NEWS RELEASE
CMHA ALGOMA
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This week, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Algoma Branch will officially mark the end of an era with the retirement of longtime CEO, Annette Katajamaki.
After 40 years of service to the community mental health and addictions sector and the Algoma District, Katajamaki will move into the next stage of her life but will leave behind a legacy of compassion and caring for the most vulnerable individuals in our community.
“In a sector that requires grace and empathy from its leadership to be successful, Annette rises above the rest,” said CMHA Algoma board chair Charlene Wilson.
“To put it simply, CMHA Algoma wouldn’t hold its prominent position as a community mental health and addictions leader in our district without Annette’s relentless passion, bold vision and graceful tact.”
Katajamaki started her tenure with CMHA in 1985 with a student placement. The next nine years saw Katajamaki take on various roles in mental health and social support before being appointed executive director in 1994. Her leadership title was advanced to CEO in 2021 to align with the significant growth and advancing structure of the organization.
CMHA Algoma and its previous iterations saw exponential growth during her tenure. The organization had three staff, two programs, one location and a $142,000 operating budget when she started. By the time she became executive director in 1994, the agency had eight staff, four programs, two locations and an $820,000 operating budget.
Today, CMHA Algoma has 166 staff, more than 20 programs, 12 physical locations, numerous other mobile locations and a $17 million operating budget.
Among Katajamaki’s most notable achievements are the addition and expansion of several programs, including: court outreach, dual diagnosis, access and information/referral, housing supports, embedding peer navigators in the Sault Area Hospital emergency department, family support, mental health court support, establishing a youth mental health court worker, and peer-led drop-in centres in Elliot Lake and Wawa.
Developing partnerships and collaborations at the local, district, regional and provincial levels have been crucial to the growth and success of CMHA Algoma under Katajamaki’s leadership. Partnerships led by CMHA Algoma under her guidance include: Community Wellness Bus, single session walk-in counselling service, mental health educator on campus at Sault College, housing projects, low-barrier men’s shelter and cold weather warming station, housing outreach, Garden River First Nation Wellness Team, Downtown Ambassadors Program and the Community Resource Centre.
In recent years, Katajamaki has also successfully led the Sault Ste. Marie Homelessness and Addiction Recovery Treatment (HART) Hub application, integration of community mental health programs from Algoma Public Health to CMHA, and the integration of consumer/survivor initiatives from Sault Area Hospital to CMHA.
“It has been the honour of a lifetime to be part of the team at CMHA Algoma,” said Katajamaki. “I always led with best interest of our clients and our community in mind, and as I depart, I couldn’t be more optimistic that the awe-inspiring staff, experienced management team, led by new CEO Lisa Case, and dedicated board of directors will usher in a new era for the agency with the same passion and care for the individuals we serve.
"I’m indebted to the countless colleagues, volunteers and community partners who had a hand in our growth along the way. Thank you for everything.”
Katajamaki’s official last day with CMHA Algoma is Feb. 28. In retirement, she looks forward to spending time with her children Nick, Benjamin and Stephanie and their families, and travelling the world.
“‘Thank you’ doesn’t begin to acknowledge the profound impact Annette has had on our community and organization,” said Wilson.
“We’re forever grateful for her dedication and she will be dearly missed.”
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