Catherine Lane
Chair, Community Services Cabinet
Community Volunteer

Originally from Alberta, Catherine has lived across Canada. “I grew up with United Way,” she says. “It was part of my mother’s volunteer work, so it really has been a part of my life.” Catherine knows that United Way/Centraide brings strength to the community and when she was planning her retirement, she knew that United Way/Centraide was where she wanted to devote her time. “I believe in what the organization is doing and how it is evolving,” says Catherine. Learning about community issues and working with the committed and motivated staff at United Way/Centraide are two things that keep Catherine committed to the movement. The most important reason though is the way the organization touches so many people in the community.

Michael Allen
President/CEO
United Way/Centraide Ottawa

Michael was born in Winnipeg Manitoba, and after 22 years in this community he now calls Ottawa home. Following a career that saw Michael practising law and then working on Parliament Hill, Michael was drawn to United Way/Centraide by the opportunity to help others in his adopted community. For Michael, what really sealed the deal was the ice storm, which took place during his first year at United Way/Centraide. “At a time when the community really had to pull together, United Way/Centraide didn’t seem to have a role in helping during that disaster,” says Michael. “I wanted United Way/Centraide to be thought of as a place where the community could turn to in these different times of need. More and more often, that’s happening today.” Michael gets involved in other ways in his community, a committed soccer dad, he has also been a fundraiser for his children’s hockey teams. For Michael, working at United Way/Centraide is a constant source of inspiration. “Our volunteers are here helping out in their spare time and our staff is extremely committed and motivated. They share a common goal of helping others in their community.”

Thomas C. Barber
Past Chair, Community Services Cabinet
Partner, Burke~Robertson LLP

Charles Bordeleau
Impact Council Chair, Community Capacity
Superintendent
Ottawa Police Service

Born and raised in Ottawa, Charles (Chuck) Bordeleau has 24 years of policing experience in the Ottawa area. He is currently the Superintendent in charge of Emergency Operations for the Ottawa Police Service, which includes major event planning and response, the Tactical, Canine, Public Order units, the airport, public safety and traffic enforcement. From 2003 through 2007, he was the Superintendent in charge of East Division, which is where he got involved with the No Community Left Behind initiative as a member of the steering committee. Through his experience as a police officer, he has witnessed the added value that United Way/Centraide brings to our most vulnerable population in our community.

He holds a Bachelor of Administration Degree from the University of Ottawa and is fluently bilingual. He is an active volunteer in the community and is the current chair of the Algonquin College Foundation. He also served nine years as a board member with the Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa, which is a large youth serving agency dealing with high-risk youth in Ottawa. Chuck also served as an account executive for United Way/Centraide Ottawa for seven years.

Jeffrey Dale
President and CEO (retired)
Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI)

An Ottawa native, Jeffrey has been involved with United Way/ Centraide Ottawa since his university days. His role as President and CEO of OCRI and his place on the Community Services Cabinet have increased the depth of his involvement in and understanding of the impact the organization makes in the community. “My parents taught me that volunteering and making a difference in my community are important,” says Jeffrey. “They were right. By volunteering, I have always received more than I have been able to contribute, and I  hope that through my example, I am a role model for my children.” Jeff plans to continue his relationship with United Way/Centraide as both a volunteer and a donor. He says, “My favourite part of being a United Way/Centraide volunteer is seeing the results of our work and being involved in helping to create something that benefits everyone in our community.”

Sam Fulton
Principal
Fulton-Downes Consulting

Born in Ireland, Sam came to Canada and decided to stay because he preferred snow over rain. A long-time community volunteer, Sam has worked with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and the Canadian Library Association. Sam also teaches Coping with Change, a program for seniors who are facing vision loss.  Sam plans to continue volunteer work forever. He says, “This is the most rewarding job in the world. I’m sure I get more out of my volunteer work than the people I help.” As for his role at United Way/Centraide, the best part is working with the very caring and experienced volunteers and staff. “We’re always looking to the future and we’re engaged in emerging issues that are facing our community. We’re committed to making a difference in people’s lives.”

Karen Green
Executive Director
Native Women’s Association of Canada

Lawrence Greenspon
Lawyer
Greenspon, Brown & Associates

When Lawrence moved to Ottawa from Montreal in 1976, he didn’t know a single person in Ottawa. A lot has changed. A long-time volunteer and 2008 Community Builder of the Year recipient, Lawrence is a presence in Ottawa. He uses his profile to raise awareness for the causes he cares about, like United Way/Centraide. Lawrence volunteers at United Way/Centraide because he enjoys the opportunity to work with the highly motivated and energetic staff and the ranks of dedicated community volunteers. “Having an impact on the lives of people who need a hand up is what it’s all about,” says Lawrence.

Nancy Lawand
Impact Council Chair, People with Disabilities
Director General, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) Disability Directorate
Human Resources and Social Development Canada

Barbara MacKinnon
Executive Director
Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa
Barbara MacKinnon is currently the Executive Director of the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa. She has also served the Ottawa community for over twenty-five years including several years as the Executive Director of Pinecrest-Queensway Health and Community Services.
At Pinecrest-Queensway Health and Community Services, she was instrumental in developing a number of services, including the First Words Program and the Early Years Centre. The Centre’s work with multicultural communities has given her first-hand experience responding to the changing demographics of Ottawa.
Prior to her work at the Centre, Barbara was Executive Director of the Canadian Mental Health Association and of Causeway. In addition, Barbara has contributed to the community in a number of volunteer roles, most recently on the Board of Directors of the Queensway-Carleton Hospital and the Community Services Committee of United Way/Centraide Ottawa. She also teaches in the School of Social Work at Carleton University.

Dr. Ian Manion
Executive Director, Operations
The Provincial Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health at CHEO

Ian was born in Ottawa, and even though he’s lived in many other locations, he always calls Ottawa home. When he was asked to participate as a volunteer at United Way/Centraide, it was easy to say yes. “I get involved in many things. I don’t always see where I can make a valuable contribution. At United Way/Centraide I can get involved on a broader scale.” Volunteering is part of Ian’s DNA, and he plans to continue for years to come. The best part of volunteering with United Way/Centraide for Ian is the personal opportunity to contribute to the greater good."

Cal Martell
Impact Council Chair, Seniors
Director, Regional Geriatric Program of Eastern Ontario

Louise Martin
Executive Director
The Good Companions

An Ottawa native, Louise began her volunteer career in her early teens. She believes in giving back to her community and making a difference. United Way/Centraide is an important part of Louise’s personal and professional lives and the best part of her volunteer role at United Way/Centraide is the chance to make a difference. She says, “We help people and that feels good.”

Sean McKenny
President
Ottawa & District Labour Council

Andrew Moonsammy
Policy Analyst, Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)
Co-Chair, Board of Directors - Child and Youth Friendly Ottawa (CAYFO)

Carl Nicholson
Impact Council Chair, New Canadians and Immigrants
Executive Director, Catholic Immigration Centre of Ottawa

Martin Parizeau
Credit and Loss Prevention Executive
MBNA Canada

Born and raised in Montreal, Martin has called Ottawa home for the past nine years. He volunteers with United Way/ Centraide because he believes that there is no better way to give back to his community than by working with United Way/Centraide. Knowing that he’s doing good things for people is why he volunteers. Martin has helped out at many charitable organizations in Ottawa. For Martin, the best part of volunteering at United Way/Centraide is “getting to work with and to know the wonderful individuals who make up the team.”

The Very Reverend Shane Parker
Impact Council Chair, Individuals and Families in Times of Need and Crisis
Dean of the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
Rector of Christ Church Cathedral

Shane was born in Edmonton, Alberta, the son of Irish immigrants. A long-time supporter of United Way/Centraide, he readily accepted a 2003 nomination to join the Board of Directors. “Charitable work is integral to being part of a community. We all share a common ground and contribute to the common good,” he says. While there are many ‘best parts’ to volunteering at United Way/Centraide, two things stand out for Shane: volunteers are treated in a collegial and professional manner, and the organization focuses on impact. “Using research and evidence to determine where the needs are in the community, and working together to achieve the greatest impact, makes volunteering very effective and worthwhile,” he says. Currently, Shane is a member of the Community Services Cabinet and Chair of the Strengthening Individuals and Families in Times of Need and Crisis Impact Council.

John Reid

Community Volunteer
John was born in England, grew up in Wales and immigrated to Canada in 1970. When he retired from his career at JDS Uniphase, he was delighted to be invited to join cabinet. This neophyte volunteer plans to continue his involvement with United Way/Centraide for a long time to come. For him, the best part of United Way/Centraide is the staff and volunteers: “They are inspiring to work with, and I feel the work we are doing together is making a difference in our community.”

Bhagwant Sandhu
Senior Advisor to the Deputy Minister, Economic Action Plan
Infrastructure Canada

Bhagwant is originally from Canada ’s west coast and has volunteered in a variety of community associations. “When I moved to Ottawa, I wanted to participate in a community-based organization with a clear business plan, a strong vision of the work needed and was well connected to everyday folks in the city. It also had to have a solid track record of coming through for its donors. I found this with United Way/Centraide.” Bhagwant plans to continue his involvement for years to come: “My community is where I live and work. It gives me spiritual energy to be involved.”

Dan Wiseman
Impact Council Chair, Children and Youth
Executive Director, Christie Lake Kids

Arlene Wortsman
Principal
Arlene Wortsman and Associates

A Toronto native, Arlene is a long-time volunteer with who was involved in the Toronto movement before moving to Ottawa in 1985. “Volunteering with United Way/Centraide was a natural fit for me and another way I can get involved with my community,” says Arlene. “I stay involved because I want to help ensure we continue to meet the community’s needs.” Through her volunteer role, Arlene has gained a richer and deeper understanding of the range of resources and innovative programs that are available in her community.