Former Nortel Networks, Villa Marconi President, Marco Pagani,
to assume leadership role in New Year

Dec. 2, 2013 (Ottawa, ON) – Brian Toller, Chair of the Ottawa Community Foundation’s Board of Governors, today announced the appointment of Marco Pagani as the Foundation’s new President & CEO. Mr. Pagani will replace long-time leader Barbara McInnes at the helm of the 26-year-old Ottawa institution on January 6, 2014.

A seasoned senior executive in both the corporate world and Ottawa’s not-for-profit sector, Marco Pagani began his career with Nortel Networks in 1985 (then Bell-Northern Research), progressively working his way through the ranks over close to two decades to President of a number of Nortel Business Units. From managing more than 2,000 employees and over $1-billion in revenue in that capacity, to serving as Chair and CEO of various successful start-ups, Pagani has also led the boards of several local charitable organizations.

Perhaps most notable of these was his 4-year tenure as President of Villa Marconi, during which time he oversaw a remarkable economic turnaround and drove a “Residents First” philosophy. Pagani has also worked closely with such organizations as the Canadian Cancer Society, Knights of Columbus, St Anthony’s Church, the Terry Fox Run, School Box, and Foundations for Farming. Along with playing a governance role, he has developed strategies, run fundraising campaigns, and acted as a long-time weekly volunteer with both the Ottawa Food Bank and the Ottawa Hospital’s Cancer Centre.

“We’re truly delighted to welcome Marco Pagani into the role of President & CEO of the Ottawa Community Foundation,” said Brian Toller. “As an experienced CEO who brings a wealth of talent, leadership skills and energy from his years as a highly successful leader on both the local and international stage, Marco is firmly rooted in the Ottawa community, where he has lived and worked his whole life. A careful listener and strategic thinker, his values are very closely aligned with those of the Foundation, especially in terms of accountability, transparency, fairness and integrity. I have every confidence that he’ll be a very passionate and engaged new leader for all in our community.”

For his part, Pagani is enthusiastically anticipating the onset of his new role as head of one of Ottawa’s most respected community organizations. “After a long and rewarding career in the corporate sector, I now find myself most driven by the desire to give back to the community on a full-time basis,” he said. “I look forward to working with all the Foundation’s stakeholders to carry forth Barb’s outstanding legacy by achieving ever greater social impact. This will include working with community partners in innovative ways to address our city’s most pressing needs, while engaging citizens and organizations in building on what I feel to be Ottawa’s reputation as the most generous capital city in the world.”

Established in 1987, the Ottawa Community Foundation is a public, non-profit organization created by and for the people of Ottawa. It connects donors who care with causes that matter and serves as a trusted resource for addressing issues and leveraging opportunities in the community. Priding itself in enabling generous citizens to enhance the quality of life in their community and to achieve their own charitable objectives, the Community Foundation currently manages assets worth over $100-million and has provided more than $70-million in grants to the community since its inception. For more information about the Ottawa Community Foundation, visit www.cfo-fco.ca.

Read Marco’s biography.

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For further information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Iona Green
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Ottawa Community Foundation
(B) 613-236-1616 X 232
(C) 613-408-1616
igreen@cfo-fco.ca