LONDON, ONTARIO - September 5, 2023 — The Board of Directors of Pillar Nonprofit Network is pleased to announce the appointment of Maureen Cassidy as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective Tuesday, September 5, 2023. The Board enlisted the help of an external Human Resources consulting firm to conduct an independent review of the role, expectations of the Board and organizational needs, as well as a formal performance appraisal. Based on the assessment, which included staff and board input, a recommendation was made to formalize Maureen’s interim role to permanent CEO.
“Since she was appointed interim CEO in October 2022, Maureen’s steadfast leadership has not only helped stabilize the organization through strengthening local funder relationships and rebuilding trust, but it has held constant Pillar’s commitment to the work of systems transformation led by former leadership,” said Kapil Lakhotia, Board Chair.
“We are delighted that Maureen has accepted our invitation to continue her excellent work at Pillar as CEO. As the organization develops a new path forward, Maureen’s leadership will be instrumental in building a strong non-profit ecosystem in the London region.”
Maureen served two terms as a London City Councillor between 2014 and 2022. During this time, Maureen was also one of City Council’s representatives on the London Police Services Board and the Board of Health for the Middlesex-London Health Unit, including chairing the Health Board during the first two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Maureen had the honour of serving as Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Advisory Panel on Poverty, working extensively with the community and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive set of recommendations to address poverty in London, including free transit for children 12 and under and subsidized transit passes for youth and low-income earners. These recommendations were executed within a year, and many more were implemented under the guidance of United Way Elgin Middlesex.
Maureen is a Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient for community service and a graduate of Western University.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve as Pillar Nonprofit Network’s CEO,” said Maureen Cassidy. “I remain committed to supporting this dynamic team and working with the community to make London a better place for all.”
The Board of Directors extends heartfelt appreciation to the entire team and everyone who has strengthened Pillar’s resilience and growth during this time.