From the purchase of a 22-unit apartment complex in Colborne to developing a new homeless shelter with wrap-around supports in Cobourg, Lisa Horne has been at the helm of Northumberland County projects centred on housing and homelessness supports.
Those recent projects are but two of the initiatives she has overseen in her role as the county’s community and social services director. Horne’s time with the county is winding down, with her departure slated for next month.
Northumberland County announced this week that Horne, who has been with the county since 2001 and has served as director since 2016, will officially retire on October 25.
“Lisa’s leadership and contributions have significantly impacted our organization and our community,” said county CAO Jennifer Moore in a media release.
“Her unwavering commitment to a people-centered model of service has not only enhanced capacity within our social services division to address the evolving needs of our community, but has also fostered long-term stability and empowerment for many individuals and families. While we will miss her leadership and dedication, we wish her all the best as she embarks on this next chapter.”
With her departure, Glenn Dees, the county’s current director of health and human services, will take on the community and social services portfolio. He will also continue in his role of overseeing the operation of the Golden Plough Lodge long-term care home in Cobourg.
Horne has spent 34 years in public service. She began her career in social services in 1990 with the Metropolitan Toronto Social Services Department before moving to Durham Region Social Services in 1993.
She joined Northumberland County’s community and social services initially as an Ontario Works caseworker. Her roles evolved over the years, leading to her appointment as housing services manager in 2009 and ultimately as director eight years later.
During her tenure with Northumberland County, Horne has played “a pivotal role” in several transformative initiatives, the release noted. She led the local implementation of the province-wide system service manager model for housing services in 2016, and Early Years services in 2018.
Under Horne’s guidance, the county developed its first 10-year housing and homelessness plan, a comprehensive affordable housing strategy, and a five-year early learning and child care plan.
“Lisa’s tenure has been marked by a steadfast dedication to improving the lives of our residents,” said Northumberland County Warden Brian Ostrander.
“Her ability to lead a team in adapting to evolving community need and a complex social services environment has set a high standard for public service. On behalf of county council, I extend our deepest gratitude to Lisa and wish her a joyful and fulfilling retirement.”
The county said Horne’s leadership was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she spearheaded the department’s response, “ensuring that vulnerable community members received continuous support and access to essential services.”
“She has often reflected with pride on the exceptional resilience and compassion demonstrated by the social services team during this challenging period,” the county said.
