Patrick Walsh, editor of Outdoor Canada magazine and current president of the National Magazine Awards Foundation board, has been named 2008 Volunteer of the Year by Magazines Canada. "Pat Walsh is the quintessential industry volunteer," said Mark Jamison, CEO of Magazines Canada in a release. "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."

Walsh's volunteer activities within the industry include the NMAF board, which he has sat on for many years, and two Magazines Canada committees related to membership and MagNet curriculum development.

Walsh, who served as editor of Masthead from 1997-2000, began his magazine career 26 years ago as assistant editor of Muskoka Life. In 2005, he was named Editor of the Year by the Canadian Society of Magazine Editors, and Outdoor Canada was honoured as Magazine of the Year. He also head a Magazines Canada task force to devise a new set of advertising guidelines in 2006.

Walsh will receive his award at the Magazines Canada Annual Luncheon on June 4, 2009 at MagNet at 89 Chestnut in Toronto.