United Way of Calgary and Area (United Way) is honoured to work alongside two volunteer Co-Chairs who help lead our annual Fall fundraising campaign. These dedicated community leaders work alongside our President & CEO, Karen Young, to engage with our community and inspire Calgarians to creating lasting change.
We are excited to welcome Scott Barron as one of your 2025 Campaign Co-Chairs. As Head of Calgary Investment Banking at TD Securities, and former Co-Chair of United Way’s Major Donor Cabinet, Scott brings deep community knowledge and a track record of philanthropy to this role.
We caught up with Scott to learn more about what fuels his commitment to Calgary and what he hopes to accomplish this year.
Why did you choose to take on the Campaign Co-Chair role?
After being a long-time volunteer on the Major Donor Cabinet and co-chairing it for the last two years, I was interested in contributing more to the United Way.
This role is an opportunity to apply what I learned during my time on the Major Donor Cabinet and will challenge me to think more broadly in terms of giving opportunities in the Calgary community.
I think success will be defined by how well we connect with Calgarians. There is tremendous need in Calgary, and we must connect with our donors on a personal level to ensure we’re positioned to address those needs.
What do you think Calgary does better than any other city? What makes Calgarians special?
Calgary has a unique entrepreneurial spirit. That certainly applies to the business community, but it’s also important in charitable giving. There’s a ‘can-do’ attitude in Calgary that is willing to face challenges and address them head-on.
You have a great Co-Chair in Linda Olsen. What strengths do you see her bringing to the role and your partnership on the campaign trail?
She’s been the face and voice of Calgary for more than 30 years. She understands the importance of community and how United Way plays a major role in supporting what Calgary is today. I think she’ll do an excellent job connecting with people in the community, as she did for so long at Global.
United Way has been in Calgary for 85 years. What do you see as its legacy? What are your dreams for the future?
United Way’s legacy can’t be tied to any one item. After 85 years, it’s ingrained in the fabric of what Calgary is. It’s anniversaries such as these that remind us that many of the best parts of Calgary are the result of the long-term dedication and relentless efforts of the United Way.
My hope is that the next 85 years looks a lot like the past—where the United Way is central to making Calgary a better place.
What does “United We Can” mean to you?
It means harnessing the ‘can-do’ attitude of Calgarians and leveraging the power of the United Way’s platform to tackle the most challenging issues facing our city. It’s bringing together donors, volunteers, United Way staff and the community to ensure Calgary remains one of the best cities in the world to work, live and thrive.
Celebrating 85 Years of Local Impact
Scott’s leadership reflects the community-driven spirit that has powered United Way’s work for 85 years. As we look to the future, we’re inspired by the Calgarians who continue to show up for one another in meaningful ways.
When you support our Community Impact Fund, you become part of that story. Your support helps meet urgent needs today while building stronger communities for tomorrow.