Andrea Cohen appointed CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation

OTF chooses respected leader to continue efforts to strengthen the not-for-profit sector; quantify impact

TORONTO, May 4, 2012 /CNW/ -

News
Andrea Cohen has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The Foundation, an agency of the Ontario government, is one of Canada's leading grant-making organizations.

Andrea was chosen by the OTF Board of Directors following an extensive search that commenced in January. Leadership experience in the private or public sector, an understanding of the not-for-profit sector, grant-making experience and a proven ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders were important characteristics sought by the Board in its new CEO.

Andrea has made significant contributions to community-based healthcare in Toronto and globally. She is currently the CEO of Unison Health and Community Services, an organization that serves the northwest part of Toronto. She is a champion of collaboration and partnerships and has led in the creation of a strong network of care providers.

OTF is a recognized leader in the Ontario not-for-profit and charitable sector. The Foundation plays an important role in supporting the sector to further develop and broaden its profile as a major contributor to the province's economy. OTF helps strengthen the sector in several ways including extensive knowledge sharing activities, identifying and supporting partnerships and collaborations as well as encouraging dialogue and sharing of best practices.

Andrea's appointment is effective July 30.

Quotes
"We are delighted to welcome Andrea Cohen as CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The Board was impressed by her exceptional leadership experience, knowledge of the sector and work in measuring and documenting impact in the community healthcare setting. Her ability to engage stakeholders at all levels is an important skill she brings to this role."

"The Search Committee had a difficult job as there were many, many qualified applicants for this unique role. Our new CEO had to have an understanding of the importance of our volunteers in the OTF grant-making process. Andrea has experience as a grant-maker in her volunteer role with the local and international levels of Planned Parenthood. This, along with her experience in measuring impact, was an important factor in our choice."

- Janet Passmore
Acting Chair, OTF Board of Directors

"I'm very excited to join OTF. The Foundation has an exceptional reputation. I am very familiar with the work OTF does in communities. This is an organization that understands how important it is not just to recognize but to celebrate the diversity in this province through the efforts of community organizations, its staff and volunteers."

"The professionalism of the staff and commitment of the volunteers is clearly evident and my role will be to ensure this is supported and recognized. I am looking forward to working with OTF staff, volunteers and colleagues in the not-for-profit sector to identify new opportunities to further strengthen the sector. I am particularly committed to focus on measuring and sharing the story about the impact of the work of OTF through the not-for-profit sector."

"I know all too well the not-for-profit sector does amazing work with very little money. In the bigger picture, I believe that OTF is the single most efficient mechanism for ensuring the value of the not-for-profit sector is leveraged for the benefit of all Ontarians."

- Andrea Cohen

About the Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the government, under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. OTF builds healthy, vibrant and economically strong communities across the province. The Foundation achieves this by strengthening the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives.

Facts
The Ontario Trillium Foundation OTF has an annual budget of $120-million and approves approximately 1,500 grants each year in four sectors: human and social services, arts and culture, environment and sports and recreation. The OTF has three granting streams: Community, Province-wide and Future Fund. OTF also administers the $50-million Community Capital Fund on behalf of the Ontario government.

Examples of specific areas funded:

• Since April 1, 2003 OTF has approved more than 560 grants investing close to $52 million into Ontario communities for initiatives benefiting First Nations, Métis and other Aboriginal populations.
• Since  April 1, 2004 OTF has awarded over $17.6 million in support to the social enterprise sector across the Province. OTF funding supported:
• Start-up of new social enterprises/cooperatives or expansion of existing ones, through feasibility and business plans, renovations of facilities, acquisition of equipment, operating costs, organizational development (staff, improvement of business processes, outreach, marketing, etc.)
• Capacity building for the not-for-profit sector (networking and regional support services, strategic planning, mentoring, research on best practices, knowledge sharing, web-based learning platforms, conferences, etc.)

Visit www.otf.ca or contact:

Sandra Cruickshanks
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
416 963 7921; 416 276 6792 (mobile)
[email protected]