KBRS is pleased to have assisted in the appointment of Debbie Schatia as Blue Door’s new CEO. The following is an excerpt from their recent announcement.

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The Board of Directors of Blue Door is proud to announce the appointment of Debbie Schatia, as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer.

Debbie brings over two decades of visionary leadership in the social services sector, with a proven track record in strategic planning, organizational transformation, and service excellence. Her career spans executive roles at Youthdale Treatment Centres, Covenant House Toronto, and Turning Point Youth Services, where she led multi-million-dollar budgets, large interdisciplinary teams, and complex service delivery systems.

Most recently, as Interim Executive Director at PAARC, Debbie spearheaded a digital transformation, reduced vacancy rates, and prepared the agency for accreditation, all within an 18-month term. Her commitment to data-driven decision-making, equity, and community partnerships aligns perfectly with Blue Door’s mission to prevent and end homelessness.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am thrilled to welcome Debbie. She brings exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and a proven track record of driving transformational change to deliver sustainable impact. We are confident that under her guidance, Blue Door will continue to support the most vulnerable in our community and build on the strong foundation established over the past 43 years,” shared Michael Scarano, Board Chair. “We look forward to working closely with Debbie and the entire Blue Door team as we embark on this exciting new chapter.”

Debbie’s leadership style is collaborative and strategic, with a strong focus on equity, inclusion, and trauma-informed care. She has successfully led unionized environments and built sustainable partnerships across sectors.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Blue Door Team. Throughout my career I have seen the impact of homelessness and the significant difference safe, affordable housing, health care services and employment can have in transforming lives. I am passionate about prevention, addressing the root causes of homelessness and people's right to housing,” Debbie Schatia shared, brimming with passion. “This is an exciting time to join Blue Door as the agency launches a new strategic plan and an innovative land trust. I have admired Blue Doors’ programs and services and look forward to working with the team, Board, clients and community to enable housing stability by driving innovative housing, health and employment solutions that prevent and end homelessness.”

The Board extends its sincere gratitude to Emmy Kelly for her leadership during the transition period and to the entire Blue Door team for their continued dedication to serving our community.

Debbie officially assumes her role as Chief Executive Officer of Blue Door on November 24th, 2025.