Sechelt Hospital Foundation is delighted to announce that Sue Carruthers has been named chair of the board of directors, with Courtney Pratt now serving as vice-chair and Ruth Rodgers as secretary, and Frank Belfry continuing to serve as treasurer. The move was announced at the foundation’s AGM in June, and sets the stage for future fundraising activities.
Sue Carruthers’ experience in Hospital Foundation leadership is unparalleled. During her 35-year career, she served as the leading executive for several hospital foundations, such as BC Children’s Hospital, Sick Kids, Women’s College and St. Michael’s in Toronto. She received numerous awards and distinctions including the Si Seymour Award, the highest international honour given to a single Hospital Foundation executive for distinguished leadership and promotion of exemplary standards of excellence.
“Community donations are essential to improve health care for Coast residents,” said Carruthers. “We are fortunate to not only have a full-service community hospital here, but also to be surrounded by such generous neighbours and friends who support one another through gift-giving to the hospital. I am truly grateful to be a part of this Foundation and to ensure the stewardship and impact of the contributions entrusted to the Board.”
Two new members have joined the board, Tyler Bergh and Beth Payne. Both assumed their roles at the AGM in June as well, and represent the next generation of leadership.
“While the Sunshine Coast continues to have a significant population of seniors, it is also attracting more and more younger families,” said Jane Macdonald, foundation executive director. “Both Tyler and Beth represent this growing demographic, and bring their considerable leadership and expertise to the table to represent the future of the Coast.”
Payne earned her PhD in reproductive and developmental sciences from UBC in 2015 and is currently the program manager for digital health research at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, and the Women’s Health Research Institute. Her work has helped develop health programs for women and children that leverage technology to improve both access to care and quality of care, globally.
With his background in commerce and risk management, Tyler Bergh serves as a senior leader for pharmaceutical benefits and innovation at Sun Life. His work focuses on balancing sustainability with access to care, and now as board director, he follows in the family footsteps of service and voluntarism in local health care.
After serving on the board for nine years, the foundation wishes to thank outgoing chair, Carole Simpson, for her considerable contributions and role in helping shape local health care. The foundation also extends its sincere gratitude to all other volunteer board members: directors Alex Bird, Nic Weswick and David Kyle. Their vision and commitment have been vital in improving community healthcare and shaping the foundation’s future.
The Sechelt Hospital Foundation operates both independently and in partnership with Vancouver Coastal Health. This ensures donor support has a direct and lasting impact on health care services, staff and patients on the Coast.
For more information on Sechelt Hospital Foundation and upcoming events, please visit www.sechelthospitalfoundation.org or call 604-885-8637.
– Submitted by
Sechelt Hospital Foundation
