Michael Allen
United Way Ottawa, President and Chief Executive Officer
Michael Allen joined United Way Ottawa as its President and Chief Executive Officer in 1998, and over the past 12 years, has overseen its transformation from a fundraiser that allocates monies to local agencies to a community builder and investor — working with a wide range of people and groups in the community to address root causes of significant community issues and challenges. The results of this transformation are reflected in continuing record-breaking campaign achievements year over year, an expansion of United Way’s resource development work and Michael’s personal engagement in important community endeavours. These have included: a lead role on the Council of Partners for Success By 6; community champion for the provincial government’s investment in Early Years Centres; member of the board of directors for Crime Prevention Ottawa; co-chair of the Community Coalition to Save the Ottawa Senators; and a member of the Council of the Mayor’s Integrated Drug and Addiction Strategy. Under Michael’s guidance, United Way has taken community leadership roles in Successful Ageing, Middle Childhood Matters, the Dis-Abilities Coalition, the Internationally Trained Workers Partnership, Project s.t.e.p. and the Leadership Table on Homelessness.
Before joining United Way Ottawa, Michael was active in federal politics. From 1994 to 1998, he was National Director of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, where he successfully organized and managed the plan to restructure and rebuild the Party.
In 1993, Michael was appointed Chief of Staff to the Minister of Industry and Science and Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, following a similar appointment in 1991 to the federal Minister of Labour. After being admitted to the Manitoba Bar in 1985, he practised criminal and civil litigation, administrative and labour law before being appointed Executive Assistant to the Federal Minister of State (Tourism), then Minister of State (Fitness and Amateur Sport). Between 1977 and 1981, he served as Executive Assistant to the Attorney-General of Manitoba.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Michael was educated at the University of Manitoba, where he obtained an Arts degree, majoring in political science, followed by a law degree.
Michael is married and a parent of three active children.
