WFAD is pleased to share an important update regarding the leadership of the Secretariat. As Regina Mattsson concludes her time as Secretary General, Cressida de Witte takes on the role, marking a new chapter for the organisation.

While WFAD’s mission and commitment remain unchanged, this transition offers an opportunity to reflect on Regina’s years of dedicated leadership and lasting contribution to WFAD, while warmly welcoming Cressida as the organisation’s new Secretary General.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Regina

After joining WFAD in 2019 and taking on the role of Secretary General in 2020, Regina Mattsson has guided the organisation into a new decade with dedication, vision, and heart.

Under her leadership, WFAD has continued to grow and develop as a strong global membership organisation, bringing together people and organisations committed to strengthening prevention, increasing access to treatment, and promoting recovery. Her leadership has helped shape important parts of WFAD’s direction, including a stronger focus on gender equality, pioneering the establishment of the Global Gender Committee, the rights of children, and inclusive and rights-based approaches within our Strategic Action Plan.

Regina has led WFAD with passion, integrity, care, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Her leadership has not only strengthened the organisation but has also left a lasting impact on our global community.

For the WFAD team, Regina has meant so much more than a Secretary General. She has been a trusted leader and mentor, providing thoughtful guidance, encouragement, and support. Through the years, she has also built meaningful friendships, creating a strong sense of connection and community within the team and beyond. Her warmth, dedication, and genuine care for those around her will be deeply missed.

As Regina begins a new chapter, so too does WFAD. While we will greatly miss her leadership and presence, we are deeply grateful for the years she has dedicated to the organisation and for the guidance, friendship, and commitment she has shared with so many of us.

Thank you, Regina, for your leadership, your passion, your guidance, and your friendship. We wish you every success and happiness in your new role and look forward to seeing all that you will accomplish in this next chapter.

A Message from Cressida

I am truly honoured by the trust the Board has placed in me by appointing me as the new Secretary General of WFAD.

Stepping into this role following Regina Mattsson is both a privilege and a responsibility. Over the past six years, Regina has been a mentor, a leader, and a source of inspiration, and I am deeply grateful for her guidance, encouragement, and friendship. I look forward to building on the strong foundation she has helped create.

Since joining WFAD in 2020 as an intern, I have had the privilege of growing alongside this organisation. What inspired me then, and continues to inspire me today, is the unwavering commitment of you, our members, around the world. Seeing the incredible work you do every day to strengthen prevention, increase access to treatment, and promote recovery has motivated me to continue advocating for our shared mission and ensuring that your voices are heard in an ever-changing global landscape.

Over the years, I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you, whether virtually or in person. Every conversation, collaboration, and exchange has taught me something new and helped shape me both professionally and personally. I am sincerely grateful for your trust, your partnership, and your dedication.

As Secretary General, I look forward to working together with you, our members, alongside the Board, staff, and partners to continue strengthening WFAD as a global voice for prevention, treatment, and recovery. Together, we will continue to champion evidence-informed policies, promote the rights of women, children, and health, implement projects, and work towards creating healthier and safer communities around the world.

I am excited for this next chapter and look forward to all that we will achieve together.