Dennise Taylor-Gilhen

Dennise Taylor-Gilhen is the Executive Special Advisor, Strategic Initiatives at United Way East Ontario, where she provides high-level guidance to senior leaders, shaping strategy, coordinating teams, and ensuring key projects succeed.

Dennise joined United Way in 2015 as Senior Director of Community Initiatives, where she played a key role in collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that United Way’s efforts were aligned with community needs, maximizing the impact of the organization’s work across the region. In 2016, she stepped into the role of Vice President, Community Impact. Her extensive knowledge of the organization, combined with her experience in the community and social service sectors, led to her appointment as Interim President and CEO from 2024 to 2026.

Dennise has worked in the field of community services for over 40 years, which has included time as a career and employment counselor, helping individuals navigate their professional paths. Throughout her career, Dennise has remained passionate about inspiring others to reach their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Dennise holds a Master of Education from the University of Ottawa, along with a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Saskatchewan. In 2018, she became the first Canadian to graduate from United Way Worldwide’s Advanced Leadership Program.