Pride at Work Canada appoints Jade Pichette and Jose Patiño-Gómez as Executive Directors
The appointments formalize a collaborative leadership model that will guide the organization through its next phase.
The Board of Directors of Pride at Work Canada is pleased to announce the permanent appointments of Jade Pichette (they/she) and Jose Patiño-Gómez (he/him) as Executive Directors, effective July 14, 2026.
Together, Jade and Jose will co-lead Pride at Work Canada under the organization’s co-leadership model. They will share responsibility for organizational strategy and major priorities while maintaining clear decision-making authority within complementary areas of accountability.
These appointments follow the departure of Colin Druhan, who concluded his tenure as Executive Director earlier this year after more than a decade of leadership. The Board is grateful for Colin’s many contributions to Pride at Work Canada and wishes him well in his next chapter.
Throughout the leadership transition, Jade and Jose took on significant responsibility for guiding Pride at Work Canada in partnership with the Board and staff. They provided consistency, sound judgment and collaborative leadership while maintaining momentum across the organization’s programs, partnerships and priorities.
“Over the past several months, Jade and Jose have demonstrated the consistency, professionalism and strong judgment needed to guide Pride at Work Canada through a significant period of transition,” said Katia Aubin, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Their complementary leadership has supported the team, maintained organizational momentum and built confidence across the Board. Formalizing this model provides the continuity, stability and collaborative leadership needed for Pride at Work Canada’s next phase.”
Under the co-leadership model, Jade and Jose will jointly lead organizational strategy and significant organization-wide decisions. Each will also hold clear decision-making authority within their respective areas of accountability. The model is supported by a governance framework that establishes shared responsibilities, individual authority, and a clear relationship with the Board.
Jade joined Pride at Work Canada almost eight years ago and most recently served as Director of Programs & Advocacy. Throughout their time with the organization, they have helped shape its programming, advocacy, internal operations and relationships across 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
Jose joined Pride at Work Canada over three years ago and most recently served as Director of Stakeholder Engagement & Advancement. His leadership has advanced the organization’s partnerships, stakeholder engagement, revenue development and external strategy.
“We are honoured by the Board’s confidence and excited to continue leading Pride at Work Canada together,” said Jade and Jose. “This model builds on a partnership grounded in trust, complementary strengths and a shared commitment to our team and mission. We look forward to completing the organization’s next three-year strategic plan and working with our staff, partners and communities to shape Pride at Work Canada’s next chapter.”
Jade and Jose have already been guiding the development of Pride at Work Canada’s next three-year strategic plan with input from staff and the Board. Their appointments provide continuity as the organization completes that work and prepares to implement the new plan.
The Board looks forward to supporting Jade, Jose and the entire Pride at Work Canada team as the organization moves into this next phase.
