Neil Hetherington Named as Chief Executive Officer at Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services

New CEO Brings Extensive Experience to one of Toronto's Oldest Charities

TORONTO, Feb. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services (www.dixonhall.org) is pleased to welcome new Chief Executive Officer, Neil Hetherington. Mr. Hetherington brings to Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services (DHNS)  a wealth of experience and a deep passion for community and City as a whole. One of Toronto's oldest charities, DHNS is a multi-service agency, which serves thousands of needy and marginalized people living in downtown Toronto with over 50 programs focused on helping youth-at-risk, seniors and adults who are ill and/or disabled, the homeless and vulnerably housed, and those seeking training and employment.

For the last 15 years, Mr. Hetherington has been the CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Toronto and New York City where his enthusiasm to serve has propelled the organization's growth, with the number of families served each year increasing exponentially. In addition, his commitment to help non-profit organizations become more  sustainable resulted in exceptional success through the expansion of social enterprise activities.   

Following his experience in New York and prior to joining DHNS, Mr. Hetherington held the position of Interim Executive Director at The Salvation Army in Toronto where he oversaw the successful delivery of social service programs, including housing, sheltered workshops, mental health, as well as job training and skills development.

Mr. Hetherington joins Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services at a critical time as the organization prepares to launch a Capital Campaign led by Campaign Chair, the Honourable Bob Rae, to raise funds to build a new youth centre for at-risk youth whose former home was demolished during the Regent Park revitalization project.

"I am privileged to be serving this veteran agency just as it undertakes a defining new project which will play a significant role in city building and contributing to the health and wellbeing of east downtown Toronto," Hetherington said. "I look forward to serving with the Board of Directors, volunteers and staff of Dixon Hall, as well as the Youth Centre Campaign Chair, the Honourable Bob Rae, to help make Toronto an even better city."

"During a time of change and growth within the communities we serve, we know Neil's vision and commitment to social justice align with our values to serve Dixon Hall and our clients well," said Darren Cooney, DHNS Board Chair.

Mr. Hetherington holds degrees or certificates from the University of Western Ontario - Huron College, Seneca College, Harvard Business School and the University of Virginia - Darden Business School. He obtained his MBA from the University of Western Ontario's Ivey Business School in 2013. He was named one of Canada's Top 40 under 40 in 2005 and has received distinguished alumni of the year awards from Huron University, Royal Saint George's College, Western University and Seneca College. He was awarded Queen Elizabeth's Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals in 2002 and 2012. 

About Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services

Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services (DHNS) is a multi-service agency located in the heart of east downtown Toronto.

For more than 85 years, DHNS has offered a wide variety of supportive programs and services to a diverse range of community members living in Regent Park, Moss Park, Cabbagetown, St. James Town and surrounding neighbourhoods, as well as to homeless men and women and people searching for employment from across the city.

The new Dixon Hall Youth Centre will be an essential part of the Regent Park revitalization which aims to create a renewed mixed income, healthy and safer community. The new Centre will be a hub where youth can come together to play sports, create music, cook, play games and do homework.

To donate, volunteer or learn more about this exciting project, please visit www.dixonhall.org or call 647.748.4499 ext. 204

SOURCE Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services

Denise Gho, Communications Manager, 58 Sumach Street, Toronto, Ontario M5A 3J7, T 647.748.4499 ext. 204, [email protected]