Michael Allen
President and CEO

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. We share a common goal of helping others in their community.”

Diane Bilodeau
VP Community Services

Diane comes to United Way from Francofonds, a community foundation dedicated to promoting the development of Manitoba’s French-speaking community by supporting a wide range of community and culturally-based francophone projects and organizations. She also held senior positions in the Caisses populaires and Credit Union systems.

Carole Gagnon
VP, Investor Development

A Timmins, Ontario native, Carole has lived in various parts of Canada before settling in Ottawa in the early 1990s. Her career in the non-profit sector began in 2002, after observing how inadequately society deals with our aging population. She “made the conscious decision to try to be part of the solution. The opportunity to join United Way/Centraide Ottawa as Director of Community-Wide Initiatives was the perfect fit.” Along with her United Way/Centraide role, Carole continues to be active in the community. A former board member of The Good Companions and former chair of the city’s Seniors’ Advisory Committee and Britannia Community Coalition, Carole currently sits on the board of the Regroupement des gens d’affaires. For Carole, the best part of working at United Way/Centraide is how she can work with staff and volunteers. “United Way/Centraide Ottawa gives me the opportunity to participate in our community’s most interesting and real conversations. We are making a difference.”

Beth Green
VP, Communications and Marketing

An Ottawa native, Beth joined United Way/Centraide at what she calls “exactly the right time in her career. I told a colleague that by day two on the job I felt like I’d come home,” she says. “Everything that I’ve learned is a fit for this role, and even more importantly, I get to work every day on something I care deeply about.” Beth has also spent time as a community volunteer, starting in her teens as a camp counsellor. Her first brush with United Way/Centraide was as a volunteer member of a publicity committee in the early ‘90s. Beth finds the work at United Way/Centraide challenging, diverse and rewarding. “This place is about so much more than raising money – it is truly about making lasting change in this community.” For Beth, the best part of United Way/Centraide is the people. “Whether they’re volunteers, staff, partners or supporters, they are all amazing. Their commitment inspires me.”

Joan Highet
VP, Campaigns

Joan was born and raised on a farm just east of Ottawa and has lived most of her life here. After a successful and rewarding career in the private sector, she decided “it was time to focus my career and skills on where I can give back to my community.” Joan also volunteers with other community organizations in Ottawa, including memberships on the executive of the Ottawa Humane Society and Ottawa Interval House. “My role at United Way/Centraide means that I meet and work with people who care,” she says. “Like me, these people want to build a better community and, together, we face each day knowing we’re making a difference.” 

Janet Whillans
VP, Community Building Initiatives

Janet was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a member of a naval family that lived on both Canadian coasts. Since choosing to settle in Ottawa, Janet’s entire career has been in the charitable sector, working both in programs and community development. Janet was drawn to United Way/Centraide 18 years ago because she “saw this as an organization that could really make a difference on a community-wide basis. It brings all sectors of the community together through collaborative practices, by influencing social policy and through innovative programs.” It has been 18 years since she came to United Way/Centraide, but Janet has no plans to change direction. She says, “United Way/Centraide continues to evolve and respond to community changes. This has always been a learning organization from so many perspectives, and it’s great to work with people who bring a community viewpoint and expertise to every challenge and opportunity.”

Ed Wolkowycki
VP, Chief Operating Officer, Corporate Services

Ed was born and raised in Ottawa’s west end. He joined United Way/Centraide for the opportunity to help make his hometown the best place in Canada in which to live. “I love coming together with our city’s leaders to build a better community,” he says. “I can’t see myself working somewhere that doesn’t have the same determination to drive change and improve people’s lives.”  Ed is an avid golfer who approaches his job with the same strategic focus. “The opportunity to work on a team that shares my passion for community and is putting together the building blocks for a better future continues to be the most rewarding aspect of my job at United Way/Centraide.”