Volunteer Toronto is proud to announce that our Executive Director, Joanne McKiernan, has been presented with The King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of her exceptional leadership and dedication to fostering collaboration in the voluntary sector.

“Joanne’s vision and relentless drive have brought together diverse groups — volunteer centres, researchers, advocates, funders, non-profit leaders, and grassroots organizations — to advance the future of volunteerism. Her impact goes far beyond her role at Volunteer Toronto. Whether mobilizing thousands of volunteers during emergency responses or advocating for equitable access to volunteer opportunities, Joanne has left an indelible mark on the voluntary sector in Toronto, Ontario and across Canada. On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff and volunteer team, congratulations Joanne!”

— Sushma Narisetty, Board Chair of Volunteer Toronto

Over the last decade, Joanne McKiernan has inspired community, corporate and government partners to rally in support of volunteer-driven social change. Before joining Volunteer Toronto, she alongside thousands of organ and tissue transplant recipients and donor families, successfully doubling the number of registered organ and tissue donors in Ontario—a remarkable increase of nearly 2 million people.

Joanne’s extensive volunteer leadership includes serving as Board Chair for Community Development Halton, Co-Chair of the Toronto Nonprofit Network, and as a leader in the Halton Hills Active Easy Alliance.

In her current role as Executive Director of Volunteer Toronto, Joanne has led countless initiatives that unite community partners in pursuit of shared goals. She played a pivotal role in coordinating the Greater Toronto Area’s volunteer response to the COVID-19 pandemic, co-publishing a peer-reviewed academic paper on shifting trends in volunteer participation, and provided vital resources and spaces for volunteer managers to connect and collaborate. Through her work with the Ontario Volunteer Centre Network, she has also helped to elevate volunteerism at the provincial level, advocating for stronger recognition and support of the sector.

Megan Conway, President and CEO of Volunteer Canada, who nominated Joanne for this prestigious recognition, shares:

“Joanne’s leadership has shaped volunteerism not only in Toronto but across the region. Her work in bringing together partners, especially during challenging times, has transformed the landscape of volunteer engagement in Ontario.”

Congratulations to Joanne on receiving this well-deserved recognition for her unwavering commitment to collaboration and the voluntary sector.

✨ Please join us in congratulating Joanne! ✨