Adam Joiner

Chief Executive Officer

Adam is a seasoned senior leader with almost two decades of experience creating programs to serve children and youth in Ottawa better. After multiple leadership roles, Adam became the CEO of the BGC Ottawa in May 2020. Managing a large, complex service organization and navigating positive change in a pandemic, has been a vital part of Adam’s first-year mandate as CEO. As a leader, Adam is a connector with a deep background in government relations and working collaboratively with multiple local partner agencies and stakeholders.

As a BGC alumni, he knows first-hand how BGCO programming changes lives. Adam visited his first clubhouse at the age of nine and has since lived a lifelong passion and deep commitment to working with youth. He has served on multiple committees, as a Member of the Board of Directors for BGC Canada, and advisor for BGC of Ontario Provincial Youth Conference. Adam holds a Diploma in Social Service Work from Algonquin College, where he offers strategic counsel on the program. Adam is the proud father of three children, all of which are members of the Club.

Jonelle Istead

Chief Advancement Officer

Jonelle is a leader that invests deeply in people and relationships. As the first Chief Advancement Officer of BGC Ottawa, she brings strong business instincts, a wealth of industry experience, and an executive presence. She has an almost two-decade-long track-record of working with Indigenous people, community groups, and diverse stakeholders.

Her studies in Political Science with a specialization in Non-profit studies at the University of Waterloo informed her future work experiences in Federal politics, high-level business development, and philanthropy. Her recent past work past experiences include the Canadian Dermatology Association, the Canadian Nurses Foundation, and a successful 30-Million-dollar campaign at the Bishop Strachan School in Toronto.
Jonelle is delighted to be part of the team serving children and youth at the BGCO, as recreation and mentorship are two of her passions. A lifelong athlete, she has seen first-hand the transformative effects of recreation and sport, especially for young women’s self-esteem and sense of worth. She is the proud mum of three wonderful boys, who are also members of BGC Ottawa.

Medin Admasu

Chief Programs Officer

Medin Admasu has worked in the not-for-profit sector for over 24 years with his first job being a locker room attendant at the Ron Kolbus Clubhouse and his most recent experience being a Program Manager with the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

He is a proud alumni of BGC Ottawa with experience as an active member, volunteer and staff at the local, provincial and national levels. He has worked with diverse groups of community agencies across Canada and abroad in the creation and delivery of place-based programming that focuses on positive youth development and community engagement. He believes strongly in the impact the club provides especially to young people and their families living in low-income housing situations. He also values building relationships with individuals in the pursuit of common community development goals. He has an educational background in human rights, law and program evaluation from Carleton University.

In this newly created role, he hopes to contribute in the growth and leadership development of staff, volunteers and members as they participate in the Club programming. He also hopes to build strategic partnerships that will increase the impact of the Club on the lives of children and youth across Ottawa. He is married with four children who inspire him everyday to do better for them and others in the community.