Leadership

Dr. Rick Tobias
President and CEO

Rick Tobias is best known for his life-long advocacy on behalf of low-income and marginalized people. His early professional experience in his native Saint John, New Brunswick, introduced him to poverty that spans generations and requires a broad-based approach to change.

Rick began refining his understanding through his undergraduate degree in sociology from Acadia University. He pursued a focus on urban communities, graduating from the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education in Chicago, and completing a Master of Divinity degree at Acadia Divinity College. In 2003, he was awarded an honourary Doctorate in Divinity by McMaster University.

Before joining the staff of Yonge Street Mission, Rick worked to develop programs and ministries to address the needs of low-income and inner-city residents in Atlantic Canada.

In 1983, Rick became coordinator of YSM’s Evergreen Centre, which he refocused to address the needs of street-involved youth. His innovative work at Evergreen led to an invitation to become YSM’s CEO, a position he has held since 1989.

Rick has spoken hundreds of times on Canadian poverty, urban ministry, youth-at-risk and strategies for community-wide change. He appears frequently on television and radio, and in print media, and is sought after as a consultant and coach. Since 1984, he has been a regular lecturer at Tyndale University College & Seminary, and has both taught and consulted abroad.

Rick lives in Toronto with his wife, Charis, who owns a graphic design business. They have two adult sons, Jeremy and James. Apart from family and work, his interests are motorcycling, music and deepening his understanding of personal spirituality.

Andrew Williams
Mission Program Officer

Andrew came on staff with responsibility for overseeing delivery of the vast range of services that YSM offers to marginalized people living in poverty. He had served on the YSM Board of Directors for three years when, in 2011, he made the leap from the corporate to the charitable sector. He felt a call to be part of a broader community that included people from all walks of life.

As a former Marketing Director at KPMG, Andrew brings the business perspective to the table. One of his goals is to build more opportunities for corporate and church groups to become deeply involved serving marginalized people alongside YSM.

Andrew grew up in Toronto and received a B. A. in English Literature from the University of Western Ontario. He is married to Yetti and has two children. Weather permitting, Andrew bikes to work – a round-trip journey of 15 km.

Ann Barnard Ball
Mission Development Officer

Ann joined YSM in 2010 to head up the Development Department, bringing her extensive skills and talents as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) with 16 years’ experience in the not-for-profit sector.

Ann has long felt called to use her gifts to help some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
As the former Executive Director of the Children’s Aid Foundation, she supported the critical needs of children in care. She has also served on the Board of the Child Welfare League of Canada and Leprosy Mission Canada.

Ann grew up in Cambridge and is married to Steven Ball.

Bill Ryan
Director of Staff Care

Bill joined YSM in 1982 and is one of the longest-serving staff members ever. His first role was as Program Coordinator at Evergreen. He went on to become the founding pastor of Church on the Street for Evergreen youth. Bill then served 14 years as Director of the Christian Community Centre.

As Director of Staff Care since 2004, Bill serves as a chaplain to all YSM staff, working to keep staff members healthy, offering advocacy, training and mentoring. In addition, he frequently speaks to churches and other groups about YSM’s programs and ministries.

Bill taught Urban Ministry at Emmanuel Bible College from 1993 to 2009.
He received his Bachelor of Theology in 1982 and is currently working towards a Masters degree in Ministry and Spirituality at Regis College, University of Toronto.

Bill is married to Lillian and the couple have two adult children.

Paul Davidson
Mission Operation Officer

Paul Davidson joined Yonge Street Mission at the beginning of 2009 in the newly created role of Mission Operations Officer. Trained as an engineer, Paul has over 30 years of corporate experience, both in Canada and internationally. He has held executive positions in a broad range of manufacturing and service industries.

Paul chose to leave the for-profit sector later in his career and “give back” by joining YSM. His considerable talent and experience benefits YSM as he oversees Finance, IT and Property Services. He also has a lead role in business ventures like the Double Take Store, and will develop potential new business opportunities aligned with the Mission’s values and strategic direction.

Paul lives in Burlington with his wife, Susan. They have two adult sons and two grandchildren.

Meet Yonge Street Mission’s Board of Directors (Opens with Adobe Reader)