Our Founders

David Pecaut

Co-Founder (1955-2009)

An accomplished civic leader and humanitarian, David Pecaut worked tirelessly on initiatives designed to make our city and country a better place. David was a Senior Partner in The Boston Consulting Group and advised companies and governments on public policy issues around the globe. A well-known speaker and writer, David was a frequent commentator on CTV, CNN, CBC, CNBC, and CBS, and in publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal to Maclean’s.


David was also the voluntary Chair of the Toronto City Summit Alliance (now CivicAction), a diverse cross-sectoral coalition of civic leaders whose mission is to accelerate social and economic development in the Toronto region. The founder of dozens of initiatives aimed at new comers, youth, neighbourhoods and lower-income workers, David Pecaut was appointed a member of the Order of Canada in November 2009.

Tony Gagliano

Co-Founder, Chair Emeritus

Tony Gagliano presently serves as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of St. Joseph Communications which was founded by his parents in the basement of their home shortly after emigrating from Italy. Under Mr. Gagliano’s leadership, St. Joseph Communications has evolved from a small family business with a handful of associates to a national, fully integrated communications/media corporation with more than 2,100 associates from coast to coast.


Tony Gagliano is actively involved in a number of organizations. He is a Board member of the St. Michael’s Hospital Board, Salt + Light Foundation, Villa Charities and Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.


In addition, he is a cabinet member of Ryerson University in Toronto, a council member of the Royal Conservatory of Music, an honorary board member of Scouts Canada, and a Board Member and President of the Art Gallery of Ontario. Tony Gagliano is founding chair of Luminato, Toronto’s Festival of Arts & Creativity.


Most recently Tony Gagliano was the recipient of the 2010 Outstanding Volunteer award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Greater Toronto Chapter and Graphic Monthly Magazine’s 2010 Printer of the Year.

Festivals Past