Resume

Patricia Starr was born in Toronto and heads her own Consulting Firm that specializes in fundraising/special event co-ordination, fact-checking, editing, research and writing. She received her training at Ryerson University and has had three of her books published - two internationally. She has a long history of community involvement and is the recipient of several awards for community service. She is also the Associate Editor of the Blue Book of Canadian Business.

Author/Editor:

“Tempting Fate”
Non-fiction personal story – published across Canada (1993)

“Deadly Justice”
A romantic mystery novel – published internationally (1997)

“Final Justice”
The sequel – published internationally (2002)

Brief CV excerpts:

• Fact-check, research and edit for international clients and national publications on a regular basis (A.C.C.E.S.S.)
• Coordinate and provide leadership to staff and volunteers for fundraising and special events of two social service agencies
• Manage their data bases (6,500) including membership and financial information (INCOME MANAGER)
• Managed the day-to day- operations of an upscale design shop in Yorkville (12 years) including customer service and inventory control
• Ghostwrite policy papers and speeches for executive and politicians
• Wrote a four-part series on “International Cooks” for a national trade publication
• Wrote featured articles for national newspapers

Chairman & CEO - Ontario Place Corporation (Canada's largest provincial theme park)

• Supervised the Agency’s financial operation with an annual budget of $20 million dollars
• Developed a new planning and priorities strategy that resulted in a $2 million dollar reduction of the deficit with the help of members from across the Province

In the Community:

• Spearheaded the research, development, fundraising and day to day operation of a successful pilot project for the independent living of Seniors and physically disabled individuals that resulted in four large housing facilities in Toronto
• Organized two successful gala fundraisings on behalf of the Metropolitan Toronto Reference Library in association with the Crime Writers of Canada
• Provided expertise to a local Community Centre on volunteer management and grant submissions with very successful results

Awards:

• Gold Medal: Ministry of Citizenship and Culture – Ontario
• New Leadership – Assoc. of Y’s – United States and Canada
• Canada Day Achievement for Volunteerism
• B’nai Brith Canada – Woman of Distinction
• State of Israel Bonds – Woman of Valour

Speaker and Commentator:

• Canadian Club
• Front Page Challenge – Vancouver
• CBC Public Affairs
• Crime Writers of Canada
• Elizabeth Fry Society

Former Board Memberships:

• O’Keefe Centre (Hummingbird) for the Performing Arts
• Metropolitan Toronto Housing Authority
• Committee of Adjustment, City of North York
• United Way of Metropolitan Toronto
• Canadian Jewish Congress
• Ben Gurion University