The recipient of the 2014 Bissett Distinguished Alumni Award is Steve Desroches. Councillor Desroches has been a devoted public servant in the Government of Canada, serving in a number of departments including the Privy Council Office, Elections Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Agriculture and Agi-Food Canada. He has contributed his service as an elected councillor, including his current role as Deputy Mayor of the City of Ottawa. The importance of municipal government is sometimes overlooked, but in a city as large as Ottawa, it is a sophisticated, complex operation with a connection to the public that creates a distinctive dynamic.
Steve has not only served with great dedication and integrity but has demonstrated the qualities of leadership that set our graduates apart. A long-time community volunteer, Steve served as Executive Vice President of the Riverside South Community Association during the years of his career in the federal public service. He was first elected as City Councillor for the Gloucester-South Nepean ward, one of the fastest growing in the City, in 2006, and has been a strong proponent for developing adequate infrastructure in such a fast growing community. His service has gone well beyond the needs of his own ward, however, as he has been a strong supporter of city-wide issues – promoting economic development and tourism, advocating for the needs of the homeless and at-risk veterans, and promoting a partnership project to plant more than 11,000 trees through the city.
Steve has stayed connected to the School, willingly speaking to classes and helping us think through how we build in the area of municipal government. In recognition of his consistent and creative leadership in public service, including his integrity in elected office, the School is pleased to present the 2014 Bissett Distinguished Alumni Award to Steve Desroches.