Catherine McKenney joins Board, Monica Chohan Succeeds as Chair

It is with gratitude for the past and excitement for the future that Impact Hub Ottawa announces a new-look Board for 2023, with Monica Chohan replacing Brian Toller as Chair, and Catherine McKenney joining as Board Member to bolster an experienced team that will help guide Impact Hub Ottawa’s future.

After six years of expert leadership, and invaluable guidance through the difficulties of the past two years, Brian Toller, President at Tolcor Investments, will step down as Board Chair while remaining with the organization as a Board Member.

“In my six years as Board Chair, I have seen Impact Hub Ottawa go through substantial changes. From the move to 123 Slater Street away from our humble beginnings at 71 Bank Street, to our seventh-floor expansion, and leadership changes with the departure of Katie Miller. Throughout it all, ‘The Hub’ community did what it does best – collaborate, adapt, empathize, and dream big,” said Toller. “Despite the enormous challenges which tested Impact Hub Ottawa throughout the pandemic, Managing Director Elizabeth Cleland and her supportive team navigated through it all with great aplomb. With light at the end of the tunnel, 2023 and beyond looks extremely promising for our coworking community and network for change.”

Impact Hub Ottawa is excited to announce that current Board member, Monica Chohan, Founder, and Lead Consultant at Wilbrod House Consulting and Chohan Law, will take over as Chair. Chohan will bring valuable experience and perspective from over a decade working in public, private, and non-profit/charitable sectors, and will without a doubt continue to lead the organization forward with her passion, vision, and expertise.

“I joined Impact Hub Ottawa’s Board because the community-building role which our organization champions is more important than ever. I am proud to see how Elizabeth Cleland and her team have evolved ‘The Hub’s’ programs and services in adapting to the new normal,” said Chohan. “As the next Chair of the Board, I am looking forward to supporting Impact Hub Ottawa over what I know will be a period of growth, innovation, and change.”

In addition to the leadership transition, Impact Hub Ottawa is thrilled to welcome Catherine McKenney as a new Board member.

“I have connected with Impact Hub Ottawa since before it came to be. I remember meeting with one of the co-founders over ten years ago when I worked with the deputy city manager and talking about this notion of bringing people together,” said McKenney. “As I moved through my career and became a city councillor, I understood the importance of connecting people and especially connecting people to ideas, and this is the perfect space for it. After leaving a career on council, I think Impact Hub Ottawa is the perfect place for me to land on a board.”

Catherine McKenney at Impact Hub Ottawa’s 10-year celebration.

“As a former city councillor and mayoral candidate, Catherine’s deep understanding and commitment to community building, paired with their experience and perspective will greatly enrich Impact Hub Ottawa as we continue our work of facilitating positive social impact in our city,” said Impact Hub Ottawa Managing Director Elizabeth Cleland. “We are grateful to Brian Toller for his years of service and look forward to continuing to work with him as a valuable Member of our Board. We are excited to see what the future holds for Impact Hub Ottawa under Monica Chohan’s leadership, the guidance of our new Board, and the dedication of our hardworking team.”