The CEO of Pillar Nonprofit Network on her budget going to the dogs, the power of collaboration and dreaming of Adele.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I grew up in Sarnia, Ontario on the shores of Lake Huron so happiness for me usually involved burying my toes in the warm, soft sand while my psyche was gently lulled by the sound of the waves upon the shore. With London about an hour’s drive away from two of the Great Lakes, I still feel drawn to the lakeshore, but Huron will always hold a special place in my heart.
2. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
I try not to judge others but find that when it happens, it is often for behaviour that I can be guilty of. That said, I tend to be most critical of selfishness. At a time of great division in our society, we can’t afford to turn inward, focusing only on our own personal advancement while ignoring things we should be doing to benefit our whole community—especially those less fortunate.
3. What is your greatest extravagance?
My dog’s grooming. She’s got poodle in her, so I find it hard to keep her tangle-free but her haircuts cost three times that of my own and she definitely goes more frequently to her salon than I do to mine!
4. What is your current state of mind?
An ongoing battle between anxiety and hopeful optimism. I represent a sector that is feeling overwhelmed, undervalued and under-resourced. As a registered charity and nonprofit organization, we are experiencing all the challenges of our member organizations but also the existential angst of our entire network.
At the same time, I get to witness the amazing work that is going on in our local nonprofit and charitable sector by dedicated, tenacious, brave and compassionate people who are literally changing lives every single day. From front-line workers serving people living unhoused to those supporting folks at London’s supervised consumption site, to youth-led organizations focusing on getting out the youth vote at a critical time for our country—I am in awe of those who have chosen to dedicate their careers in service of community.
5. What is your educational background?
I received my Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in French from Western University in London, Ontario.
6. What was your first job?
In high school, I was an ice cream scooper at Baskin-Robbins. I swear I didn’t eat ice cream for years afterwards.
7. Which talent would you most like to have?
I have a young daughter who was involved in music from a young age—pursuing vocal education in both elementary and high school and she is very talented. I feel like my fantasies about being able to belt out a tune like Adele were implanted in her in utero.
8. What do you consider your greatest achievement(s)?
My children, who have grown to become caring, empathetic young adults. They continue to learn and care about what’s going on in the world around them. It makes my heart swell.
9. What is your current favourite charity?
That’s a really tough question! I’m deeply inspired by the incredible charitable organizations in my local community. If I had to choose, I’d have to say Pillar Nonprofit Network, not only because I work there, but because of what it represents. Through Pillar, we get to champion and collaborate with hundreds of nonprofits, charities and social enterprises doing vital work in our community and beyond. We know that collaboration and partnership are vital for us to effectively address our community’s greatest challenges. Thanks to Pillar, I have a front-row seat to witness, in real time, the power of collective impact, and that’s something I’m deeply proud of.
10. Which living person do you most admire?
Kamala Harris. As is so often the case with women in leadership, she was handed an opportunity wrapped in a poisoned pill. Like many trailblazing women before her, she stepped into an impossible situation—expected to win over a deeply divided and fractured nation with a nearly insurmountable path to success. Ms. Harris was named her party’s presidential candidate with fewer than 100 days left before election day, all but guaranteeing her defeat. And yet, against overwhelming odds, she fought with tenacity and resolve, ultimately coming within just 1.5% of victory.
As Chief Executive Officer of Pillar Nonprofit Network, Maureen Cassidy is helping to lead the organization through a period of significant transformation - reimagining programs and services, restructuring the membership model, and developing strategies for long-term sustainability. Pillar is a unique kind of charity—an intermediary organization that connects, supports, and strengthens the nonprofit sector. Through capacity-building, advocacy, and tailored supports, Pillar Nonprofit Network helps organizations thrive and deepen their impact in the communities they serve. Previously, Maureen served two terms as a London City Councillor, including as Deputy Mayor. Her leadership spanned key areas such as poverty reduction, governance, and public health.
