Lynn Lievonen

TORONTO (October 23, 2012)—Catalyst, a global nonprofit organization expanding opportunities for women and business, has announced the appointment of Alex Johnston as Executive Director of Catalyst Canada Inc.

Ms. Johnston comes to Catalyst with more than a decade of leadership experience in the public and private sectors. In her new position, she will be charged with shaping a strategy for Catalyst’s continued growth with its members that supports initiatives to advance gender equity in Canadian business.

“I first met Alex six years ago and was immediately impressed by her passion, solutions-oriented approach to making change, and personal integrity,” said Deborah Gillis, Senior Vice President, Membership & Global Operations. ”Her expertise in policy and track record on a wide range of issues impacting women will be much appreciated as we work with our 114 Canadian corporate members to advance women in Canadian business.”

Ms. Johnston practiced corporate law with Goodmans LLP before joining the office of Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty in 2003, where she served as Executive Director of Policy. In this role, she worked with senior members of government to develop, implement, and communicate the government’s agenda and played a key part in advancing a progressive women’s agenda, including initiatives to support women’s economic independence and health.

A long-time advocate for women, Ms. Johnston was a founding member of the first student-run sexual assault center in Canada, served as a legal advisor in a shelter for women and children, and, after living in China for two years, began graduate studies on Chinese women’s legal rights and experience with the justice system.

Ms. Johnston is fluent in English and French and holds a BA, LLB, and BCL from McGill University. Having spent her early years in Montreal, she now lives in Toronto with her husband and three children.

ABOUT CATALYST

Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit membership organization expanding opportunities for women and business. With offices in the United States, Canada, Europe, and India, and more than 500 preeminent corporations as members, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work. Catalyst annually honors exemplary organizational initiatives that promote women's advancement with the Catalyst Award.

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For more information:

Susan Nierenberg
Catalyst
snierenberg@catalyst.org
+1 646 388 7744

Samantha Finkelstein
MAVERICK Public Relations
samanthaf@maverickpr.com
+1 416 640 5525, ext 250

Magda Jarota
MAVERICK Public Relations
madgaj@maverickpr.com
+1 416 640 5525, ext 242