Shepherds of Good Hope and Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation Announce Appointment of New Chief Executive Officers

Shepherds of Good Hope (SGH) and Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation (SGHF) are pleased to announce the appointments of Stephen Bartolo to CEO of Shepherds of Good Hope and David Gourlay to CEO of Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation, effective July 1, 2023. Stephen began his Shepherds of Good Hope career over twenty-two years ago as a volunteer, progressing from Front-Line employee to Senior Vice President where he works closely with current President and CEO, Deirdre Freiheit.

“Stephen has proven through his expertise and growth through his time with the organization that he is an outstanding candidate for the role,” says SGH Board Chair, Dave Donaldson. “He has been instrumental in the growth and success of our organization and will continue working towards expanding supportive housing and achieving the Shepherds’ vision; Homes for all. Community for all. Hope for all.”

David Gourlay joined Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation in 2020 as Director of Philanthropy and was promoted to Vice President in spring 2022. That same year, David was nominated by SGH and SGHF and then honoured by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Ottawa Chapter, with their Award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional.

“Since joining the Foundation, David has led by example and continually demonstrates his value,” says Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation (SGHF) Board Chair, Mark Roundell. “He worked with CEO Deirdre Freiheit to build a new fundraising team that consistently increases revenue, awareness, and community relationships. The Board looks forward to supporting David in his new role as we continue toward our goal of ending chronic homelessness in Ottawa.”

“Both SGH and SGHF have had significant growth in the past ten years,” says Deirdre, who was hired in 2014 to expand SGH operations and align the Foundation with the goals, needs and objectives of Shepherds of Good Hope. “Both organizations are committed to excellence in leadership and promotion from within. We continually invest in our people at every level. I am thrilled to support both Boards in their decisions to hire Stephen and David. I’m so looking forward to seeing SGH and the Foundation continue to thrive under their collective leadership.”

“Since joining Shepherds, I’ve had the honour to work alongside a group of inspiring and motivated people. I look forward to leading our organization and supporting them so they can care for many of Ottawa’s vulnerable citizens,” says Stephen.

“Ottawa is a caring and generous city,” says David. “The Foundation will continue sharing the stories of hope, dignity and transformation that connect people, and I am humbled by the opportunity to change lives.”

About Shepherds of Good Hope and Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation

Shepherds of Good Hope has over 250 employees and 250 volunteers and believes in creating long-term solutions by building homes for all, community for all, and hope for all. Shepherds’ fosters hope and reduces harm in Ottawa by supporting people experiencing homelessness to rebuild their lives through innovative supportive housing, shelter services, and community programming.