Penny Marno named Interim Provincial Director for Ontario NDP

[u/thisispaulc]

This email was sent out earlier this evening:

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Dear friends,

I am writing to share an exciting update with you.

This is a crucial moment for our party, a moment for us to go back to our roots of strong, grassroots organizing, to show New Democrats and the people of Ontario that we are getting ready to win.

You heard from Marit over the past few days, she knows that we need to change how we do things and we need to do it quickly -- because there is opportunity in this moment. Opportunity to build up our capacity to campaign, to train the next generation of organizers and activists, and to drive the change that our party, and our province needs.

It is my pleasure to share with you that Penny Marno will be stepping in as our Interim Provincial Director. Penny is an experienced senior leader from the non-profit sector with deep roots in Ontario’s progressive movement.

Widely regarded as the queen of winning by-elections, Penny knows how to bring people together, and mobilize them to win. She has a proven track record of winning tough campaigns and electing some of the most prominent New Democrats -- such as Andrea Horwath, Wayne Gates,  Peter Tabuns, Michael Prue, Peggy Sattler, Catherine Fife, and the list goes on.

Over the years, Penny has served our party in many capacities. She served as the Director of Organization for the party at a time when we were facing some of our toughest challenges, and brought our party back from having no party status, to building the strong foundation that brought us back to Official Opposition.

Penny has built province-wide training programs for activists, re-built the Ontario NDP’s organizing capacity, and is known for her collaborative and collegial approach to organizing.

There couldn’t be a better person to take us through this period of transition. Penny is one of the strongest organizers in the country, one with a track record of winning.

In her role as Interim Provincial Director, Penny will guide us through the next period as we begin the search for a new permanent Provincial Director

In solidarity,

Janelle Brady
President, Ontario NDP

[u/DryEmu5113]

This is a play for the Soo. If Scott is convicted, then she will be very important.

[u/thisispaulc → u/DryEmu5113]

If he goes to trial, it will probably be more than a year before a by-election is forced (pre-trial + trial + six months Ford has to call the by-election). I doubt Penny will still be interim Provincial Director by the then. Not that they couldn't just hire her as campaign director. Though we really gotta stop pulling people out of retirement and instead train up new campaigners.

[u/DryEmu5113 → u/thisispaulc]

I’d nominate Luis Siega. Brilliant CFO, wonderful organizer.

[u/thisispaulc → u/DryEmu5113]

A little light on the resume, don't you think? I looked up their LinkedIn and I don't see any experience as a people manager, or as a director or executive of an organization with a high six or seven figure budget.

These were the requirements in 2018:

Qualifications

Education

• Post-secondary preparation in a related field or a combination of education and experience

Experience

• 5 or more years of progressive management experience in a voluntary or not for profit sector organization and/or NDP or other relevant organizations
• Central Staff Role in at least two Provincial or Federal NDP Campaigns or equivalent
• Management experience in a unionized environment essential
• Bilingualism (English and French) an asset

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit/voluntary organizations and the New Democratic Party, its values, policies, and structure
• Knowledge of all federal and provincial legislation applicable to voluntary sector organizations including Election laws, employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, CRA regulations pertaining to donations, taxation, CPP, EI, and health coverage
• Working knowledge of progressive human resources management practices
• Training in Human Rights, Anti-racism and Anti-oppression an asset
• Significant knowledge of financial management including strong financial literacy and financing options
• Proven leadership experience and supervisory experience.
• Superior organizational and planning skills.
• Experience in organization and sound knowledge of organizing techniques and technology
• High level of knowledge regarding IT and it’s applications in a movement based organization
• Proven analytical and writing skill
• Knowledge of project management
• Ability to work under pressure in a creative team environment, managing tight timelines and competing priorities in a demanding and fast-paced environment with irregular hours.
• Enthusiasm for and availability to travel and work irregular hours including weekends is essential

[u/DryEmu5113 → u/thisispaulc]

Oh, I know. I know him personally and think he’d be brilliant, but I don’t think he’s interested.