WHAT I DO: I help mid-to- large organizations develop clear strategies to address contentious issues that are of high public interest, particularly in the environment sector.HOW I DO IT: I build trusted client relationships, developing with them a strategic focus and practical solutions, particularly in their work with governments.WHY IT MATTERS: Organizations need to be proactive in their work with governments and stakeholders, no matter what issue they are trying to address. Too often, they wait too long before trying to engage thegovernment and stakeholders.HOW I AM DIFFERENT: I have extensive leadership experience managing complex and high profile issues in a range of organizations across all sectors - private, public and not-for- profit. I have had hands on experience, particularly inside the government where I was Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Communications in the Ontario government’s Cabinet Office serving the Premier of Ontario.WHAT OTHERS SAY:“He has no problem in taking on very difficult and trying assignments, setting a goal and surpassing it”“Very good at strategic analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing an organization”NEXT STEPS: If your organization is seeking to advocate it’s cause more effectively, or needs a clearer strategy around a contentious issue we should talk. Please e-mail me michael@mgsottassociates.com or call 416-571- 4494Environment, strategic planning, communications, government relations,

Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO) is a non crown corporation established under the Waste Diversion Act in 2002. It develops and oversees waste diversion programs in Ontario, including the Blue Box program, recycling waste electronic products and used tires. Most people think WDO is a government agency. It is not. Although it was created by the Ontario government, it is funded by product manufactures and first importers in Ontario, whose products are in the diversion programs under WDO's oversight. The oversight role is a complex one - and very challenging! The Blue Box Program alone costs over $200 million/yr.I joined WDO in June, 2011 as their new CEO. In November 2016, WDO transitioned to a new oversight corporation called the Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority, and I led the transition of WDO to the new Authority.A TESTIMONIAL....."As Chair of the Board of Waste Diversion Ontario (WDO) for over 5 years, I worked closely with our CEO, Michael Scott, and came to know his professional strengths and style very well. WDO, as the oversight body for all of Ontario’s residential and other designated recycling programs, including the Blue Box, was charged with managing a wide array of complex, often controversial and high profile issues.This tightrope called for considerable dexterity from our CEO. In doing so, Michael demonstrated strong leadership, and sound communication, political, governance and management skills, while building and mentoring a solid team of professionals. I know I speak for all of the WDO Board in saying it was a pleasure working with him" - Robert A. Gordon O.C., O.Ont.

Helping organizations with environmental communications & government relations challenges clearly communicate solutions

Hired as the first CEO. It currently is the largest not-for-profit tree planting partnership in North America, planting in excess of 2 million trees/year across southern Ontario

Hired as first CEO. A new not-for-profit organization established to help protect the Oak Ridges Moraine

A new position, located in the Cabinet Office. Co-ordinated all communications across 18 ministries, and provided communications advice to Cabinet Ministers, the Premier and their political staff.

The first CEO in a new national industry organization and greenfield development. Built and managed a $6 million state of the art recycling facility in Ontario, and managed all national and provincial communications and governmment relations

A new crown agency, responsible for siting and managing a state-of-the-art toxic and industrial waste management facility. First professional hired by the new President and CEO. Co-ordinated all communications and government relations for the largest provincial consultation and communications program at the time on toxic industrial waste management

Corporate wide responsibility for all internal and external communications; coordinated all communications in Ontario, Manitoba, United States, United Kingdom, Guatemala and Indonesia. Promoted from Government Affairs Officer.

A new position. Advised newly appointed President on administrative, organizational and external issues. Executive Secretary of York University's Commission on Goals and Objectives, chaired by the President

Hired by the Deputy Treasurer and Deputy Minister of Economics and Intergovernmental Affairs, the largest ministry at the time in the Ontario government, immediately after graduating with Master of Public Administration degree (MPA) from Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario.

Responsible for all history teaching and teacher training for 400 students. Lived and worked in a small village in northern Nigeria for two years