Sean Baird to join Toronto Community Housing as new President and CEO

Sean Baird will be assuming the role of President and Chief Executive Officer of Toronto Community Housing (TCHC), effective April 2, 2024.

Sean is a dedicated public service executive with a passion for providing high-quality services to vulnerable populations. He is currently the Commissioner of Human Services at Peel Region. In this role, he oversees all social services functions for over 1.5 million residents across Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. His portfolio includes four key services:  

• Peel Housing Corporation, serving over 17,000 households at more than 70 different sites 
• Housing support services, providing shelter and subsidy to Peel’s homeless and underhoused population 
• Income Support Services, administrating social assistance to over 18,000 households  
• Early Years and Childcare, overseeing the administration of childcare subsidies and the expansion of childcare services as part of the new national childcare strategy 

Prior to his role as Commissioner of Human Services, Sean spent over three years in the role of Commissioner of Digital & Information Services at Peel. In that role, he enhanced the experience of citizens and businesses that interacted with the municipality across all areas of frontline service delivery. Sean is an executive with a proven history of transformational leadership, being internationally recognized and awarded “Top Digital CIO” and “Best Digital Architecture in Local Government” for 2019 by ICMG Enterprise Architecture Ratings.  

Sean is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Institute for Citizen-Centred Service, a joint venture between all levels of government in Canada focused on delivering value to the customer and enabling better ways of doing business to keep up with public expectations. Prior to his work at Peel Region, Sean held several executive roles at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board overseeing insurance operations and revenue for over 300,000 employers across Ontario. 

Sean comes to TCHC at a pivotal time in the organization’s history, after recently celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022, and now preparing to take on new responsibility in 2024 as part of the City of Toronto’s transformative new housing plan. Sean will be tasked with several key deliverables, in particular TCHC’s role in the City’s new housing plan and the continued transformation and improvement of tenant service delivery.  

Tom Hunter, Interim President and CEO, will be returning to his role as CEO of Toronto Seniors Housing on April 8, following a transitional handover with Sean. 

Quotes

"Toronto Community Housing is at a critical juncture in its history, readying itself to participate in the City of Toronto’s affordable housing strategy. The Board has been purposeful in our search for a visionary leader who will maximize the skills and expertise of TCHC as a force for city building. Sean Baird’s expertise and his background in the housing and social service sectors distinguished him as a transformational leader to guide the organization into the future. In addition to his strong track-record as a public sector executive, Sean brings a truly passionate perspective on social service delivery. His approach is underpinned by an understanding of why we must bring greater empathy, value and accountability to public service.  I am confident that he will engage the talent and passion of the TCHC team, taking every opportunity to create a positive impact for staff, tenants and the citizens of Toronto, broadly.

I am grateful to the Search Committee participants, including Directors Cressy, Douglas, Farah, Fletcher, Smith and Mansour, as well as the Phelps Group. Together they were diligent and exacting in their review of a highly talented pool of applicants.   

Lastly, I would like to express sincere appreciation of Tom Hunter for his leadership during this transition period. He brought a wealth of experience and knowledge in the social housing sector that the organization benefitted greatly from.”  

Adele Imrie, Chair of the Board, Toronto Community Housing 

“Toronto needs strong, passionate leaders that push for greater availability and affordability of housing and housing support services, factors that underpin the quality of life for many of our citizens. TCHC’s Board of Directors has made an excellent choice in their hiring of Sean Baird. He has the skills and experience to effectively lead TCHC and be an important voice for housing needs in our city.” 

Mayor Olivia Chow, City of Toronto 

“The City of Toronto works to ensure that families and individuals live in safe, well-maintained and affordable housing with respect and dignity. Toronto Community Housing Corporation is a key partner to deliver on this vision. I’m excited by the TCHC Board’s decision to bring on a strong leader in Sean Baird as its new President and CEO at this critical time. With his vast public service experience and proven track record for transformational leadership and frontline service delivery, I am confident the City and TCHC can deliver housing that is safe, affordable and allows people equal opportunities to succeed.” 

Paul Johnson, City Manager, City of Toronto 

“Toronto Community Housing has a critical role to play in making Toronto an equitable and welcoming place to live. There has never been a more urgent need for affordable housing in the city, and I look forward to joining this incredible team in the coming months.” 

Sean Baird, Incoming President and CEO, TCHC (effective April 2, 2024)