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On behalf of the Board of Directors of MAX Ottawa, I am pleased to announce the appointment of James Demers as MAX’s new Executive Director (ED). James follows MAX’s first ED, Roberto Ortiz Núñez, who left the organization in September 2020, for a new professional challenge. We would like to thank Roberto for all his work and dedication as our first leader. Roberto’s skilled and empathetic leadership as our ED over the first three and half years of our history has enabled MAX Ottawa to establish itself as a recognized and innovative organization dedicated to maximizing and improving the health and wellness of gay, bisexual, Two-spirit, queer, and other guys who are into guys, both cis and trans (GBSM).
After a national search led by Keynote Search over the past several months, James undertook the new role as ED as of July 5th, 2021. James brings to the position experience as the first Executive Director of the Calgary Queer Arts Society, as an advisor on queer health and wellness issues to Alberta Health Services, as a consultant and teacher on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workplace issues, and a national profile as a trans activist. His deep appreciation for queer storytelling and creating community focused partnerships, and his recognition of the importance of building internal capacity through mentorship and development, will serve MAX Ottawa well to complete the implementation of our 2019-2022 Strategic Plan, and lead the organization into its next phase of development.
James will manage all day-to-day operations as we reach out to guys into guys where they meet and socialize, raise awareness, and provide prevention, assistance and education services. He can be reached at ExecDirector@maxottawa.ca
Pending the lifting of public health restrictions in the Fall, we look forward to celebrating in-person with you Roberto’s contribution to MAX Ottawa, and James’s arrival, at our offices at 400 Cooper Street, adjacent to the Centretown Community Health Centre.
Brent H. Bauer
Chair, Board of Directors
MAX Ottawa
