Jennifer Bernard to take on CEO role in April 2023
Sonia Baxendale, Chair of the Board of Directors, SickKids Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Jennifer Bernard as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective April 2023. This appointment follows a thorough international search, with Ted Garrard’s retirement announcement last year.
Jennifer Bernard joins SickKids Foundation from Women’s College Hospital Foundation where she has served as President & CEO since 2018. For over 25 years, Jennifer has held leadership roles in provincial and national organizations leading and supporting teams that have raised more than $450 million. Jennifer has led successful teams at The Ontario Science Centre and the Royal Conservatory of Music, as well as Trillium Health Partners Foundation, Ontario’s largest community hospital and McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation, Ontario’s second largest children’s hospital. During her tenure at Women’s College Hospital Foundation, Jennifer doubled revenue and monthly donors, diversified the fundraising base, and co-founded the Women’s Health Collective Canada, a national fundraising organization supporting women’s health research.
“I’m thrilled to take on the role of CEO of SickKids Foundation and lead an organization that is tied to our national identity as leaders in healthcare and philanthropy”
Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Toronto, a Certified Fundraising Executive and has completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Not-for-Profit Program. Throughout her career, Jennifer has been an active community volunteer and advocate. She is currently President of the Toronto Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the largest of 240 chapters worldwide supporting the global fundraising community. She also serves on the Board of the BlackNorth Initiative and Telus Friendly Future Foundation Board for the Greater Toronto Region.
Jennifer is widely acknowledged for her leadership and inclusive vision. In 2018, she was recognized as one of the 25 most influential women in Canada by Women of Influence. In 2020, she was honoured as one of the 100 most Powerful Women in Canada and presented with the Inclusion Vanguard award by the Women’s Executive Network. This award recognizes an individual regardless of their gender identity who has made a profound, thoughtful, measurable impact on diversity within their organization and the broader community. In 2022, Toastmasters International presented Jennifer with the Communications and Leadership Award recognizing her as an exemplary leader.
“I’m thrilled to take on the role of CEO of SickKids Foundation and lead an organization that is tied to our national identity as leaders in healthcare and philanthropy,” said Jennifer Bernard. “There is no greater calling than supporting the health of children. I look forward to working with the staff, Board, Hospital colleagues and the incredible community of SickKids supporters, to realize our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.”
Upon joining SickKids Foundation, Jennifer will work with the Senior Management Team and Board of Directors, in collaboration with The Hospital for Sick Children’s (SickKids) Senior Management Committee and Board of Trustees, to implement the new five-year strategic plan and prepare for the next fundraising campaign, which will be more ambitious than SickKids VS Limits.
