Alona Puehse, incoming CEO of Open Door Group

“Over the past 13 years, Alona has demonstrated her ongoing commitment to furthering Open Door Group’s mission of opening doors to lifelong learning and career success.  She has held the role of Chief Operating Officer for the past four years and we are delighted to appoint her as incoming CEO.   Under her leadership, we have no doubt the organization will continue with great momentum and she will bring a strong vision for Open Door Group’s next chapter.” Bill Rana, Chair, Open Door Group Board of Directors.

By way of background, Alona came to Open Door Group from the private sector in 2009, bringing with her a strong track record in international business development and a fierce desire to support people through employment and economic independence. Her passion and entrepreneurial vision quickly became a beacon within the organization. She has a genuine passion for diversity and inclusion, social justice, and lifelong learning, demonstrated through her achievements at Open Door Group and her work in the community as a volunteer.

“I’m honoured to be selected as the incoming CEO. Open Door Group has always operated on the fundamental belief that all individuals have the ability and right to succeed. The meaningful work we do – together with our community, government and business partners, is important, now more than ever.  We are facing many unprecedented issues in the economy, the climate, socially – all having profound impacts on how we look at work. To take on these challenges and opportunities with such a dedicated team, is the greatest honour.” Alona Puehse

Alona will be starting her role as CEO on March 1st, 2022. The Board extends its gratitude to Tom Burnell for his 27 years of dedicated service which involved many significant accomplishments, including growing Open Door Group from a small, Vancouver-based organization delivering skill development workshops to people with disabilities, to what is now one of the largest non-profit organizations in the province serving thousands of British Columbians to build skills and achieve career success.