A Q&A with new OARA Executive Director, Mathieu Dagonas
Story by/par Allison Rogers
After an exhaustive search for a new Executive Director upon Steve Fletcher’s departure, the Ontario Association of Automotive Recyclers (OARA) has selected Mathieu P. Dagonas as its next executive director.
With Dagonas’ assumption of the role of Executive Director of OARA, Steve Fletcher, long-serving Executive Director will be stepping away from his Ontario role at the 2025 OARA Convention and Trade Show in Niagara Falls in March. Until then, the press release notes, Dagonas and Fletcher will be sharing the Executive Director role to ensure a seamless transition.
Trust that Dagonas understands that he has big shoes to fill—he jokingly told attendees during a November meet-and-greet that he’d heard the phrase at least a dozen times during the recent Automotive Recyclers’ Association (ARA) Convention and Expo. But the former non-profit warrior is ready to put his all in to OARA to bring the association into a new and exciting era. OARA, meet your new Executive Director: Mathieu Dagonas.
[Q&A]
Canadian Auto Recycler: Will you tell us about your previous work experience, Mat?
Mathieu Dagonas: I started my career in politics after studying at the University of Toronto. I advised several cabinet ministers and spent seven years learning how the government functions.
I left politics because I wanted to make a difference. So, I started working in the non-profit sector, where my work focused on at-risk youth.
After a few years helping these charitable organizations, I transitioned to lead an association called the Documentary Association of Canada, where I served as executive director to all Canadian documentary filmmakers.
I did this for two years, but the association was hit hard by the pandemic. I fell upwards, and landed at the ombudsman for telecommunication: the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS). I was there for four years as their director of communications and stakeholder affairs. My day-to-day meant I was the lead on all files that dealt with the Government of Canada and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CTRC), as well as Bell, Telus, Rogers and Videotron.
I sit on a number of boards as well: previously with Firefighters Without Borders and, more recently, with the Canadian Centre for Housing Rights.
CAR: What have you been focused on since stepping into the role of OARA Executive Director?
MD: My focus has been immersing myself in the organization and its mission; understanding the unique needs of our members and establishing relationships with key stakeholders. I’ve spent a lot of time listening to the Board, to OARA members, visiting yards and, from time t to time, receiving guidance from Steve to identify immediate priorities and opportunities.
I also attended the Automotive Recyclers’ Association (ARA) 81st annual Convention and Expo in Reno, Nevada, which provided invaluable insights into the latest trends and challenges for the industry, albeit with an American spin.
I am also participating on monthly OARA board calls and have begun to meet with association members as well as other associations like the Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario (UCDA) and the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada). We’re also working on a strategic planning retreat in April with the Board and Steve.
CAR: What has your first impression of the automotive recycling industry been?
MD: Well, my first impressions of OARA have been that this is a passionate, forward-thinking organization with an incredibly dedicated membership base. I’ve been impressed by OARA’s commitment not only to advancing the auto recycling industry but also fostering a sense of community and collaboration. That’s what I saw in Reno; that’s what I’ve heard from OARA Board members and that’s what I’ve seen firsthand in my meetings.
As for the auto recycling industry, it is far more dynamic and complex than I initially imagined. I have a lot to learn still, but I am impressed by the technical expertise, innovation and environmental stewardship that are integral to this field.
Perhaps most surprisingly, I’ve been impressed by the stories I’ve heard of deeply rooted family-run businesses: their tribulations, their perseverance, their successes. I also know I have big shoes to fill when Steve [Fletcher, outgoing OARA executive director] departs, so I am looking forward to downloading all of your knowledge to service our members.
CAR: What goals and activities to your envision tackling in your first few months at OARA Executive Director?
MD: In the immediate term, my goals are centered on building a solid foundation and establishing our strategic priorities. I plan to focus on a few key areas.
First, member engagement and support. I plan to work closely with OARA members to ensure they have the resources and support they need. This includes actively listening to their feedback and identifying new ways OARA can add value.
I also plan to tackle marketing and advocacy. With the new marketing committee, I hope to refine and amplify our messaging to better promote OARA’s impact, both within the industry and the broader public.
Strengthening connections with industry allies and government stakeholders to explore opportunities that can benefit our members and support sustainable practices.
Finally, I have been working with Steve to put on the biggest OARA Convention in March in Niagara Falls. We’ve toured the hotel and casino as well as Thorold Auto Parts and Miller’s Auto Recycling for our yard tours. I truly believe members will remember this one.
CAR: What do you do for fun outside of work?
MD: Outside of work, I enjoy staying active—swimming, golf—and travelling with my family. My wife’s name is Rachael and my two kids, Nikolas and Aria, are nine-years-old and almost two-years-old. Spending quality time with family and friends is important to me, like many of you.
CAR: Do you have any other words for OARA members?
MD: I am genuinely excited to be part of OARA and to support our members. I am thrilled I get a mentor like Steve to help me succeed, and I’m thankful to the board members for their confidence in me. I believe I can make a big impact here.
