Opportunity International Canada Leadership Announcement

On behalf of the Opportunity International Canada (OIC) Board of Directors, Wally Budgell, Interim Lead Director, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dale Patterson as Chair of the Board of Directors. Dale will also continue in his current capacity as President & CEO.

Following a remarkable period of nine years of service as a Board member and as Chair of the Board of Directors, Bob Lawless, has concluded his official term of service. Bob Lawless together with his wife Cathy have contributed significantly to the work of Opportunity International in Canada and around the world.  David Stiller, OIC’s Founder and Chair Emeritus sums it up well, “Bob’s drive, experience, and leadership, coupled with a donor’s heart for the poor, has left an indelible mark on not only the organization, but on all those at home and abroad that have come under his influence. We all strive to have long-lasting benefit in all we do, and Bob’s impact can be seen in the lives and families of the OIC staff, donors and clients we serve.” We look forward to Bob and Cathy’s continuing engagement with OIC, in yet another capacity. 

Dale Patterson, one of the founding Directors of OIC, has served on the OIC Board of Directors, and has engaged in numerous OIC activities over the past twenty years. His extensive corporate and international business experience, as well as his long-standing commitment to the OIC Mission and Vision of serving the developing world poor, has been an integral part of his DNA, and led to his appointment as President & CEO early 2015. As Chair of the Board, Dale will oversee the strategic direction of OIC, work closely with our Canadian staff and donors, will participate in the Opportunity International Global network and will also continue a strong working relationship with our implementing partners in the countries we serve. 

These changes reflect the growth and market priorities of OIC, and will continue to have transformational impact on not only those we serve in the developing world, but on the lives of the Canadians we invite to join on this incredible journey.