A tireless and enthusiastic volunteer, Walsh sits on two Magazines Canada committees and has been on the board of the National Magazine Awards Foundation for many years. As its new chair, he provides invaluable service to the magazine industry nationwide.

"Pat Walsh is the quintessential industry volunteer," says Mark Jamison, CEO, Magazines Canada. "He is generous with his time and his expertise, and he is curious, always willing to wade into areas that enhance his understanding of the entire magazine business."

As chair of the Membership Committee, he has helped to steer Magazines Canada through a period of immense growth and change. Walsh has also been on the MagNet curriculum development committee for the last three years, helping to develop editorial sessions for the industry's national conference, providing contacts for new people and tirelessly adding ideas.

Walsh began his magazine career 26 years ago as assistant editor of Muskoka Life. He has since worked for a variety of media, both in Canada and abroad, earning numerous writing and editing awards. In 2005, Walsh was named Editor of the Year by the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors, and Outdoor Canada was honoured as Magazine of the Year.

The Magazines Canada Volunteer of the Year Award is awarded annually to one individual whose outstanding volunteer contributions have had a national impact on the Canadian magazine industry.

Walsh will receive his award at the Magazines Canada Annual Luncheon on
June 4/09 at MagNet, Canada's Magazine Conference in Toronto.