Steve Cordes Ex-officio, Secretary

Under Steve Cordes' leadership Youth Opportunities Unlimited has developed into an internationally recognized and award-winning agency in the area of youth services and remained true to its original purpose: to unlock the potential of youth and be a caring and active place where all youth are engaged in learning and creating opportunities to build their future. Steve joined the agency in 1984, has served as Executive Director since 1988 and has developed extensive connections in the youth service sector both nationally and internationally. Steve is credited with building a diverse staff team that has developed and sustained a highly integrated model of youth services, supports, training and education which permeates all areas of the agency. This model includes the innovative Enterprise Services program which incorporates private sector principles and practices into a non-profit organization. The award-winning program has been recognized across North America and abroad. A 2008 report to the International Labour Organization acknowledged Youth Opportunities Unlimited as a leading example from across the globe of best practice in community-based youth employment initiatives. Steve is a native Londoner. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from The University of Western Ontario. In 2008 Steve was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship through Rotary. He is a frequent guest speaker on topics related to non-profit leadership, community development and innovation.