Mary Jane Patterson retires after 22 years of dedicated service, ushering in a new leadership era.
REGION OF WATERLOO — Reep Green Solutions is entering a new era as they welcome their new Executive Director.
Taking the helm is Patrick Gilbride, a passionate and dedicated Reep staff member for more than 11 years. Most recently serving as Associate Director and Manager, Green Infrastructure, Patrick is well-positioned to step into the Executive Director position and maintain the strong and collaborative culture of Reep both within the organization and with our partners in Waterloo Region and beyond.
Patrick has proven himself as a strong leader for Reep, with his thoughtful approach to strategic planning and budget management, his expertise in program development and implementation, and the care he shows for the Reep team and community partners. Under his oversight, Reep’s healthy yards programs have expanded to include backyard tree planting, Bloom {in} Box plant sales, and the upcoming native tree nursery. Patrick has the knowledge, passion, and leadership skills needed to navigate Reep through both the challenges and opportunities presented by the climate crisis, with a continued focus on equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Patrick and his family moved to Waterloo Region in 2008. The following year they purchased a century home in a neighbourhood near downtown Kitchener. Undertaking improvements to the inside and outside of their home set Patrick along a parallel path to Reep Green Solutions’ energy efficiency and water conservation programs. What started as a renovation journey grew into a relationship as Patrick volunteered at Reep before being hired in 2012.
“As I’ve gotten to know the community and our children have grown up here, we have learned about the resiliency of its people and institutions. For 24 years Reep has been one of those institutions.” said Patrick.” Reep’s standing in the community reflects the value that we place upon a healthy environment, and a bright future for our kids… and their kids. This community’s roots and its future are interconnected.”
“I am grateful for this opportunity to lead an incredible team of passionate and compassionate people who are driven to make a positive change.”
After a remarkable 22-year tenure, Mary Jane Patterson, the former Executive Director of Reep, will retire on Dec. 31, 2023, marking a significant transition for the local environmental charity.
Mary Jane leaves a legacy of excellence and innovation at Reep. Under her leadership, Reep grew from a project in the basement of the University of Waterloo’s Environmental Sciences building to a leading local voice on sustainable living with 20 full-time employees, frequent annual student placements and dozens of volunteers over the years.
Since 1999, Reep has conducted 27,700 EnerGuide Home Energy Evaluations, leading to home energy upgrades that reduced greenhouse gas emission by 28,550 tonnes. These improvements have put an estimated $61 million into the economy, creating green jobs in Waterloo Region. Additionally, Reep has installed 1,500 measures in homes to save water, planted 688 backyard trees, and supported the installation of over 146,000 litres of stormwater storage capacity, actions that help us adapt to climate change and protect our water supply.
This is a crucial time for climate action. All eight municipalities in Waterloo Region have endorsed a greenhouse gas reduction target of 80% by 2050, with an interim target of a 50% reduction by 2030. Reep plays an important role in combatting climate change by empowering the community with the practical tools and knowledge to take action. In addition, Reep co-leads the implementation of TransformWR, the community climate action strategy, along with Sustainable Waterloo Region.
Now more than ever, concrete climate action will contribute to a community that is more resilient, vibrant, caring and sustainable. Show your support by donating to Reep’s work and supporting practical action in our community.