Patricia Starr was born in Toronto and heads her own Consulting Firm that specializes in fundraising/special event co-ordination, fact-checking, editing, research and writing. She received her training at Ryerson University and has had four of her books published – two internationally. She has a long history of community involvement and is the recipient of several awards for community service. She is also the Associate Editor of the Blue Book of Canadian Business.

Author/Editor:

“Tempting Fate”
Non-fiction personal story – published across Canada (1993)

Deadly Justice
A romantic mystery novel – published internationally (1997)

Final Justice
The sequel – published internationally (2002)

The Third Hole
The third book in the DDeLuca Series – published (2013)

Brief CV excerpts:

  • Fact-check, research and edit for international clients and national publications on a regular basis
  • Coordinate and provide leadership to staff and volunteers for fundraising and special events of social service agencies
  • Ghostwrite policy papers and speeches for executive and politicians
  • Wrote a four-part series on “International Cooks” for a national trade publication
  • Wrote featured articles for national newspapers

Chair – Ontario Place (Crown) Corporation-1986-89

  • Supervised the Agency’s financial operation with an annual budget of $20 million dollars
  • Spearheaded a new planning and priorities strategy that resulted in a $2.5 million dollar reduction of the deficit
  • Motivated the increased advertising revenue
  • Worked in close cooperation with staff and career civil servants to ensure the smooth operation of the Park
  • Developed a strategy with Board and staff to expand the existing programs and create new ones with a view to increasing attendance
  • Worked closely with the Boaters to reinforce their presence and cooperation with the maintenance of the Marina
  • Wrote and presented the Agency’s successful bid for government funding
  • Worked with the Board to reinforce the government’s commitment to the people of Ontario for an Ontario Place that would be “a place to stand and grow”

Community Consultant:

  • Coordinate and provide leadership to staff and volunteers for special fundraising and promotional events for community social service agencies
  • Provided expertise to a local Community Centre on volunteer management and grant submissions with very successful results
  • Spearheaded the research, development, fundraising and day to day operation of a successful pilot project for the independent living of Seniors and physically disabled individuals that resulted in four large housing facilities in Toronto
  • Wrote and presented the successful government funding submissions
  • Organized two gala fundraisings on behalf of the Metropolitan Toronto Reference Library in association with the Crime Writers of Canada which raised in excess of $l00,000
  • Successfully initiated and solicited corporate and private sponsors

Awards:

  • Gold Medal: Ministry of Citizenship and Culture – Ontario
  • New Leadership – Assoc. of Y’s – United States and Canada
  • Canada Day Achievement for Volunteerism
  • B’nai Brith Canada – Woman of Distinction
  • State of Israel Bonds – Woman of Valour

Speaker and Commentator:

  • Canadian Club
  • Front Page Challenge – Vancouver
  • CBC Public Affairs
  • Crime Writers of Canada
  • Elizabeth Fry Society

Former Board Memberships:

  • O’Keefe Centre (Sony) for the Performing Arts
    • Arbitration and mediation with the Union
    • Communicate with City Council on administration of the theatre
    • Co-operate with staff on the selection of presentations/special events
  • Metropolitan Toronto Housing Authority
    • Now the TCHC – social housing for persons with limited income
    • Adjudication on residents’ applications
    • Adjustments on maintenance where needed
    • A forum for residents’ complaints and suggestions
  • Committee of Adjustment, City of North York
    • Review applications for minor land use variances
    • Share information and rationale for non-developer applicants
    • Quasi-judicial rulings on land use, zonings and re-zonings
    • Work closely with the Planning Department and keep updated on the municipal regulations
  • United Way of Metropolitan Toronto
    • Participated as a committee member of “THE WAY AHEAD”, the United Way of Metropolitan Toronto’s priority setting process for the future
  • Canadian Jewish Congress
    • Vice President – the Agency that co-ordinated the Jewish Community’s operations
  • Ben Gurion University