Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association appoints new executive director

The Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association Board of Directors have appointed Mathieu P. Dagonas as the association's next executive director. Dagonas starts on October 7th working beside Steve Fletcher.

Greg Woodbeck, OARA chairman says, "The OARA Board is very excited to welcome Mat into his new role. Mat has a wonderful background and personality that will ensure a positive transition and that OARA's needs will continue to be met. Mat also brings a wealth of knowledge, skill sets, and experiences that will positively affect OARA and the industry."

Prior to joining the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association, Dagonas served in government for nearly 10 years, in several senior leadership roles advising several cabinet members. Most recently, he was director of communications and stakeholder affairs for the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS), Canada's national and independent ombudsman dedicated to resolving customer complaints about telecommunications and television services. He has been in the executive director role previously with the Documentary Organization of Canada. 

"I am excited to join OARA as executive director at a pivotal time for automotive recyclers, with innovation and sustainability driving rapid transformation," says Dagonas. "I look forward to collaborating with our partners and members to promote the benefits of responsible auto recycling." 

Current executive director Fletcher will be stepping away from his Ontario role after the 2025 OARA Convention & Trade Show in Niagara Falls in March 2025. Until then, Dagonas and Fletcher will be sharing the executive director role to ensure a seamless transition. Fletcher will be staying on in his role as managing director at the Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC) for the foreseeable future and will be available to mentor Dagonas and continue to support OARA and its members.