Reza began his career in the public sector, serving as an advisor to Ontario’s Minister of Research and Innovation. In that role, he provided strategic guidance on legislative affairs and issues management, gaining first-hand experience in how government policy intersects with innovation and economic development. He later joined the Ontario College of Trades, where he led stakeholder engagement and outreach for the regulatory body overseeing Ontario’s skilled trades.

After his time in government, Reza transitioned into the private sector, where he took on leadership roles in franchise development and business operations across several industries. His work focused on helping entrepreneurs build and scale successful operations — experience that deepened his understanding of small business challenges and community economic development. He later co-founded a business in the event services industry, further strengthening his entrepreneurial perspective.

In 2022, Reza was appointed Executive Director of Community Centre 55, a registered charity and agency of the City of Toronto. As the fifth person to lead the organization in its nearly 50-year history, he brings a unique blend of public policy knowledge, business acumen, and grassroots commitment to the role.

Outside of work, Reza is an active community leader. He is currently serving in his fourth term as President of the West Rouge Community Association; volunteers as a field director with a local chapter of Toastmasters International; and participates in civic advocacy through Scarborough United Neighbourhoods (SUN), a public policy working group. He lives in the East Scarborough neighbourhood of West Rouge with his wife, Mona, and their two sons, Royce and Romeo.

Reza holds an Advanced Diploma in Business Administration from Humber College, a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management (B.Comm) from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), and dual Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Public Administration (MBA/MPA) from the University of Manitoba, graduating magna cum laude.