Sunnybrook Foundation gets a new CEO

Jeff O'Hagan has been named chief executive officer of Sunnybrook Foundation, effective April 1, 2010. O'Hagan is currently the Foundation's senior vice president of development.

In addition to managing all operations, O'Hagan will lead the Foundation to achieve the goals of the $470-million Campaign for Sunnybrook, publicly launched in November.

In announcing this appointment, Dr. Sherry Cooper, chair of Sunnybrook Foundation's board, said, "Jeff is a natural and influential leader with a deep understanding of our donors and their needs. He has an equally deep understanding of Sunnybrook and the needs of its patients, doctors, researchers and staff."

Before joining Sunnybrook in 2007, O'Hagan held senior fundraising roles at University of Western Ontario and St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation in Waterloo. Prior to his entrée into the fundraising sector, O'Hagan enjoyed a successful career in wealth management and estate services at RBC.

"Jeff has a passion for what we do and the people we do it for," said Barry McLellan, president and CEO, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. "His work has resulted in much needed support for Sunnybrook's life-saving programs and services. We look forward to working with Jeff to meet our fundraising goals on behalf of the people who count on us when it matters most."

On behalf of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the Campaign for Sunnybrook seeks to raise $470 million, along with $300 million in matching government support, to accelerate the pace of medical research, promote the translation of scientific advances into new life-saving treatments, and expand its ability to provide life-saving care to the people of Toronto, the GTA and Ontario.

Jennifer Tory, chair of the Campaign for Sunnybrook, said, "Without question, Jeff is the right person at the right time to ensure that Sunnybrook Foundation is positioned to achieve great things. We need to. Whether it's cancer, stroke, heart disease, trauma or babies in severe distress, our patients need the life-saving innovation for which Sunnybrook is globally renowned. That life-saving innovation is possible only through the generosity of our community."

O'Hagan replaces out-going chief executive, Kevin Goldthorp.