Habitat for Humanity Canada announces new president and CEO

Habitat for Humanity Canada’s National Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Pedro Barata is taking over the role of president and CEO effective June 24, 2024.

An experienced leader with over two decades’ experience in non-profit organizations, Pedro has worked in senior roles in both well-established and start-up organizations to drive innovation and policy change on a range of issues, including skills and training, affordable housing and homelessness, income security, urban planning and economic development.

Pedro joins Habitat from the Future Skills Centre, where he led the start-up of the national research impact centre and has launched more than 200 innovation pilots in every region and sector in Canada. He was previously SVP strategy & public affairs at United Way Greater Toronto, where he oversaw $94 million in annual community investment and led multiple advocacy campaigns nationally and provincially.

“Pedro has dedicated his entire career to driving systemic long-term improvement on key social and economic initiatives, including poverty reduction and housing policy reform,” says Riccardo Trecroce, chair of Habitat Canada’s National Board of Directors. “His ability to engage diverse groups and lead cross-sectoral collaborations to benefit communities in need makes him ideally suited to lead the federation as Habitat for Humanity Canada plays its part in addressing the housing crisis.”

“Ensuring everyone has a safe, affordable home is essential for a vision of an inclusive Canada where everyone can be at their best,” says Pedro. “I am honoured and excited to join Habitat for Humanity Canada and contribute to an amazing cross-country movement that is committed to tangible and lasting solutions to Canada’s housing affordability challenges.”