SIPP Board Director Mark Donahue arrived in Greater Victoria nearly a decade ago for what was supposed to be a temporary assignment. But like many who arrive here for work, he found more than a job — he found a place he never wanted to leave. As the Director of Technology Adoption at EllisDon, an organization with offices across Canada, what motivates him to stay in Victoria? It’s the stroll with the dogs, woodworking in the shop, and a deep commitment to family and community.
Years later, that same spirit inspires his work on the SIPP Board. Donahue is helping turn the region’s natural charm and creative energy into long-term prosperity. His goal isn’t just to grow the economy, but also to protect what makes the region worth growing for.
Q&A with SIPP Board Director Mark Donahue
Q1. What first brought you to Greater Victoria — and what keeps you here?
We moved to Victoria for what was supposed to be a temporary assignment, and as it turns out, we never wanted to leave.
We remain on an island, and that won’t change, so I’m excited to see how this region evolves and grows into an increasingly global economy while maintaining the vibe of a smaller municipal region.
SIPP Board Director Mark Donahue
Q2. Describe your perfect day living in Greater Victoria.
My favourite days are spent at home with family, catching up with friends and neighbours, and visiting our go-to local spots, whether it’s our neigbourhood café, the butcher, the pub, or other uniquely Victoria gems. A bit of time in the workshop working with wood never hurts.
Q3. What motivated/inspired you to join the SIPP board?
I’ve long been involved in local associations tied to the engineering and construction industries, but my involvement in other associations has been fairly limited. SIPP provided an opportunity to bring my experience to a much broader and more diverse table and to extend my support of Victoria and the surrounding economy.
Q4. When you think about the future of Greater Victoria, what excites you most?
Victoria continues to grow, but what I’ve seen more in my time here is a maturation and evolution of the Region, particularly as the Pandemic forced the advancement of remote connections. We remain on an island, and that won’t change, so I’m excited to see how this region evolves and grows into an increasingly global economy while maintaining the vibe of a smaller municipal region.
Q5. What do you wish more people understood about Greater Victoria’s economy?
Greater Victoria supports and is supported by an economy that extends much further than Vancouver Island.
Q6. Why is it important for organizations like South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) to exist?
Greater Victoria is a very diverse region and municipal structure that needs to come together to plan for a better future that can only be achieved by the whole, not any one of the component parts. SIPP is a catalyst of this regional evolution.
Q7. What’s one local business or community initiative you think deserves more spotlight?
I think that the Victoria Foundation’s Gadsden Initiative is a philanthropic initiative that more people should be aware of and involved in. It serves to make philanthropy a topic for all of us to consider and is making a difference in our local non-profit community.
Q8. What book, podcast, or idea has influenced your thinking on leadership or community building?
Factfulness by Hans Rosling is a great read about what progress over time looks like on a macro scale.
