Community leader and former deputy mayor of Ottawa committed to building a strong, healthy, safe community for all.
On March 4, 2019, Taylor will join United Way Prescott-Russell, Ottawa, Lanark and Renfrew Counties as Vice President, Resource Development – a position that will allow him to continue to make an impact on the region’s most vulnerable populations.
After finishing his two terms as city councillor for Ottawa’s Bay Ward, Mark Taylor promised to continue making a difference by addressing challenging issues like homelessness, poverty, affordability and more.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mark Taylor to United Way,” said Michael Allen, President and CEO of United Way. “Mark brings a breadth of skills and expertise to our team, having managed complex issues during his tenure as city councillor. While he is no stranger to our work – having served on our Board of Directors for five years – this is an ideal opportunity for Mark to make a difference in the lives of others in a new capacity.”
“I fundamentally believe in the mission of United Way. It has been a pleasure to champion its purpose over the past five years, and I’m looking forward to my new role,” said Taylor. “I’m deeply committed to helping people lead better lives. That’s why I entered public service in 2010, and I have the same reasons for entering this next stage of my career at United Way.”
During his eight years on Ottawa’s city council, Mark Taylor acted as Deputy Mayor and Special Liaison for Housing and Homelessness. As Special Liaison, he authored a report on the issues of housing affordability and homelessness in Ottawa and recommended steps to accelerate the City of Ottawa’s progress on its 10-year housing and homelessness efforts.
As a member of the Ontario Emergency Task Force on the Opioid Crisis, Taylor provided advice and guidance to strengthen the province’s coordinated response.
Additionally, as a Member of the Ottawa Board of Health, he advocated for capacity-building around mental health, addictions and harm reduction.
“Mark’s experience in the community makes him an ideal fit for this position,” said Ian Sherman, Chair of the Revenue Management Committee on United Way’s Board of Directors and Tax Partner, Ernst and Young LLP. “He is a natural collaborator, he demonstrates great leadership and team-building attributes, and he has the connections to make sure United Way has what it needs to address the greatest challenges facing our communities.”
