Michael MaidmentICD.D
Michael Maidment, ICD.D

Building StrongerInstitutions.Creating LastingCommunity Impact.

Transformational CEO, governance leader, and systems-change strategist with more than 25 years of experience leading major Canadian charities, shaping public policy, and mobilizing philanthropy to address complex community challenges.

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Portrait of Michael Maidment, ICD.D
25+
Years Leadership Experience
12+
Years as CEO
$300M+
Charitable Assets Stewarded
National
Public Policy Contributor
Leadership Philosophy

Leading beyond the organization.

The most important work of leadership is not simply managing an organization—it is building institutions capable of creating lasting impact long after individual leaders move on.

Throughout my career, I have focused on helping organizations navigate periods of transformation while strengthening governance, building partnerships, and positioning them for long-term success.

Purpose Before Programs

Clarity of mission is the foundation. Strategy and programs follow conviction, not the other way around.

Strong Governance Creates Strong Institutions

Disciplined boards and rigorous oversight are what carry organizations through change and beyond any single leader.

Collaboration Drives Greater Impact

The most stubborn community challenges are solved at the seams—between sectors, mandates and disciplines.

Sustainable Change Requires Systems Thinking

Lasting outcomes come from changing the system around an issue, not only the symptoms of it.

Featured Impact

Transforming organizations. Strengthening communities.

OTTAWA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
President & CEO
OTTAWA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Mobilizing Philanthropy at Civic Scale

Leading one of Canada's largest community foundations, Michael oversees more than $300 million in charitable assets and helps mobilize philanthropy to address some of the region's most pressing challenges. Under his leadership, the Foundation has strengthened its role as a community convener, bringing together donors, governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to advance solutions in areas including youth homelessness, climate action, and community wellbeing.

OTTAWA REGIONAL CANCER FOUNDATION
President & CEO
OTTAWA REGIONAL CANCER FOUNDATION

Transforming Community Cancer Care

Led the most significant strategic transformation in the Foundation's history, repositioning the organization from a traditional cancer research funder to a provider of direct community-based cancer support services. The transformation resulted in the creation of Eastern Ontario's first Community Cancer Hub, improving access to non-medical support programs for individuals and families affected by cancer.

OTTAWA FOOD BANK
Chief Executive Officer
OTTAWA FOOD BANK

Building a Food Security Leader

Repositioned one of Canada's largest food banks from a traditional food distribution organization into a recognized leader in food security, nutrition, and public policy. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programming, and a focus on health outcomes, the organization expanded its community impact while significantly increasing its public profile, donor engagement, and annual revenue by more than 70%, creating a stronger and more sustainable platform for long-term growth.

PUBLIC POLICY & SYSTEMS CHANGE
Advisor & Architect
PUBLIC POLICY & SYSTEMS CHANGE

Turning Advocacy Into Action

Helped shape transformative public policy initiatives including Canada's National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking and the City of Ottawa's first Poverty Reduction Strategy. Throughout his career, Michael has brought together governments, community organizations, healthcare institutions, and business leaders to address complex challenges through collaboration and systems-level thinking.

Career Journey

Two decades of building lasting institutions.

  • 2006
    The Salvation Army
    Public Relations, Development, Government Relations
  • 2013
    Ottawa Food Bank
    Chief Executive Officer
  • 2020
    Ottawa Cancer Foundation
    President & CEO
  • 2023
    Ottawa Community Foundation
    President & CEO
Governance & Board Leadership

Governance experience across multiple sectors.

An experienced CEO, board chair, director, governance educator, and ICD.D-designated governance professional with leadership experience across healthcare, philanthropy, social services, community organizations, and public policy.

Designation
ICD.D

Institute of Corporate Directors—Canada's most rigorous certification for board directors.

Governance Educator
Instructor, University of Ottawa

Instructor in the University of Ottawa's Board of Directors Certificate Program, teaching Legal and Ethical Governance. Experience as both practitioner and educator brings a unique perspective on board effectiveness, risk oversight, strategy, and accountability.

Former Chair
Feed Ontario
Co-Chair
Food Banks Canada National Governance & Structure Task Force
Director
Mississippi River Health Alliance
Director
Crossroads Children's Mental Health Centre
Director
OrKidstra
Chair
City of Ottawa Poverty Issues Advisory Committee
Director
Ottawa Grace Manor
Director
InItLive Inc.

Expertise matrix

Areas of board contribution
/01Governance
/02Strategy
/03Risk Oversight
/04Board Effectiveness
/05CEO Evaluation
/06Organizational Transformation
/07Stakeholder Relations
/08Public Policy
/09ESG
/10Crisis Governance
/11Succession Planning
/12Strategic Communications & Reputation Management
Keynote presentation
Signature Keynote
"Potential is everywhere. Opportunity is not."
Speaking & Presentations

Helping leaders navigate transformation.

Drawing on two decades at the helm of major Canadian charities and contributions to national policy, on topics across leadership, governance, philanthropy, and systems change.

Leadership, Transformation & Resilience

  • Potential Is Everywhere. Opportunity Is Not.

    A powerful keynote about leadership, resilience, opportunity, and belonging. Drawing on his journey from rural Newfoundland to leading some of Canada's most respected charitable organizations, Michael explores the people and opportunities that shape our lives—and our responsibility to create those opportunities for others.

  • Leading Through Transformation

    How organizations adapt, innovate, and evolve while maintaining trust, culture, and momentum during periods of significant change.

  • Leading Through Crisis: Maintaining Trust When Everything Is on the Line

    Drawing on real-world experience navigating governance failures, reputational challenges, organizational change, and public scrutiny, Michael shares practical lessons for leaders facing uncertainty and crisis.

  • Building Partnerships That Solve Complex Problems

    How governments, businesses, healthcare institutions, nonprofits, and communities can work together to create meaningful and lasting change.

Governance & Strategic Leadership

  • Governance in Times of Uncertainty

    Drawing on experience as a CEO, board chair, director, ICD.D-designated governance professional, and instructor in the University of Ottawa's Board of Directors Certificate Program, Michael explores how boards can effectively oversee risk, strategy, culture, and organizational performance in an increasingly complex environment.

  • Crisis, Governance & the Boardroom

    Lessons for directors and executives on leading through organizational crises while maintaining accountability, trust, and confidence.

  • Building Institutions That Last

    The greatest measure of leadership is not what is accomplished during a leader's tenure, but what continues to thrive after they leave. This keynote explores how leaders build organizations that endure.

  • Strategy Beyond the Strategic Plan

    Moving beyond planning exercises to create alignment, accountability, and measurable impact.

Philanthropy, Community Impact & Social Change

  • The Future of Philanthropy

    How changing donor expectations, intergenerational wealth transfer, and emerging technologies are reshaping the future of giving.

  • Community Foundations as Civic Leaders

    The evolving role of community foundations as conveners, catalysts, and community leaders.

  • From Charity to Systems Change

    Moving beyond service delivery to address root causes and influence long-term community outcomes.

  • AI, Humanity & the Future of Community

    Exploring the opportunities and challenges artificial intelligence presents for organizations, communities, and human connection.

Executive Bio & Downloads

Professional Resources.

01
Short Biography

150 words · for introductions and event programs

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02
Extended Biography

Full narrative bio for editorial and publication use

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03
Speaking Bio

Tailored profile for conference and keynote organizers

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04
Curriculum Vitae

Comprehensive professional record

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Michael Maidment
Contact

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Michael Maidment, ICD.D