People for Education (PFE) is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Kate Hagerman and Paris Semansky as the organization's first co-Executive Directors, effective November 1, 2025. This leadership transition follows the retirement of co-founder and Executive Director, Annie Kidder, who led the organization for nearly three decades.
Annie Kidder's leadership shaped People for Education into a trusted voice for public education in Canada. In Kate and Paris, we see the next generation of leadership at People for Education, that will build on Annie's remarkable legacy while positioning the organization for the future.
Fiona Deller, Chair of the PFE Board of Directors
Kate and Paris are both longstanding leaders, and their combined experience is uniquely aligned with the organization's ambitious future.
Formerly PFE's General Manager, Kate has been with the organization for 6 years, and has led operational, planning, and strategic efforts. With experience at the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) and the Evaluation Centre for Complex Health Interventions (TECCHI), she brings expertise in research, evaluation, and program management. She holds a master's degree from the University of Western Ontario, where her thesis focused on inequities in education.
Across my career, I've seen how thoughtful learning and reflection can drive real transformation. People for Education has a remarkable legacy of curiosity, courage, and care, and my commitment is to steward that legacy strengthening our foundation while expanding our reach so that public education continues to fulfill its promise as a cornerstone of Canada's future.
Kate Hagerman, incoming co-Executive Director.
Most recently PFE's Director of Systems Change, Paris Semansky brings expertise in policy and communications from almost a decade working for Ministers in Ontario and a former Premier of Ontario. Paris also led the public affairs team at CAMH, Canada's largest mental health hospital. She holds a master's degree in communications management from McMaster University.
People for Education has spent decades bridging voices from classrooms to policymakers to position public education as one of Canada's most important assets. As we enter this next chapter, I'm inspired by the opportunity to work alongside Kate, our team, and partners across Canada to build on that legacy, connecting evidence, ideas, and people to shape the future of public education in Canada.
Paris Semansky, incoming co-Executive Director
The move to a co-leadership model reflects PFE's evolution from a successful Ontario-focused organization to a pan-Canadian catalyst for The Education Promise a bold five-year initiative to reimagine public education across the country.
Kate and Paris bring complementary skills, deep experience, and a shared commitment to public education. Together, I am confident they will lead PFE into this next chapter with vision, energy, and impact.
Fiona Deller, Chair, People for Education Board of Directors
It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead People for Education. I am thrilled to pass the torch to Kate and Paris, whose combined vision and experience will ensure that PFE continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of education in Canada.
Annie Kidder, co-founder and outgoing Executive Director
