The Board of Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation today announces a new appointment.

Ariel Siller, our longtime CEO, is leaving to pursue an exciting next chapter in her career and Sommer Wedlock has been appointed as the Foundation’s new CEO.

On behalf of the Board, we want to thank Ariel for her unwavering commitment, inspiring leadership, and many achievements over five years. We also want to thank her for the smooth ‘baton passing’ to Sommer. During her tenure, Ariel took CCLF from a start-up to be a meaningful and respected force in childhood literacy. We are grateful for all Ariel has done and for the team she leaves in place.

We are also hugely delighted to announce the appointment of Sommer Wedlock as CCLF’s new CEO. Sommer brings a wealth of leadership experience gleaned during her tenure as Executive Vice President of the Gairdner Foundation where she was deeply respected for her accomplishments. Before joining the Gairdner Foundation, Sommer held successively senior roles at Hill+Knowlton and the University Health Network.

We and the entire Board are excited to welcome Sommer and to be working with her toward our mission of ensuring that Canadian children are the most richly literate in the world.

Sommer Wedlock’s Bio

Sommer Wedlock is CEO of the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation. A passionate advocate for children’s literacy, Sommer joined CCLF in October 2024. For the last decade, she was leading the Gairdner Foundation as Executive Vice President. The Gairdner Foundation celebrates scientific excellence globally while also inspiring the next generation of innovators. In that role, Sommer led operations for programming across Canada, government relations, strategic planning, communications, and fundraising.

Previously, Sommer worked at Hill+Knowlton in their health team, working with various hospitals, foundations, and members of the life sciences community. Her career began at the University Health Network, working alongside world-renowned researchers.

Sommer’s love of reading began at a young age, and that passion for literacy has been passed on to her two children, who are quickly becoming avid readers. Bedtime favourites include Goodnight Moon, The Day the Crayons Quit, and Corduroy.