Commissioner, Social Services, Regional Municipality of Durham

Stella Danos-Papaconstantinou has more than 25 years of leadership experience in the human services sector. Most of Stella’s career involved leading various teams at the Region of Peel, including a significant Human Services Integration project. Joining the Region of Durham in late 2019, as Commissioner of Social Services, Stella now oversees programs and services comprised of more than 2,000 employees—who provide professional and high-quality services to Durham residents. The Region’s Social Services Department serves people in a variety of spectrums that include; early learning and childcare, social assistance , housing and homelessness, individual & family counselling along with four Long-term care homes. Leading an Executive Team made up of six directors, Stella’s commitment lies steadfast towards evolving the Social Services system to meet emerging needs of the community. With a strong vision for integrated service delivery and building community capacity, Stella’s goal of breaking the cycle of poverty is in sight. Stella’s passion and commitment to social services is also demonstrated through her membership on various boards, including the Provincial-Municipal Social Assistance Employment Committee (PMSAEC), on which she is also the Co-chair of the Employment and Life Stabilization Committee. In addition, Stella is a board member of the Housing Services Corporation. Formerly, she was a board member of the Ontario Municipal Social Services Association (OMSSA) and Co-chair of the Policy and Advocacy Committee.