Portraits in Leadership – A tribute to our Foundation Chairs since 1986

R. Fraser Elliott
A Pioneering Leader
1986-1992

When R. Fraser Elliott became Chairman of the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation in 1986, his first challenge was to oversee the amalgamation of the foundations of the respective hospitals. He demonstrated finesse at this task and successfully created the basis of the Foundation as we know it today. His attention to detail, sense of fairness and superior collaborative skills guided the amalgamation of the organizations and ensured continued growth. He remained a trusted advisor to his board colleagues as well as the senior management of the Foundation until his passing in 2005.

The late Mr. Elliott's leadership is recognized through the naming of several areas within the hospital, including the building housing our Foundation offices. Our Emergency Centre, Multi-Purpose Operating Room and Dialysis Centre, all bearing his name, help provide hope and comfort to our patients to this day.

 

Mary Connacher
A Diplomatic Ambassador
1992-1999

In 1992, Mary Connacher succeeded the late R. Fraser Elliott as Foundation Chair. During her tenure, Toronto General and Toronto Western hospitals went through dramatic changes, including the creation of UHN. Mary also oversaw two major campaigns: Spark of Life in support of the neuroscience program at Toronto Western and the Cardiac Centre Campaign. Her work ethic and diplomacy
were hallmarks of her tenure.

Following her term as Board Chair, Mary continued to stay involved as a member of the Foundation's Nominating & Governance Committee and is Chair of the R. Fraser Elliott Society.

It has been 25 years since Mary joined the TG&WHF board. In her years volunteering at the Foundation, she has served tirelessly as the Board Chair, Chair Emeritus and as a Board Member. She will step down from the Board in 2011, having built a legacy of hard work, diplomacy and respect.

 

Bryce W. Douglas
A Champion For Change
1999-2004

When Bryce Douglas succeeded Mary Connacher as Foundation Board Chair, he had big dreams for the Foundation and for UHN. His passion, business acumen and dedication took the Foundation to a new level and made it one of the most successful
philanthropic organizations in Canada. It was under his leadership that the Foundation, in conjunction with The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation and the Arthritis& Autoimmunity Research Centre Foundation launched the Together We Make Life Better campaign. The campaign raised over $554 million, making it the most successful campaign in Canadian healthcare history at that time. He also helped guide the transformation of the Toronto General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital sites through a major redevelopment program called Project 2003.

Bryce's personal commitment to the Foundation has been demonstrated through his support of several programs, including Women's Health, General Internal Medicine, and now the Arthritis Program.

 

David W. Smith
A Strategic Leader
2004-2009

Having worked with R. Fraser Elliott, Mary Connacher and Bryce Douglas, David W. Smith recognized the need to maintain the momentum of a campaign, but with more flexibility. His five-year term was marked by many significant Foundation "firsts", including the launch of the "champion" model where Board members, UHN leaders, and Foundation staff work together to match hospital priorities with campaign goals. David personally took on a champion role for the Vision Campaign. He also launched the first five-year strategic plan for the Foundation which has been integral to the Foundation's financial success during a major economic downturn.

His integrity, corporate governance expertise and dedication to long-term planning has positioned Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation as one of the most successful hospital foundations in Canada.

 

John Warren
Charting the Future
2009-Present

Now in his third year as Chair, John Warren has been associated with the TG&WHF for over 20 years. Bringing a distinguished career in the legal profession, he is a partner at the Toronto office of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and is the Firm's National Business Department Leader. He is also a member of the firm's National Executive Committee.

Through the years, John has served on the Audit, Compensation, Investment and Nominating and Governance Committees. He is also a fundraising champion for the Asthma and Airways Campaign. From his wealth of experience with the organization, John is providing exemplary leadership through his dedication of considerable time and energy.