Johanne Lacombe
Community Pillars
Johanne Lacombe is a distinguished Franco-Ontarian leader whose sustained commitment to education, community development, and Francophone vitality has had a profound and lasting impact in Ottawa and beyond its borders. Her career reflects a consistent dedication to strengthening institutions, expanding access to services, and advancing the growth and sustainability of Francophone communities at the local, provincial, and national levels.
Guided by a deep personal connection to Francophone culture and education, Johanne has devoted her professional and volunteer life to building inclusive, responsive, and forward-looking organizations. She has held senior leadership roles across key community institutions, including the Centre Séraphin-Marion in Orléans, the Centre éducatif des Bécasseaux, and the Patro d’Ottawa. In each of these positions, she demonstrated a strong ability to identify community needs and implement innovative solutions that improved services for seniors, youth, and families. Her leadership contributed to program expansion, increased accessibility, and organizational growth, including the creation of new childcare spaces and enhanced community programming.
Since 2015, Johanne has served as Chair of the Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE), the largest French-language school board outside Quebec. Under her leadership, the board has experienced significant growth in student enrolment and program diversity, now serving more than 30,000 students across elementary, secondary, and virtual learning environments. She has championed the development of new schools, including École secondaire catholique Saint-Jean-Baptiste, and supported the creation of innovative initiatives such as the Agro-Educational Centre and specialized academies in the arts and culinary fields. Her tenure has also strengthened educational accessibility through the expansion of infrastructure in growing Ottawa communities.
Johanne’s influence extends beyond education governance. She has contributed extensively to provincial and national Francophone organizations, including the Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques and the Fédération nationale des conseils scolaires francophones, where she has held senior leadership roles. Through these positions, she has helped shape policies and foster collaboration that advance Francophone education across Canada.
Her long-standing volunteer service includes over two decades with Caisse Desjardins Trillium/Orléans, where she contributed in multiple governance roles, as well as involvement with organizations in post-secondary education, healthcare integration, and community housing. These engagements reflect her broad commitment to social development and community well-being.
Johanne’s leadership has been recognized through numerous honours, including the Prix Saphir, the Orléans Women Leaders Recognition Award, and the Ordre de la Pléiade, which celebrates her outstanding contribution to Francophone culture and education.
Through her vision, integrity, and ability to mobilize others, Johanne Lacombe has strengthened the fabric of Francophone life in Ottawa and beyond. Her work continues to inspire progress, collaboration, and a lasting commitment to community-building.
