Mercedes Watson appointed new Chief Executive Officer of Dixon Hall

TORONTO, April 23, 2018 /CNW/ - Dixon Hall's Board of Directors is proud to announce the selection of the agency's new Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes Watson. One of Toronto's oldest charities, Dixon Hall is a multi-service agency that serves over 10,000 people annually, impacting the lives of some of our city's most vulnerable members.  Dixon Hall works with low-income families, the homeless and vulnerably housed, seniors, people with disabilities, youth at risk, individuals seeking training and employment opportunities, and newcomers to Toronto.

"As Dixon Hall heads into its ninetieth year, we are fortunate to have found a dynamic new leader in Ms. Watson. Throughout her career, Mercedes has been a consistent, committed and compassionate advocate for vulnerable populations who, too often, cannot advocate for themselves. To have someone with Mercedes' diverse and extensive leadership background advocating on behalf of the men and women who rely on Dixon Hall is truly an exciting moment for the agency", said Rod Bolger, Chief Financial Officer for RBC and Chair of the Board of Dixon Hall.

For the past two decades, Ms. Watson has worked in an advocacy capacity, both nationally and internationally.  She has led large-scale organizational change initiatives, while creating innovative systems that have helped collect and generate millions of dollars for those whose rights she represented. "It is an extraordinary opportunity to be able to serve this important organization as it undertakes some of its most ambitious projects to date. To be at the helm, alongside the Board, staff and community stakeholders who have dedicated themselves to this work, as we map Dixon Hall's course into the future, is a privilege. I look forward to working with the residents of Toronto's downtown east as we build on the strong sense of community that is so vital to the future success of the Regent Park, Moss Park, and St. James Town neighbourhoods," said Watson.

For the past decade, Ms. Watson has been a senior partner with the Thought Dept. and has successfully managed a mediation practice.  She serves as a rostered mediator for the Ontario Public Service and since 2012 has been a facilitator at Queen's University's Industrial Relations Centre.  Ms. Watson will begin work with Dixon Hall on May 22, 2018.

About Dixon Hall
Dixon Hall is a multi-service agency located in east downtown Toronto. For more than 85 years, Dixon Hall has offered supportive programs and services to seniors, youth, homeless men and women, the unemployed, and other vulnerable populations in Toronto.
www.dixonhall.org

Our Mission: We create lasting solutions to end poverty, social injustices, and isolation in Toronto.
Our Vision: A city where everyone thrives

SOURCE Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services