Mark Cosenzo

Board Member

Q: Why do you volunteer on the Board of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute?

A: Making a contribution has always been one of my personal priorities, as an adult. Whether it be in sports, family or work setting, I have always taken great satisfaction in contributing to group successes. Being a Board member with the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute allows me to, hopefully, contribute positively to the great work being performed by this important institution.

A graduate of both Carleton University (BA ’79) and the University of Ottawa (LLB ’82), Mark was called to the Ontario Bar in 1984. After a short stint in private practice he joined the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) where he spent over 30 years dealing with national security issues, including more than seven years as an Assistant Deputy Minister. During his career in CSIS, Mark learned a great deal about managing a national institution that is mandated to serve and protect the Canadian population. In his role as Assistant Deputy Minister, Human Resources he developed strategies for ensuring rigour, productivity, and responsiveness to societal values within a mid-size (3000+) public sector organization.

As a long-time, bilingual resident of Ottawa, Mark has maintained a passion for municipal affairs, especially those affecting the well-being of our community. Since his retirement in 2016 he has continued to contribute the welfare of Ottawa residents by volunteering with a local charitable organization to teach English to newly arrived immigrants.

In addition to his number one priority – family – Mark’s passions include golf and old-timer’s hockey, both of which he is able to pursue more frequently in retirement.