superpower is wearing many hats. I've led all aspects of non-profit organizations, including programs, projects, philanthropy, communications, operations, HR, and finance. I’m looking forward to channeling my skills, experiences, and passion to amplify Project Canoe’s impact.

I would like to thank Sascha Ellis for his outstanding leadership since 2021. His efforts were instrumental in stabilizing Project Canoe after the pandemic, and he has successfully expanded the organization’s impact year after year. Sascha is thoughtful, passionate, and intelligent, and I am honoured to carry forward his legacy.

I’m excited to connect with Project Canoe’s incredible community of youth, partners, donors, and volunteers who make the organization what it is. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and hopes for the future of Project Canoe. Let’s jump on a call and get to know each other. 

Stacey Murie, stacey@canoe.org 

Sascha Ellis, Outgoing Executive Director 

Since 2021, I have had the privilege of leading this community out of the pandemic and into a period of growth and increased impact. Our trip programs have come back stronger than ever and we’ve built new opportunities for young people to connect with the outdoors in ways that reflect their experiences and identities. Our Local Explorers program has grown into a thriving community, with graduates of this program now taking on leadership roles in other Project Canoe programs. Our Urban Programs began offering monthly outdoor activities, giving young people regular opportunities to connect with each other and nature in their neighborhoods. Additionally, our canoe trip programs have expanded, including longer eight-day trips and new partnerships with organizations across Toronto to enhance accessibility and impact 

As I wrap up my time here at Project Canoe, I want to take one more opportunity to thank our amazing community of youth, staff, volunteers, and supporters. My time here has been highlighted by the connections I’ve made with all of you. From one-on-one conversations to big events, it’s been a real pleasure getting to know so many of you and bonding over our collective love of the outdoors.

I’m so excited for all of you to connect with Stacey. Her passion for the work we do and the youth we work alongside was evident from the first time we met her. She comes to Project Canoe having spent the past several years with CivicAction leading organizational operations, people and talent, and communications. Beyond that, she is committed to ensuring that youth facing barriers have access to transformative experiences and increased opportunities, something she has actively championed throughout her career. Welcome Stacey!

The journey we’ve taken together has been one I will hold on to forever. I leave knowing that Project Canoe is in an incredible place, with a strong team and a dedicated community committed to continuing this important work. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this adventure. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Sascha Ellis

Message from our Chairs

We want to first thank Sascha for the incredible contribution he has made over the last four years. With Sascha’s strong connection with and understanding of the youth we serve, his excellent leadership, and strong relationship building skills, he has helped build Project Canoe’s direction and growth. Last  fall, when Sascha shared that he wanted to get back to working directly with youth, the board was sad to see him leave but so grateful that he committed to supporting the transition to a new Executive Director. 

We are excited to have Stacey join Project Canoe as our new Executive Director. From our first interview with Stacey, both our hiring committee and John, the Director of Programs and Operations, were confident she was the right person to build upon Sascha’s efforts in growing the organization. Stacey brings strong experience from her extensive not-for-profit work. It was also clear that Stacey has a personal passion for the outdoors and an understanding of the impact of the outdoors on our youth. In her first couple of weeks at Project Canoe, her perspective and ideas are already demonstrating her potential in helping Project Canoe continue to increase our impact.   

Kathy Ord and Peter Szathmary, Co-Chairs of the Board of Directors