Gord completed his BA degree in Geography and his MA degree in Public Administration both at the University of Toronto, and his LL.B. degree from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. He has served on numerous non-profit and charity boards including being Chair of the Nuclear Weapons Legal Action, President of Environmental Defence and Vice-President of World Federalists of Canada.

He is currently President of the Rotary E-Club of Southern Ontario – Western New York and Past Chair of the Rotarian Action Group for Peace (RAGFP). From 2010 to June 2014, Gord was an Executive Officer of the Rotarian Action Group for Microfinance and Community Development (RAGM), including 2012-13 RAGM Chair and President.

At the district level, Gord was Founding Co-Chair of the District 7070 Environmental Awareness & Action Committee. He was awarded the District 7070 Council of Past District Governors Trophy for the greatest Service contribution to Rotary in 2012-13. In 2014-15, Gord received Rotary International’s highest honour for individual Rotarians – the RI Service Above Self Award.