June 19, 2008, Ottawa – This month, United Way Ottawa welcomed a new addition to its Senior Management Team.  Joan Highet joined the organization as Vice-President, Campaigns.   

Ms. Highet brings with her over 30 years of expertise in strategy and marketing, software development, operation and business transformation.  She has served as Vice-President of Product Development and Management at Bell Canada, Vice President of Operations at Certen and a Client Business Executive Vice President at Amdocs. 

“I’m more than thrilled to be a part of United Way Ottawa,” said Ms. Highet.  “It is a wonderful opportunity for me to take those business skills I have developed over the last number of years and use them to help build our community and leave a legacy that is far beyond my corporate career.”

Ms. Highet also brings a tremendous commitment to the voluntary sector.  She currently serves on the Board and Executive of the Ottawa Humane Society and Ottawa Interval House, and recently spent two weeks in Costa Rica volunteering at a transitional home for abused children.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, Ms. Highet will play a significant leadership role in setting the strategic direction of, and driving the campaign function of United Way Ottawa.   As Vice President, Campaigns, she will lead all campaign-related strategies, including employee workplace campaigns, partnership/sponsorship ventures, and community engagement.

About United Way/Centraide Ottawa

United Way Ottawa’s mission is to bring people and resources together to build a strong, healthy, safe, community for all. By bringing people together from all parts of our community to identify, develop and provide solutions to community needs, we promise that the donations we receive go where they are needed most. In 2008, United Way Ottawa made a record community investment to support more than 200 projects, programs and partnerships, in more than 100 community organizations.