The agency's strong staff team is what greatly attributes to the success of our mentoring programs. It's hard to believe that two years has already passed since Robert Eves, Executive Director, and Cindy Smith, Senior Director of Resource Development, were hired as part of the BBBSO management team.

In the weeks before Lois Allen, former Executive Director, took her retirement she worked diligently as ensuring that a strong management team was in place.

Rob was initially drawn to BBBSO because of its mission and the life-changing impacts that mentoring can have for children. Before coming BBBSO, he spent most of his career working with older adults. During that time he often wondered, "what if the right person/people had been in this client's life? Would they be experiencing these problems today?" Rob was really excited to have the opportunity to work in what he saw as prevention -- or getting to people before problems start. "It is really gratifying to know that we are giving children the opportunity to reach their full potential." he says.

You may be asking what keeps our staff engaged in our work at BBBSO. "Well it is not the money. It is kind of the same answer as above, except now I have seen the mission in action. Simply put I know it is working. I am proud to be part of a dedicated team that is changing the lives of children in Ottawa everyday." As part of our regular work we have the opportunity to hear from Littles, Bigs and families about the difference that our programs make in their lives and that is what keeps our staff engaged.

To date Rob feels that his biggest accomplishment is actually a team accomplishment. Despite the financial pressures on BBBSO, we have worked together as a team to ensure that the level and quality of ours programs and services have not been diminished.  The BBBSO team has remained strong, focused and on-task which is no small accomplishment.

As one of Rob's first official duties as Executive Director, he hired Cindy Smith, BBBSO's first Senior Director of Resource Development.

Cindy came to us after 9 years at the United Way/Centraide Ottawa. She chose to work at BBBSO because of the organization's long history in Ottawa and its wonderful model for mentorship.  "I knew I would be taking on a role in an organization that makes a measurable difference for children in my community and that is important to me." She says.

Since she has been here, Cindy has had the opportunity to meet many loyal donors, dedicated volunteers and the Littles who have genuinely had their lives changed by being involved with BBBSO. Similar to many staff at BBBSO she says "It is that passion that keeps me here."

Cindy considers her family to be her biggest accomplishment. On a career front, her biggest accomplishment has been being fortunate enough to work within the non-profit sector and not only witness, but help to make possible the changes occurring in our community on a daily basis.

It goes without saying that we are very fortunate to have such a wonderful management and staff team that can work collaboratively to ensure that all children in Ottawa will one day have a mentor.