Jennifer 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.
I believe the women, children, youth and families of the Maritimes deserve only the very best health care and research.