Our Story

Peter Tilley joined The Ottawa Mission in 2013. Working with The Mission’s board of directors and senior management team, he has overseen the implementation of several ambitious strategic initiatives that have significantly impacted the range of services the shelter offers to the homeless. Prior to this, Peter was the Executive Director of the Ottawa Food Bank for 14 years, leading that organization to become one of Canada’s most progressive and respected food banks.

A graduate in Business Administration at Algonquin College (1984), Peter has been recognized as one of its top 10 Alumnus. He was also a 2012 and 2017 Ontario Premier’s Award nominee. He has taught at the College part-time. Currently, Peter volunteers on several community boards, such as Ottawa Public Health, Ottawa Inner City Health and Soldiers Helping Soldiers.

Brian is a bilingual Chartered Professional Accountant CPA (CMA) and has served in executive and senior management roles in the not-for-profit charitable sector for over 30 years. His expertise includes financial management, corporate governance, human resources, information technology, asset management.

He is a graduate of Algonquin College with a diploma in Business Administration majoring in Accounting. Brian also has extensive volunteer experience with the Ottawa Catholic School Board as well as the boards of Ontario School Board Insurance Exchange, Catholic Child Care Corporation, Ottawa Student Transportation Authority, and the Youville Centre.

Namrata Goyes immigrated to Canada in 2010, and has since worked in the not-for-profit sector. Her fundraising career spans over a decade of hands-on experience in Annual Giving and donor stewardship and she has been a part of The Mission’s development team since 2017. Passionate about making a difference, Namrata also sits on the executive committee of the Interval House of Ottawa’s board of Directors.

Lesley joined The Ottawa Mission as Director of Human Resources in 2014. She began her career as a Human Resources Generalist over 20 years ago working as HR Manager for one of North America’s largest retailers.

After 10 years, she was offered a position with a rapidly expanding family owned business where she was tasked with building the HR Function from the ground up. Lesley is a member in good standing of the Human Resources Professional Association.

Dave joined The Ottawa Mission in 2019 and since day one has showed commitment and passion towards helping members of the community. In addition to his work as the Mission’s Chaplain offering daily services, he enjoys assisting communities engage head-on with the most vulnerable and their needs.

Some of Dave’s most meaningful and rewarding times are spent alongside terminally ill individuals residing in the Diane Morrison Hospice. Over three decades’ worth of religious/non-profit leadership has given him the understanding of the importance of having deep and meaningful conversations with clients, staff and volunteers. Providing emotional and spiritual support to the diverse community of people the Ottawa mission serve remains constant.

Lynn is fluently bilingual and spent many years managing Mental Health treatment programs for high risk and vulnerable youth across Ottawa. She joined the Ottawa Mission team in 2014 as Manager of Client Services.

In 2017, Lynn stepped into the role of Director of Health Services and now oversees the shelter’s health programs, including the Primary Care Clinic, the Diane Morrison Hospice, and the Dental Clinic, which are offered to shelter residents and vulnerable community members. Lynn works closely with the team at Ottawa Inner City Health. She is also responsible for Housekeeping and Maintenance services at The Mission.

Aileen has worked within the not-for-profit sector for over 25 years within the domains of advocacy, communications, public policy development and government relations, including almost 15 years in senior management positions.

Past positions have included the Director of Communications for the Canadian Healthcare Association and Executive Director of Government Relations and Public Policy for the Canadian Diabetes Association. Aileen also has a long history as an active volunteer with several local community organizations.

Jo has over 30 years’ experience in the Social Services and Youth Justice sector working with high risk and vulnerable youth. She has held several positions over her career, the majority of them in management.

Jo made the leap to leave the youth sector in January 2011 and came to The Ottawa Mission as the Manager of Frontline Services. Two years later she was promoted to The Mission’s Director of Programs and oversees Addiction Services, Front Line Services, Housing Services, Client Services, and Data Evaluation.

Chef Ric Watson has worked at The Ottawa Mission since 2002. He holds a certificate in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Chef’s Red Seal certification from Camosun College. Chef Ric oversees the shelter’s meal program which serves over 3100 meals each day to shelter clients and community residents. He also developed and implemented The Mission’s unique Food Services Training Program (FSTP), which helps vulnerable people gain the skills and confidence to work in a commercial kitchen.

Chef Ric is also responsible for the Mission’s catering program, which helps support the FSTP, and its food truck program, which feeds thousands of hungry people across the community. He has received several awards recognizing his volunteer contributions across many organizations.

Peter is the Associate Director of National Operations at Canadian Blood Services, where he is responsible for managing daily operations and key manufacturing agreements supplying fractionated blood products for all CBS sites and hospitals in Canada (excluding Quebec). 

Prior to this he held senior positions at General Dynamics and Nortel Networks. He has also worked with the federal and provincial governments in various capacities, as well as Indigenous populations.

Volunteer work has always been an important part of Peter’s life, particularly his involvement with various Christian ministry groups such as church boards and committees. It is very rewarding for him to provide a smile or a ray of hope to a person who is at the darkest point in their lives by stepping into this gap and advocating.

Adam is an independent corporate director and advisor with over 25 years’ experience advising stakeholder-driven organizations.

Adam serves as Treasurer and also is also a member on the Audit and Risk Management Committee of the Board of The Ottawa Mission. Adam is also a member of the Audit Committee of The Salvation Army in Canada and Bermuda.

Previously, Adam served as Vice-President, Finance, of the Ottawa Community Foundation following a 25-year career in public accounting.  As an audit partner and trusted business advisor with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), Adam led PwC’s not-for-profit practice in the National Capital Region.

A graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors’ Directors Education Program, Adam is also a Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant, and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in Accounting and Finance from Carleton University.

Elie is a bilingual Ottawa-based lawyer whose private practice covers the majority of Eastern and Southern Ontario. Focussing on the representation of law enforcement professionals and high-profile cases, his practice areas are centered on labour/employment law, human rights, regulatory matters and professional discipline in policing. 

Having previously worked for the Department of Justice, Ministry of the Attorney General, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and the Office of the Chief Justice of Ontario, Elie brings with him over a decade of experience in the field of law, executive organisational governance, policing, courts administration, and strategic business intelligence. Public safety is everyone’s responsibility, starting with fostering strong community-police relationships, hence why Elie’s leisure time is spent volunteering on numerous boards in the city.

Certified Third-Party Neutral, Elie holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) degree in criminology (B.S.Sc.), Master of Arts in criminology (M.A.), Juris Doctor (common law – J.D.), Licentiate in Law (civil law – LL.L.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), and is currently completing his Doctorate of Laws (LL.D./Ph.D.). Elie is also a former recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Service Award.

Graham Richardson is a veteran Canadian journalist and trusted former anchor of CTV News at Six in Ottawa, where he led coverage of major local, national, and international stories from 2010 until 2024. Over his three‑decade career in broadcasting, he reported from Parliament Hill, covered global summits, and guided audiences through defining events.

In 2024, Graham stepped away from the anchor desk to begin a new chapter in strategic communications, joining Edelman Public Affairs as a Managing Director, where he now advises clients on media, communications strategy, and crisis management. Known for his integrity and commitment to the Ottawa community, Graham brings a wealth of public‑facing experience and a strong understanding of complex public issues to his work and volunteer service.

Linda MacMillan is an established public service executive with more than a decade of leadership in communications, service modernization, and organizational change across the federal government. She currently serves as Director of Communications and Access to Information at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, where she leads digital renewal, transparency initiatives, and user‑focused communications.

Previously, Linda held senior roles at the Canada School of Public Service and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, guiding major innovation projects, stakeholder engagement efforts, and governance functions. Recognized as an expert storyteller and collaborative change leader, she is committed to building inclusive, agile, and people‑centered public institutions.

Cara Vaccarino is the President and CEO of the Royal Ottawa Health Care Group, where she leads major clinical, research, and community mental health initiatives across The Royal Ottawa Hospital and its affiliated organizations.

She is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience developing and strengthening mental health and addictions services nationwide, including her previous role as Chief Operating Officer of EHN Canada, the country’s largest network of specialized mental health and addictions programs. Cara is known for her collaborative leadership, commitment to evidence‑based care, and dedication to improving access and outcomes for patients and families.

Brenda Kirkwood is an HR professional with 19+ years of experience, specializing in Talent Development. Currently, as VP of Post-Placement Integration at Keynote Search, Brenda guides executives for seamless integration, leading coaching program design for productivity and alignment.

In her prior role as Senior Director, Human Resources at Senators Sports & Entertainment, Brenda oversaw talent strategy for diverse entities, including the Ottawa Senators Hockey Club.

Brenda’s extensive volunteer work, including a four-year board term at Human Resources Professionals Association, showcases her commitment to community engagement and professional development.

Corrie Hobin is a certified Fundraising Executive with over two decades of professional experience working at Carleton University in development roles; currently as Director of Major Gifts and Strategic Partnerships.

Notable achievements of hers include securing the largest individual gift to the Faculty of Engineering and Design, naming eight laboratories and classrooms, and pioneering a best-practice standard with the creation of the first faculty-based external relations team.

Corrie’s expertise in major gift solicitation, campaign management, and team supervision, coupled with her commitment to philanthropy, makes her a valuable addition to the board. Beyond her professional achievements, she actively contributes as a Board Member at Centre 507 and in the development committee of the Ten Oaks Project.

Since 2003, Jack has coordinated the National Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast, a non-partisan group of Members of Parliament, Senators, Ambassadors, business and community leaders. Jack serves on the Boards of The Ottawa Mission and previously served on the Board of its Foundation as well. He is past President of the Board of Directors of the Mission and has also served as its Executive Director and Chaplin.

Jack leads and teaches meditation and contemplation, leading groups at Saint Patrick’s Basilica and the Mission. He is also National Coordinator for Christian Meditation in Canada. In 2016, he was appointed to the role of President of the Korean War Veterans of Canada Foundation.

Jack spent 18 years in Federal Politics, including 4 years in the cabinet of the Progressive Conservative government of Brian Mulroney. He and his wife Lyn have three grown children.

Deputy Chief Paul Burnett is a long-serving law enforcement professional with 31 years of service in Ottawa. Currently overseeing the Community Policing Directorate, he leads proactive and reactive public safety services in collaboration with diverse communities.

As a Member of the Order of Merit for the Police Forces, Deputy Chief Burnett is recognized for his outstanding commitment to citizenship and service. His roles include serving on the 2008 Olympic Security Team, leading major events in his previous role as Duty Inspector, and contributing to the design of the organization’s Strategic Equity Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.

Holding a Bachelor’s degree from Ottawa University, Deputy Chief Burnett is also an Instructor at the Canadian Police College.

Todd Duckworth is an Associate and Intern Architect at Hobin Architecture, where he has contributed to community‑focused residential, mixed‑use, and institutional projects for more than a decade. A graduate of Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism, Todd is recognized for his thoughtful, innovative design approach and his ability to navigate complex zoning and approvals processes.

His portfolio includes award‑winning work such as Greystone Village, The Haven Multifaith Housing Initiative, and the redevelopment of 1140 Wellington Street West. Todd is also deeply committed to community building beyond his architectural practice—he currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Holland Properties Association, supporting its mission to provide safe and affordable housing for individuals transitioning from homelessness.

Father Nicolas El‑Kada is a priest, registered psychotherapist, and educator with more than 14 years of clinical and pastoral experience supporting individuals and families through crisis, healing, and spiritual care. Since 2016 he has served as Assistant Priest at St. Charbel Church in Ottawa and holds multiple leadership roles within the Eparchy of St. Maron, including Academic Director and Chair of the Victim Support Committee.

Father Nicolas also serves as Professional Practice Coordinator for Spiritual Care Services at The Ottawa Hospital and teaches at Saint Paul University. A multilingual leader in English, French, and Arabic, he brings extensive expertise in psychotherapy, spiritual care, curriculum development, and community support, with a career dedicated to compassionate service and holistic well‑being.

A Chartered Professional Accountant with over 30 years of experience, Greg has held senior operational and financial roles in financial services, capital markets, consulting, and the public sector. Throughout his career, Greg has been viewed as a change agent and has delivered several large initiatives and process improvements across multiple portfolios that drive value for the organization.

As the current Chief Financial Officer at Ottawa Community Housing (OCH), Greg is responsible for all financial reporting, payment processing, sourcing, and contracting, fleet management and other support services within OCH.

Allan Clarke is a senior executive and policy leader with more than 35 years of experience advancing Indigenous economic development, community well‑being, and reconciliation in Canada. Currently Vice President of Indigenous Relations for VIA HFR‑TGF, he leads Indigenous engagement and socio‑economic development strategies for the national High Frequency Rail project.

Allan has held multiple Director General roles within the federal government, guiding major policy, legislative, and economic initiatives focused on Indigenous peoples, culture, and sustainable development. He serves on the boards of the Indigenous Screen Office, the John Howard Society of Ottawa, and Catalyste+, contributing his expertise to organizations that support community resilience and opportunity.

Carmen Abela is an experienced board leader and the founder of WindReach Consulting, where she has spent nearly three decades advising public‑sector and not‑for‑profit organizations on governance, risk management, and accountability. She currently serves on the Board of Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., chairing its Human Resources and Governance Committee, and is the Chair of the Royal Ottawa Hospital Foundation.

Carmen has held numerous governance roles with organizations dedicated to community well‑being, immigrant support, and education. A Chartered Director and Certified Internal Auditor, she brings deep expertise in oversight, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness. Carmen is committed to strengthening institutions that advance the public good.