Social Venture Partners Toronto appoints first executive director

New philanthropic partnership has attracted 50+ partners, invested $150,000 to fight poverty in Toronto

TORONTO, September 17, 2009 – Social Venture Partners Toronto, an affiliate of Social Venture Partners International, announced today that it has hired Connie Clement as its first executive director. Clement has a long career in the non-profit and public sectors, including senior roles at Toronto Public Health and Health Nexus, Ontario's leading health promotion specialist.

 
The appointment is an important milestone for Social Venture Partners, a growing network of Torontonians who pool and invest their money, time and talent in organizations that reduce poverty in Canada’s largest city. In less than two years, SVP Toronto has attracted funding from more than 50 partners, invested $150,000 in two non-profits, and built a growing community of engaged philanthropists.
 
“We were impressed by Connie's understanding of the SVP model, her experience in building organizations, her knowledge of granting and giving, and  her ability to inspire confidence,” said Kathryn Wortsman, chair of Social Venture Partners Toronto. “This is an exciting day for Social Venture Partners Toronto, and a strong statement of confidence in our future.”
 
Clement brings SVP Toronto a wealth of experience as a senior administrator, board member, volunteer and leader. Since 2000, she has been the executive director of Health Nexus, a charitable health promotion organization. She built Health Nexus into a thriving organization with 25 staff and a budget of $3 million. She previously held a series of roles over 17 years at Toronto Public Health, ultimately serving as Director of Public Health Planning and Policy. Clement’s selection followed a rigorous process that attracted 80 applicants for the executive director’s job.
 
“The Social Venture Partners mission is powerful, and our partners’ passion is contagious,” Clement said. “I am excited about working with the SVP Toronto leadership to expand our partnerships, engage our community and enhance our impact. Together, we will make a meaningful contribution to reducing poverty in Toronto.”
 
SVP Toronto plans to make its third major investment in a Toronto-based not-for-profit in November 2009.
 
About Social Venture Partners Toronto (www.svptoronto.org)
Social Venture Partners Toronto is a diverse network of professionals pioneering a new “venture philanthropy” model to fight poverty in Toronto. SVP Toronto pools and invests its partners’ money, time and talent to benefit innovative non-profits and the communities they serve. SVP Toronto is a chapter of Social Venture Partners International (www.svpi.org). SVP Toronto’s current investees include Eva’s Phoenix Print Shop (http://phoenixprintshop.ca) and the Community MicroSkills Development Centre (www.microskills.ca).

For more information:

Daniel Tisch, SVP Leadership Committee
(416) 968-7311, ext 223
 
Connie Clement
416-642-5468
cclement@svptoronto.org