Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation Appoints New CEO

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2020

Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation Appoints New CEO

Sydney, N.S – In conjunction with Executive Search Committee, Royer Thompson, and following a rigorous process, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation are pleased to announce the unanimous appointment of its new CEO.
Effective September 1, 2020, Paula MacNeil joined the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation team as its Chief Executive Officer.

MacNeil brings more than 20 years’ experience and expertise in providing philanthropy strategy, communication direction, project development and management, plus identifying and increasing fundraising bases and revenues.
“We’re thrilled to have Paula add to the expertise of the foundation team,” said Board Chair, Stan MacDonald. “Along with her experience she will bring new energy to fundraising and advocacy efforts for healthcare in Cape Breton.”

Macneil, who worked for two decades at Cape Breton University, most recently as Vice-President, Development, will now bring her skills to the healthcare sector, “Paula’s ability to understand the needs of the community will make her an asset to the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. We wish her all the best as she takes on this new endeavor,” says David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor, Cape Breton University.

Responsible for the design and execution of capital campaigns to support areas such as scholarships, research chairs and the construction of buildings including the Shannon School of Business, MacNeil has helped raise more than 50 million to support the University. Now, moving into a new foray of healthcare fundraising, she will focus on the impact our vital healthcare system has on improving the lives of the hundreds of thousands of patients who rely on the services of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.

MacNeil recognizes that this is an important time in the Foundation’s history, especially with the campaign to build Cape Breton’s new Cancer Centre in its early stages. “During this time of uncertainly, we can be assured that 2020 will forever be etched in the history books. While there have been many unknowns, there have been many teachings and the importance of healthcare has been brought to a central focus. I look forward to assisting the CBRHF in navigating these times and working with the team for the betterment of healthcare on Cape Breton Island,” stated MacNeil.

Brought up in Cape Breton, MacNeil places great emphasis on community collaboration, team-building and understands fundraising on the Island. “Her relationship development with donors and experience in capital campaigns will be invaluable to the Foundation”, said Board Chair Stan MacDonald.

Since 1990, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation, in partnership with the community has raised more than $55 million to purchase equipment, and fund upgrades at the Regional Hospital. This has reduced wait times and provided an increased menu of services – closer to home. The Foundation has recently been accredited under Imagine Canada’s national Standards Program, which promotes transparency of charities and nonprofits, and strengthens public confidence in organizations and the sector as a whole.

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For more information, please contact:

Mark Inglis
Marketing & Communications Officer - Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation
902.567.7054
Mark.Inglis@nshealth.ca