Ottawa's non-profit and public affairs landscape is shifting this week with a pair of leadership announcements that signal fresh directions for two well-known local organizations.
David Gourlay, the former CEO of the Shepherds of Good Hope Foundation, one of Ottawa's most prominent social service organizations, is stepping into a new chapter with Homeward Public Affairs. Rather than leaving the sector behind, Gourlay is channelling decades of executive and non-profit expertise into a consulting and advisory capacity, helping other organizations navigate the increasingly complex world of public affairs and stakeholder engagement.
From the Front Lines to the Boardroom
Gourlay's tenure at Shepherds of Good Hope gave him a front-row seat to some of Ottawa's most pressing social challenges, from homelessness and addiction to mental health and housing insecurity. Running a large-scale charitable organization in the nation's capital means working closely with federal and municipal governments, community partners, and donors, exactly the kind of relationship-building that translates well into public affairs work.
At Homeward Public Affairs, Gourlay is expected to bring that deep institutional knowledge to clients looking to engage meaningfully with government and the broader community. It's a natural fit for someone who spent years at the intersection of policy, community need, and organizational leadership.
New Leadership at Altis
Alongside the Gourlay news, Ottawa-based recruitment firm Altis is also welcoming a new CEO. Altis has long been one of the city's go-to staffing and recruitment agencies, with deep roots in the federal government contracting space and a strong presence across the tech and professional services sectors. The leadership change at Altis signals a new era for a company that has navigated significant shifts in the labour market over the past few years, from the pandemic-era hiring freeze to the current wave of federal government workforce reductions.
What This Means for Ottawa's Business Community
For Ottawa residents and professionals watching the local business scene, these back-to-back leadership moves reflect a broader trend: experienced executives with deep community ties are choosing to reinvent their careers closer to home rather than heading to Toronto or beyond. Ottawa's public affairs and professional services sectors are quietly growing, buoyed by the city's status as the nation's capital and the constant demand for organizations that can bridge the gap between the private sector, government, and civil society.
Gourlay's move in particular is a reminder of how transferable non-profit leadership can be. The skills required to run a complex social services organization, stakeholder management, budget stewardship, communications, and navigating political environments, are exactly what public affairs firms look for.
A City That Builds on Its Own
Ottawa has a habit of retaining talent that, in other cities, might drift away. Gourlay staying in the Ottawa ecosystem, even in a new role, is a good sign for the city's continued ability to attract and keep experienced leaders within its professional community.
Expect both Homeward Public Affairs and Altis to make further announcements as these transitions take shape in the coming weeks.
Source: Ottawa Business Journal
