Who is he?
Allan Reesor-McDowell is the new executive director of the John Howard Society of Ottawa. He recently made the change after six years of leading Matthew House Ottawa, which offers newcomers to Canada a place to sleep and resources to start life in Canada.
Reesor-McDowell announced the change in a LinkedIn post. “I always told myself that I never wanted to stay too long at Matthew House (I have seen leaders stay too long in other organizations and I didn’t want that to be me!),” he wrote.
The John Howard Society aims to ensure prisoners are treated humanely within the justice system and helps released prisoners re-integrate into the community, including by offering services such as pre-employment training and youth housing.
What’s his background?
Reesor-McDowell was born in Toronto. He attended Eastern Mennonite University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, History and French. He continued his studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London, where he obtained a Master of Science and of Development Studies.
What is he known for in Ottawa?
Alongside his work at Matthew House and now, his new role with the John Howard Society, he is a board member with the Social Housing Registry in Ottawa and The Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa. The Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Business Journal named Reesor-McDowell with a Forty Under 40 award in 2021 which recognizes the region’s top young entrepreneurs, business executives and civic leaders for their professional achievements, expertise and community service.
This year, the Ottawa Business Journal recognized Reesor-McDowell by highlighting Matthew House Ottawa, one of Ottawa’s fastest-growing companies of 2024.
What do people say about him?
Mahnoor Chandio, operations manager at Matthew House Ottawa, says “Allan Reesor-McDowell is an outstanding mentor, supervisor, and leader.
“He has fostered strong relationships with his colleagues, particularly within the leadership team,” she wrote in an email. Chandio added that he is known for his approachability, kindness and visionary leadership.
Reesor-McDowell himself said he initially declined the offer to change jobs and leave Matthew House. But, after thinking it through, he decided moving jobs was the right decision.
“I have seen [organization leaders] that have stayed too long in organizations and I think the organization can then become too much about that person, I didn’t want that to be the case. I wanted [Matthew House Ottawa] to thrive,” he said.
He started with the John Howard Society of Ottawa on Sept. 9, 2024.
“The nice thing about it is that thanks to the board and senior leaders, it was already running smoothly,“ he said.
What’s something people don’t know about him?
The new executive director of the John Howard Society of Ottawa enjoys reading, golfing and fishing.
“His reading interests often focus on books that provoke critical thinking and contribute to both professional and personal growth,” Chandio said.
