Appointee Biographies

JOHN ECKER

John Ecker is a seasoned executive with expertise in communications, marketing, branding, and fundraising. Most recently, he served as Director of the Family of Faith & Special Projects at the Archdiocese of Toronto, where he led initiatives in Indigenous healing and reconciliation. In 2022, he was the Program and Production Lead for the Pope’s visit to Iqaluit, Nunavut, and was awarded a Papal Medal by Pope Francis for his efforts. He also oversaw brand development and marketing for the archdiocese’s Family of Faith Campaign and led the strategic repositioning of the Office for Refugees. Prior to this, Ecker was Vice President at Indspire and held director-level positions at the Ontario Trillium Foundation, ECHO: Improving Women’s Health in Ontario, and the Toronto Board of Trade. Ecker is currently the Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust, the province’s heritage agency, and serves as a Governor on the Board of Durham College. He is also a board member of the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund and Chair of Ontario’s June Callwood Awards for Voluntarism. Previously, he served on the Board of Credit Canada and chaired the Whitby Public Library Board, Waterview Child Care Centre, Lynde Marsh Alliance, and Heritage Whitby (LACAC). Internationally, Ecker founded Bimini Bound, an initiative that sent over 10,000 books and learning resources to schools on the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. In 2025, the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario recognized Ecker’s contributions to his community, Ontario, and Canada by presenting him with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. Ecker holds a Photography Diploma from Fanshawe College in London and a BA in Political Science from the University of Waterloo.