Watch live: the virtual Order of Vaughan ceremony is tonight at 7 p.m.
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Tune in at vaughan.ca/live as four outstanding residents are recognized
Tonight at 7 p.m., Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua will preside over the City’s virtual Order of Vaughan investiture ceremony and appoint four people to the Order of Vaughan for 2020. This is the highest civic honour the City may bestow on individuals who exemplify extraordinary citizenship and better the community. Residents are invited to tune in to the celebratory event at vaughan.ca/live.
The following four remarkable individuals are receiving the Order in 2020 for their pivotal role in shaping the community:
MARK FALBO
In recognition of contributions to Health and Wellness
Mark Falbo’s passion for healthcare and his visionary business sense as Board Chair of Mackenzie Health and President of the Mircom Group of Companies has made him a strong leader with many noteworthy accomplishments to-date. Since joining Mackenzie Health, Mr. Falbo has provided outstanding governance for the hospital’s activities, worked with health partners in the community, and supported the hospital in delivering its vision to create a world-class health experience. In 2017, thanks in part to Mr. Falbo’s efforts, Mackenzie Health was awarded a rare second consecutive Accreditation with Exemplary Standing rating by Accreditation Canada. He continues to be a supporter of the new Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, the city of Vaughan’s first hospital, and the first smart technology hospital in Canada. In his capacity as board chair, Mr. Falbo has built strong relationships with community stakeholders and government partners. In October of 2019, he represented Mackenzie Health for a special signing ceremony on the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Vaughan, York University, Mackenzie Health and ventureLAB. This city-driven initiative is called the Vaughan Healthcare Centre Precinct and its goal is to create a modern community healthcare experience. This is just one example of Mr. Falbo’s civic participation, which has continued to guide Mackenzie Health through the global pandemic. Mr. Falbo is a member of several boards and committees, including the City of Vaughan’s Smart City Task Force, Vaughan International Commercialization Centre, York Regional Police’s Strategic Community Advisory Committee, the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, and the Finance & Property Committee of St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto CollegiumSingle Engine Private Pilot. His commitment to supporting front-line staff, nurses and physicians has encouraged the team to remain motivated and has enabled them to provide the best possible patient care.
FRANK FAZZARI
In recognition of contributions to Business
Frank Fazzari is an active and well-known leader in the city of Vaughan. Mr. Fazzari founded Fazzari + Partners LLP, a Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) firm in 1988, and was awarded the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Year in the Professional Services Category in 2012 and 2016. For his exceptional service to the accounting profession, Mr. Fazzari was awarded the distinction of Fellow from CPA Ontario in 2013. As an active member of MGI Worldwide, a global accounting network, Mr. Fazzari continues to advocate for Vaughan’s business community and local economy. In recognition of Mr. Fazzari’s interest in education, he created the Maurizio Bevilacqua Scholarship Fund at Niagara University Vaughan in 2020 and was appointed Vice-Chair of the inaugural Board of Advisors of Niagara University Vaughan. Also, in 2020, Mr. Fazzari founded and chaired the COVID-19 Council 2 You Assembly to bring together business and government leaders to share ideas on how to navigate through the unprecedented circumstances presented by the pandemic. Mr. Fazzari’s dedication to bettering the community through his philanthropy, commitment to higher education, and support for our community's health and well-being have made a positive and meaningful impact in the city of Vaughan.
RINA PILLITTERI
In recognition of contributions to Health and Wellness
As Chair of the Board of Directors for the Mackenzie Health Foundation, Rina Pillitteri has played an important role in the development of Vaughan’s first-ever hospital. In addition to her role as Chair, Ms. Pillitteri is a member of the $250 million Ultimate Suits You Campaign Cabinet and has played a key role with Mackenzie Health Foundation’s gala, which is now in its 33rd year. She believes that we are stronger together and – united – we have the power to help shape the future of healthcare in our region. Ms. Pillitteri also serves at the Royal Bank of Canada as Regional Vice-President for Vaughan and King Township. She has a long-standing involvement with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection as a member of the foundation. Ms. Pillitteri received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for Community Leadership in 2012; the National Congress of Italian-Canadians Ontario Spirit Award in 2017; the Global Citizen Award in 2019; and the Business Excellence Award from the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario in 2020. In all her capacities, one thing remains consistent: she strives to ensure that every decision will ultimately have the greatest impact on all people.
MARY REALI
In recognition of contributions to Public Service
Many years ago, Mary Reali answered the call of public service. Throughout her career at the City of Vaughan, Ms. Reali demonstrated that she was in it for all the right reasons, and she understood that before one can lead, one must serve. Through both words and deeds, Ms. Reali was consistently genuine and authentic, and her approach to leading teams mirrored the way she lives life — with character and integrity. On Sept. 9, 2020, after 35 years of service, Mary Reali, former Deputy City Manager, Community Services, retired from the City of Vaughan. Ms. Reali held many positions throughout her tenure in Vaughan, which stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to serve staff and the community with professionalism and compassion. She began her career as an Administrative Supervisor in Recreation Services in July 1985, and, in February 2020, Ms. Reali was entrusted by Council to sit in the organization’s highest administrative role as Acting City Manager. Shortly thereafter, she led Vaughan’s administration through the uncharted waters of a global pandemic. Ms. Reali’s contributions to the City and the many positions she has held are a true reflection of her commitment and dedication to her community.
The 2020 nomination period was open until Sept. 30, 2020. Selected recipients were then chosen by the Order of Vaughan Selection Committee. During tonight’s virtual ceremony, each individual will be recognized for their outstanding achievements and awarded with an Order of Vaughan pin and certificate.
The inaugural Order of Vaughan ceremony took place in 2016 during the City’s 25th anniversary year. The award was created to pay tribute to individuals who have made a meaningful impact on Vaughan’s civic life and dedicate their time and talent to the city’s ongoing success. It recognizes leaders within the following categories: arts and entertainment, media and communications, athletics, health and wellness, business, philanthropy, public service, education, science and technology, not-for-profit, equity and diversity, accessibility, and environment and spirituality. To date, 46 people have received the Order of Vaughan.
To learn more about the 2020 recipients, or for more information about tonight’s virtual event, visit vaughan.ca/OrderOfVaughan.
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