ANITA STELLINGA APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF COSTI

COSTI is pleased to announce the appointment of Anita Stellinga as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective Thursday June 26, 2025.

 

Anita brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector, with a career rooted in settlement and community services. As a former newcomer to Canada, she brings a deep understanding of the critical role organizations like COSTI play in supporting people who are building a new life.

 

Anita began her career working on the frontlines in the settlement sector, supporting skills and language training, refugee services and mental health programs. She later joined United Way Peel Region, where she moved into senior leadership and served as Interim CEO. During her tenure, she helped lead the merger with United Way Toronto and York Region, forming United Way Greater Toronto, the largest United Way in the world. Her leadership helped unite staff, operations and strategy, strengthening the organization's capacity to achieve fundraising success and community impact.

 

A champion of collaboration, service innovation and systems-level change, Anita was a founding partner of the Peel Newcomer Strategy Group and co-chaired the Peel Poverty Reduction Strategy Committee, shaping how communities across the region respond to poverty, equity and inclusion across the region.

 

Most recently, Anita served as Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Policy and Corporate Secretary at United Way Greater Toronto. In this role, she led key initiatives in public policy, communications, equity and governance, including the development of the organization’s Reconciliation and Equity Action Plan.

 

“Anita brings a unique blend of lived experience, strategic insight and commitment to service that makes her the right leader for COSTI at this time,” said Pina Alberelli-Arone, President and Chair of COSTI’s Board of Directors. “We are excited to welcome Anita as she leads COSTI into its next chapter.” 
 

“It’s an honour to join the incredible team at COSTI, an organization that has long been a beacon of hope and opportunity. I’m inspired by its unwavering commitment to supporting immigrants, newcomers, refugees and all those seeking a better future to build meaningful lives, connect with community, and realize their full potential,” said Anita Stellinga, incoming CEO, COSTI.

 

Anita holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto at Mississauga. She currently serves as Chair of the Governance Committee at Partners Community Health and is a past Chair of STRIDE, a mental health agency serving Peel and Halton.

 

The Board of Directors thanks the search committee for their dedication and care throughout the recruitment process.

 

For more information, visit www.costi.org. For interview inquiries, please mail media@costi.org.