Our Board of Trustees are dedicated volunteers and community leaders from across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
Together, they lead the IWK Foundation to raise much-needed funds for IWK Health and the patients and families it cares for.
Every member of our Board believes IWK patients deserve state-of-the-art care right here at home. Learn more about these passionate leaders.
I am inspired by the IWK Foundation and its work in ensuring the IWK provides the best health…
I am inspired by the IWK Foundation and its work in ensuring the IWK provides the best health care to women and children.
- Sarah VeinotSarah Veinot is a Chartered Accountant and Partner with WBLI LLP. Prior to joining WBLI, Sarah was a controller for a privately owned company. This experience combined with her range of services to firms' clients makes Sarah uniquely qualified to advise small to medium-sized businesses. The industries with which Sarah is particularly experienced include owner-managed businesses, the fishing industry, manufacturing, software development, wholesale and retail operations and not-for-profit organizations.
Sarah is also very active in her community. She has served 10 years on the Mount Saint Vincent University Board of Governors, Chairing many of their board committees. Sarah shares that the “health and wellness of women is something she feels very strongly about”.
Giving back on the East Coast has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The work going on at…
Giving back on the East Coast has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The work going on at the IWK is truly world class, and it is an honour to contribute in a small way.
- Kyle MacDonaldKyle MacDonald is Portfolio Manager with Gallant MacDonald. The firm designs bespoke investment programs for a select group of families and institutions who have made significant contributions to business, public service, and philanthropy. Previously, Kyle led the Financial Services practice at Veritas Investment Research, an independent equity research firm. In this role, he was awarded the Thomson Reuters StarMine – recognizing him as the best overall stock picker in Banks and Insurance.
Kyle holds the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designations, and received an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen's University where he concurrently played for the Varsity Football team. He was also a member of the 2009 Vanier Cup winning program.
Beyond his wealth practice, Kyle co-founded Capitalize for Kids, a charity which raises over $3 million annually for the highest priority needs in the field of children’s brain and mental health. Capitalize for Kids received the Toronto Board of Trade Business Excellence award in community service for 2015. Kyle has been recognized among Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and was recognized as a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum in 2013.
Thanks to the world-class care my son received at the IWK, we are able to…
Thanks to the world-class care my son received at the IWK, we are able to enjoy the everyday moments with him. It’s my hope that all Maritime families have access to this incredible care if they should ever need it.
- Wendy GriffinWendy Griffin has over 25 years of senior public sector leadership. She has a passion for leading transformational change focused on improving outcomes for Nova Scotians. Prior to founding Cura Consulting, she was the Vice-President, Service Excellence with the Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. Throughout her career at the WCB, Wendy held many roles leveraging her extensive experience in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and change management. Wendy holds a Masters in Health Services Administration and a Masters in Business Administration, both from Dalhousie University.
Originally from Prince Edward Island, Wendy currently resides in Halifax with her son Riley.
I believe the women, children, youth and families of the Maritimes deserve only the very best…
I believe the women, children, youth and families of the Maritimes deserve only the very best health care and research.
- Jennifer GillivanJennifer Gillivan is President and CEO of the IWK Foundation. The Foundation is the primary fundraising and outreach partner of the IWK Health Centre, which provides critical and specialized care to women, children, youth and families throughout the Maritimes. Jennifer is very passionate about the rights of women and Children in our society.
Jennifer has an extensive background in philanthropy, partnerships, public speaking, strategy, marketing and leadership. Born and educated in Dublin, Ireland Jennifer immigrated to Canada in 1982. Prior to joining the IWK Foundation, Jennifer worked with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation for 14 years most recently as Director of Partnerships, Communications, Marketing and Brand for the CBC across Canada.
Jennifer is an active community volunteer: Jennifer is the Chair of the Board of Director of Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations- CCHF. Jennifer is a Frank H Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies, Trustee. Jennifer was appointed by the Prime Minister of Canada to serve as a member of The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments in Nova Scotia. Jennifer is Honorary Lieutenant Colonel 3 Intelligence Company, Canadian Armed Forces. Jennifer is a Board member Save the Children International. Jennifer is the Atlantic Ambassador for Women Get On Board.
Jennifer also was awarded Atlantic Business Magazine Top 50 CEO Award for 2014, 2015, 2017 & 2018, 2019. Jennifer was inducted into the 2019 Atlantic Business Magazine Hall of Fame. Jennifer was awarded the RBC Top25 Canadian Immigrant award for 2017 and awarded for the Top 25 Maritime Immigrant award for 2017.The Halifax Chamber of Commerce awarded Jennifer with: The Halifax Business Person of the Year 2017. Jennifer was awarded nationally by RBC Women of Influence Entrepreneur Award 2014. Jennifer was featured in “Canada 150 Women” published in November 2017. Jennifer received National Professional of the Year award by Women of Distinction in 2016. Jennifer was awarded by Bank of Montreal Community & Charitable Giving Award and has received two CBC English Television Awards, The Halifax Ambassador Award and a Progress Halifax Women of Excellence Award.
Jennifer is passionate about her community and her country. Jennifer and her husband Joe call Halifax home along with their family.
Having had three children at the IWK, I was able to experience…
Having had three children at the IWK, I was able to experience firsthand how fortunate we are to have this facility in our region – the work and dedication of the entire team to ensure young patients and their families receive top care is truly best in class and inspired me to become a part of it.”
- Jennifer AuldJenn Auld was appointed Vice President of TD Canada Trust in Atlantic Region in 2019 and is the proud leader of over 750 colleagues in 50 retail branches and support offices across all four Atlantic Provinces. As Vice President, Jenn is focused on elevating the customer experience and aiding in community and economic development across the region.
Jenn joined TD in 1998 and has held a number of roles in both regional and corporate offices across Canada. Before moving to Atlantic, Jenn held a national mandate as Vice President of One TD & Market Planning where she led the enterprise One TD strategy with the design and implementation of governance including market optimization.
Jenn is active in and passionate about the communities in which she serves. In addition, she earned a Bachelor of Administration from the University of Regina and an MBA from Athabasca University. She resides in Halifax with her three active sons (Mason, Bennett and Campbell) and energetic chocolate lab Ollie
As a mother of premature twins, I have experienced firsthand the importance of having access to…
As a mother of premature twins, I have experienced firsthand the importance of having access to world-class medical care for children and women. I am honoured and excited to have the opportunity to help the IWK continue to serve the East Coast community.
- Kaitlyn BarryKaitlyn Barry works in the Corporate Development group at GFL Environmental Inc. where she executes on mergers and acquisitions in the waste management sector. Kaitlyn works with GFL’s team to identify potential targets and perform business and financial due diligence.
Prior to GFL, Kaitlyn worked in professional services at Ernst & Young providing transaction advisory services. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and a Chartered Business Valuator (CBV). Kaitlyn is a graduate of Dalhousie University where she completed her Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting.
Kaitlyn grew up in Rothesay, New Brunswick and currently resides in Toronto. Outside of work, she is enjoying the daily trials and tribulations of raising her twin daughters.
Kaitlyn also volunteers at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto’s East End, serving on the Maternal Newborn Panel.
I believe the Foundation plays a critical role in advancing care…
I believe the Foundation plays a critical role in advancing care and treatment practices, providing doctors, clinicians and staff with the tools possible to treat their patients in the most effective way possible. I have a vested interest in the success of the Foundation as its endeavors help to advance the quality of care provided at the Hospital and the patients it supports. As a mother of a child with a very rare genetic disease called Tango2, I have experienced firsthand what a privilege it is to have access to the quality of care and services that are provided by the IWK. To be a part of the future of the IWK through the amazing work done by the IWK Foundation and to be able to give back to an institution that continues to play a critical role in the treatment of my little girl, Bria, is an immense privilege.
- Kara CameronKara Cameron is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Crombie REIT, a publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust. Kara leads Crombie’s financial strategy, including financial reporting, capital management, treasury, investor relations, and information technology teams. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA), Ms. Cameron holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree from St. Francis Xavier University and a Certificate in Management Excellence from Harvard Business School. Ms. Cameron is also a Board member of the Tango2 Research Foundation and Founder of the Canadian TANGO2 Rare Disease Foundation.
I can’t think of a greater honour than to serve on the IWK Board of Trustees. This…
I can’t think of a greater honour than to serve on the IWK Board of Trustees. This internationally renown and respected institution has touched the lives of millions and I believe in everything for which it stands. In particular, I have a special respect for the work that is done at the IWK through my close friendship with Dr. Richard Goldbloom and the work of my husband, Dr. Kenneth Wilson. Truly, it is the best way to give back to my community.
- Denise DoucetDenise Doucet is the President and CEO of Denise Doucet Strategic Partnerships Inc, a boutique government relations and communications firm. She is a member of Glooscap Ventures Board of Directors, which is the economic development arm of Glooscap First Nation managing business on behalf of Chief and Council. She also serves on the committee of the Ruth Goldbloom Ladies Golf Classic for Kids Help Phone, and is a former Board member of Hope Blooms, whose mission is to empower at-risk youth to be activity engaged in building environments that directly impact the social determinants of health in their communities.
Denise worked for the federal government for 25 years, in various senior level positions, including directly for federal Ministers and as a Canadian Diplomat at the Canadian Embassy in The Hague, Netherlands.
Recently, she was recognized at the fifth annual Bank of Montreal Celebrating Women program for her contribution to business and community in the category of Community and Charitable Giving.
We are so fortunate to have, in IWK Health, …
We are so fortunate to have, in IWK Health, a world-class institution dedicated to clinical care, teaching, and research that makes a meaningful and often profound difference in the lives of thousands of women, children, youth and families in the Maritimes each year. I am grateful for the privilege of serving both IWK Health and the Foundation in furthering the mission of this exceptional institution
- Chris FowlesChris is a partner at Torys LLP, where he has practiced corporate and securities law for 30 years. In 2015, he relocated from Toronto to Halifax to establish and lead the Torys Legal Services Centre, which leverages technology and optimized processes to manage high-volume and recurring legal tasks.
He holds degrees in mathematics (actuarial science), business administration (MBA) and law.
Chris has been a member of IWK Health’s Board of Directors since 2019.
As a partner, a step-father, much loved uncle and a leader of a dedicated team…
As a partner, a step-father, much loved uncle and a leader of a dedicated team of supporters, I consider it a privilege to serve my community and work to improve the lives of children.
- Greg HughesGreg Hughes is the President & CEO of the NSLC. Prior to his position at the NSLC, Greg was the General Manager of Operations, Atlantic Canada for CIBC. He also founded and served as President & CEO for CleanEarth Technologies and CleanEarth Industrial Services an industry leader in health, safety, and environmental compliance. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University.
Greg has a proven track record of participating on Boards that work to support children, many of whom are sick or disadvantaged. He is a former member of the Nova Scotia Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors, as well as being the former Chairman of the Board, and current Board member, for the Nova Scotia Chapter of the Make A Wish Foundation.
Since joining the NSLC, Greg is tremendously proud of the NSLC team who work so hard to support the IWK and he shares their passion for finding ways to help IWK patients and their families.
The IWK is a special place - one that provides the very best in medical care and research. We…
The IWK is a special place - one that provides the very best in medical care and research. We are fortunate to have this medical expertise right here at home and we are grateful for the hospital's important work in helping many families across our region every day. I am honoured to be a part of it.
- Sarah IrvingSarah Irving is the Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer with Irving Oil. Sarah grew up in Saint John, New Brunswick.
She received her BA (cum laude) from Dartmouth College and her MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College in 2014.
After completing her undergraduate degree, Sarah Irving worked for Deloitte in their New York strategic consulting practice. She is now part of the senior management team at Irving Oil in Saint John.
The IWK Foundation plays a vital role in connecting the IWK Health Centre to our community. I…
The IWK Foundation plays a vital role in connecting the IWK Health Centre to our community. I feel privileged to be a part of the Foundation Board and play a part in delivering the best to our patients and families.
- Dr. Krista JangaardDr. Krista Jangaard is the IWK Health Centre’s CEO. Krista first joined the IWK in 1996 in the division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. In 2008, she assumed the role of Medical Director of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and in 2010 became the Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Division Head. In 2016 Krista became the VP Medicine and Academic Affairs at the IWK and in 2018 assumed the permanent role of President and CEO. In addition, Krista is an associate professor at Dalhousie University in the department of pediatrics and the department of obstetrics and gynecology.
Krista completed her medical training at Dalhousie University where she also later earned a Masters of Health Administration and was awarded the Glenn Moore Memorial Award and the Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations Award for Academic Excellence. Krista is a mother of two, lives in Halifax with her husband and dog, and is an avid gardener.
The IWK has had a huge impact on my family, as it has with many…
The IWK has had a huge impact on my family, as it has with many Maritime families. Contributing to the Foundation is a small token of gratitude towards the fabulous work that is done by the staff and volunteers at the hospital
- Andrew JefferiesAndrew Jefferies is a partner in Deloitte’s cyber practice, where his focus is the protection of Canada’s critical infrastructure sectors and serving the federal government. With over 25 years in the cyber industry, Andrew was a founding partner in Bulletproof Solutions, a New Brunswick tech startup success story, where he proudly served the businesses and governments of Atlantic Canada for many years.
Outside of work Andrew is a musician, sailor, and also enjoys the great outdoors and adventure sports.
Access to leading-edge and specialized health care contributes to quality of life. We are…
Access to leading-edge and specialized health care contributes to quality of life. We are fortunate in the Maritimes to have the IWK Health Centre for women, children and youth requiring such care. One of my children benefitted many years ago from care at the Health Centre and from traveling clinics. I want the peace of mind we received to be available for future generations of Maritime families.
- Kevin KileyKevin is the Managing Partner of McInnes Cooper, a leading law firm in Atlantic Canada and one of the 25 largest law firms in Canada. In this role, he serves as Chief Executive Officer, leading an integrated team of over 425 members in seven locations in key economic centers across the region.
His firm leadership earned him recognition as one of Atlantic Business Magazines Top 50 CEOs for 2021 and 2022.
Kevin is active within the legal professional and the community. He has served in executive positions with the Canadian Bar Association at both the provincial and national levels. He has been active at all levels in many non-profit and community based organizations.
Kevin presently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council.
There is no place I trust more to care for my children than the…
There is no place I trust more to care for my children than the IWK. The staff at the IWK serve our community with expertise, compassion, and grace, and I can't thank them enough for all they have done for our family and for other families in the Maritimes. It’s a privilege to be able to do my part in giving back.
- Jessica LumiereJessica is passionate about women and children's healthcare and committed to ensuring the IWK can continue to provide world-class services for generations to come. She has over 20 years of experience as an intellectual property and technology contracting lawyer, acting as a trusted advisor to many of the country's largest organizations on third party risk management, technology acquisitions and licensing, data governance, and transactions involving emerging technologies, including blockchain and AI. Jessica was awarded her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Marine Biology from the University of Guelph, and her LLB from the University of Western Ontario.
Time not devoted to her children, work, or volunteering is spent running, reading and writing. Jessica lives in Halifax with her husband, two children, and the goofy family dog, Obi.
Better together.
Better together.
- Dr. Andrew LynkDr. Lynk has served as Chief & Chair of Pediatrics at the IWK Health Centre and Dalhousie University in Halifax since October 2016. Andrew has practiced in refugee camps in Africa, family medicine in rural Nova Scotia, and subsequently as a community pediatrician in Cape Breton for over 25 years. He has served in numerous leadership roles, including as President of the Canadian Paediatric Society and Chair of the CPS Advocacy Committee (ACCT), and VP Medicine for the Cape Breton District Health Authority. He has longstanding experience in results based health advocacy. He did his medical training at Dalhousie, UBC, Oxford University, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the IWK Health Centre and the Hospital for Sick Children. In addition, he has interests in public policy, physician leadership, global health and patient safety & quality improvement. He and his wife Kerry, an educator, are proud parents of two adult children, Graham and Elizabeth. Andrew is an avid outdoorsman, and loves sailing, basketball and music.
I am honoured to serve this amazing organization. The IWK plays a…
I am honoured to serve this amazing organization. The IWK plays a pivotal role in the health of Maritime families and it was instrumental in caring for two of my loved ones. Giving back is a privilege.
- Alison McCreaAlison McCrea has over 20 years of experience in Customer Care Management, Event and Team Management and Sales Direction in the family business, Armour Group Limited. Alison has also previously organized, managed and overseen such grand Nova Scotian events as The Halifax Buskers Festival and Tall Ship Festival, and has also managed one of Halifax’s most distinct historic landmarks, Historic Properties.
Alison has a passion for women’s health care and is looking forward to serving on the IWK Foundation board and helping to make a real difference for women in our community.
She has volunteered with many local organizations including Mental Health Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, Metro Turning Point, Hope Cottage, IWK, and Adsum for Women and Children, where she also served on the board in 2009/2010. Other board experience includes Sacred Heart School of Halifax.
When not devoting her time to the success and support of organizations like Bryony House, NSSPCA and Hope For Wildlife, Alison can be found honing her green thumb, singing on stage in voice recitals and playing with her two dogs Madi and Roscoe.
As a mom of two daughters, I understand how valuable it is to…
As a mom of two daughters, I understand how valuable it is to have world-class care for women and children. I am passionate about the work the IWK does to ensure our communities have access to the very best care, with a focus on innovation and research. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the IWK Foundation Board of Trustees.
- Karla McCarthyKarla was appointed to the position of Senior Vice President and Head, BMO Commercial Bank, Atlantic Canada in 2023 where she has responsibility and oversight for commercial banking focused on providing expert advice and customized banking solutions to BMO clients across all four provinces within the region. Karla has over 25 years of experience in commercial banking supporting various sectors including real estate, mid-market, and corporate clients, both public and private, including debt structuring, syndications, hedging, and full-service treasury and payments management. Karla holds a Bachelor of Finance and Economics from Simon Fraser University.
Karla was awarded the Association of Women in Finance PEAK Award, Excellence in the Private Sector in 2016 and named one of B.C.'s 96 most influential women in finance by B.C. Business Magazine in 2019.
Originally from B.C., Karla now resides in Halifax with her husband, Greg and two daughters, Camryn, and Emerson.
When not at work Karla is actively involved in the community, supporting numerous initiatives including Walk so Kids can Talk for Kids Help Phone and the BMO Ride for Cancer.
I am honored to serve on the IWK Foundation Board of Trustees.…
I am honored to serve on the IWK Foundation Board of Trustees. Witnessing the positive influence the IWK Health Centre has on women and children across the Maritime provinces and their unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare and research is a source of inspiration. Together, we play a crucial role in shaping a healthier and brighter future for our communities.
- Nicola Ray SmithNicola Ray Smith is the Senior Vice President, Atlantic Region for Scotiabank. She
assumed the position in June 2022 and provides senior leadership to our Scotiabank
network across Atlantic Canada.
Nicola joined Scotiabank in 2002 from the consulting industry. She began her career on
the trade floor, providing derivative financing solutions to institutional investors. Over the
years she assumed increasingly senior leadership roles in sales, operations, and business
control functions across our Global Banking & Markets division. In 2021, Nicola joined
the Canadian Banking Team as Vice President, Commercial Banking, Atlantic Region.
Nicola currently serves on the boards of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, IWK
Foundation, Halifax Partnership and Hope Blooms. She holds a Bachelor of Science
degree from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Business Administration degree
from Queen’s University.
Nicola has lived and worked across Canada and in major financial centres around the
world. She now lives in Halifax with her husband and their two children.
I am honoured to have an opportunity to be a part of the IWK. It…
I am honoured to have an opportunity to be a part of the IWK. It is a truly special place – offering world class care to women and children right here in Atlantic Canada.
- Kellie SauriolRecently appointed to the role of Regional Vice President, Business Financial Services for RBC, Kellie holds responsibility for RBC’s Business Financials Services business in Atlantic Canada. Through a team of approximately 190 professionals, RBC is delivering financial advice and services to businesses throughout Atlantic Canada.
Kellie is a graduate of both Saint Mary’s University (Bachelor of Arts, Sociology) and the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management (Master of Business Administration).
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Kellie joined RBC in 1998 in Atlantic Canada and over her 20+ year career has held a variety of sales and leadership roles in Personal and Commercial banking and Wealth Management in Halifax and Toronto. She has also worked in Human Resources, Sales Support, and held responsibility for RBC’s Mutual Funds Distribution strategy.
Kellie has always been very involved in community activities, raising funds for many charitable causes and providing volunteer time for many initiatives. Most recently Kellie served as a Director with Child Development Institute in Toronto for the last 9 years – a board she chaired for 2 years and also served on several Committees including Executive, Audit & Risk, Nominating, Governance, Strategic Planning, and Diversity & Youth Engagement.
Kellie has one daughter, Ava, and is passionate about skiing, hockey, and the arts.
Our kids were both born at the IWK and one spent an extra week there in the NICU.…
Our kids were both born at the IWK and one spent an extra week there in the NICU. Tanya and I strongly believe that world-class health care is a cornerstone of community and should be available to us in Atlantic Canada. We all need to support the IWK in our own way.
- Greg SimpsonGreg is the President of Mersey Seafoods Limited and is the Board Chair for Fisherman’s Market and Scotia Harvest. He is also a Board member at the Fisheries Council of Canada, SPANS, the Atlantic Groundfish Council and the Canadian Associations of Prawns Producers. Greg is a Director and Board member at Lindsay Construction.
Graduating in 1993 from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Business Administration, he then obtained his Chartered Accountancy designation in 1995 while working at KPMG. He was previously a member of the Council and Past President at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia. Greg lives in Halifax with his wife and two children.
Volunteering as a trustee is very rewarding as the Foundation helps ensure…
Volunteering as a trustee is very rewarding as the Foundation helps ensure that the IWK Hospital maintains its stellar reputation as a premier hospital and research facility for children’s and women’s health.
- Olivia SobeyOlivia K. Sobey serves as legal counsel for Sobeys Inc. Prior to her work within Sobeys Legal Department, Olivia articled for the law firm Stewart McKelvey LLP and held an internship with the German law firm Böck Oppler Herring. Olivia has also worked for Scotiabank, where she gained experience working with charitable trusts and foundations.
Olivia is a graduate from Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law and completed her Certificate of International Comparative Law at Queen's Law School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (Hons. Psychology, cum laude) from Saint Mary's University and is a member of the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society and the Barreau du Quebec. Olivia practices law in both English and French.
Olivia is currently a board member of the Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies and is a member of the Sobey Foundation Board.
