2014 Aurora
“My goal at the end of the day is to make sure that whatever I do has relevance.”
Marc Neeb is a well respected member of his community, but it’s the smell of Chlorine on a pool deck that brings Marc back to his roots, drawing him back to where he first discovered the reward in giving back.
Born in Noranda, Quebec Marc is bilingual. He was a Lifeguard, instructor and pool supervisor from the age of 14 – 25. In addition to volunteering, Marc competed in Ontario and Canadian Lifeguard championships. It kept him out of trouble and taught him how to interact with people, the value of teamwork and the soft skills you’d expect of a senior leader. He quickly learned to deal with problems, difficult people, to negotiate.
As a former lifeguard he values the principles of the Lifesaving Society which provides programs designed to prevent waterrelated injury with their motto stating: “Whomsoever you see in distress, recognize in him a fellow man.”
Now, acting as the Ontario Governor of the Royal Lifesaving Society since 2003, Marc runs the Annual Governor's Investiture event which recognizes outstanding volunteers in Ontario. He takes great joy in presenting the Rescue Award Of Merit to those who have saved lives, applauding their ability to recognize the emergency, their willingness to intervene and exercising good judgment through their rescue actions. Although he loves to present these awards, when it comes to being recognized for his own contribution to society, Marc is uncomfortable taking credit for his own charitable deeds.
“I think Canada is the greatest country in the world. I have received so much in terms of employment opportunities and quality of life. The least I can do is give something back.”
Marc received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of Toronto. He graduated from the University of Western Executive Program and from Seneca College’s Recreation Facilities Management Program where he won the Seneca Cup, as well as the Distinguished Alumni Award. Marc explained, “I had an interesting education, because I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do.”
Marc Neeb served as Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Aurora, Commissioner of Community Services for the City of Brampton, and several senior leadership roles with the City of Mississauga. His involvement cultivated a real interest in giving back to the community. It comes down to his upbringing. He was taught that if you have an opportunity to help someone or help get something done, you should do it.
On balancing career and volunteer time in a lifestyle of giving back Marc said, “I think it is important that you contribute to the community that you live in, so I find ways of making sure that I do that and have learned to find the right recipe in terms of the time commitment that is involved.”
Marc Neeb was the ViceChair & Founding Director of the Community Safety Village of York Region situated at Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area. As an advocate for safety and the prevention of injury and loss of life, he was involved in fundraising for the facility which opened in 2005. 25,000 children a year have been educated in safety to date through the programs run by the Safety Village.
Marc, former Executive Vice President Global Human Resources, was appointed Chief Human Resources Officer for Magna International Inc. in January 2014. He is responsible for managing Magna’s Employee Charter and Corporate Constitution in 29 countries. Marc is passionate about making a difference and feels a deep responsibility as part of the executive management team of the company to make sure that it continues to be successful. Knowing that he has a hand in contributing to the quality of life of Magna’s 125,000 employees worldwide is extremely gratifying and it’s not something he takes lightly. Marc gives behind the scenes, his contributions often anonymous. Marc’s future volunteer prospects are, as he says, “To be determined” as he continues a lifestyle of giving back. He lives in Aurora, Ontario with his wife of 33 years, Ann Marie.