Get to Know Our New Executive Director

As many of you know, Multifaith Housing Initiative has entered an exciting new chapter. With Suzanne’s departure to the UK, we are delighted to introduce Ala’a (Al) Shadid as MHI’s new Executive Director. Beyond the impressive résumé, we wanted to give you the chance to learn a little more about the person behind the title.

A Career Rooted in Housing and Community

Al has spent more than a decade working in non-profit housing, most recently as Operations Manager at Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC). There, he managed large teams, led major building projects, and partnered with city and provincial leaders to strengthen housing policy. His leadership has always been focused on one central question: How do we make sure tenants feel at home?

In addition to his day-to-day work, Al has also shaped the sector more broadly through service on the boards of the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association (ONPHA), Options Housing, and Gloucester Housing Corporation. His colleagues know him for being collaborative, thoughtful, and committed to solutions that put people first.

What truly stands out about Al is not just his expertise, but his values-driven approach. He believes that safe, affordable housing isn’t simply about bricks and mortar — it’s about dignity, equity, and the well-being of entire communities. This belief has guided his career and is exactly what makes him such a natural fit for MHI.

Looking Ahead

When asked about his vision for the future, Al says he’s excited to build on MHI’s strong foundation while exploring new opportunities to grow our impact:

“MHI has always stood out to me as a community where people come together — across faiths, cultures, and experiences — to make something bigger than themselves. I’m looking forward to working with our staff, volunteers, tenants, and partners to keep that spirit alive while expanding our reach.”

A Warm Welcome from the MHI Community

Our staff and Board of Directors are excited to work alongside Al as he leads MHI into this next chapter. We know our supporters, tenants, and partners will quickly see the passion and vision he brings.

Be sure to say hello if you see Al at one of our upcoming events — he’s eager to meet members of the MHI family and hear your ideas.

Look out for our blog in October, where we’ll dive deeper into who Al is through a personal Q&A interview.

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