Considering what the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation has done to enhance medical care in northern B.C., over the past two decades, Jessica Aldred is not about to introduce any radical changes as the organization's new chief executive officer.
The way Aldred sees it, why mess with a good thing?
Since it began in 1991, Spirit of the North has not wavered from its task of raising money to buy medical equipment and pay for projects for the University Hospital of Northern B.C., while working closely with the Northern Health Authority, and that will certainly continue under Aldred's watch.
"It's pretty essential to the community," said Aldred. "There are incredibly dedicated employees, board members and volunteers [in the organization]. There's already a strong base of great support, so it's continuing to work with that and understanding how we can increase support for health care for Prince George and the broader region.
"My priority is wanting to meet as many people as possible in the community to understand what they are looking for from the foundation. I also really want to know the history and operations within the foundation so I will understand how best to work with the existing team and the board."
Now one month into her new job, Aldred has 13 years of experience working for non-profit organizations, most recently a seven-year stint with Capilano University in North Vancouver as executive director of the fundraising foundation. Prior to that, she worked with the SPCA, Easter Seals, and the Barrie (Ont.) public library.
"My experience with every organization I've worked for is there are people who are going to care and get excited about what that organization is doing and you just have to find those individuals and companies and associations and be able to show them how their giving makes a difference," said Aldred.
"At some point in their lives, everyone wants to know that whether it's for themselves or their friends or neighbours that there's good healthcare and there's a real opportunity for people to be part of it through giving. When people give, they want to know how it's going to impact others and want that kind of accountability back, that's fundamental."
Aldred, 39, a native of Ancaster, Ont., graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in urban planning, then went to Georgian College to earn a postgraduate degree in fundraising.
"I've always been interested in social issues and healthy communities and healthcare, so when we made the decision to move north, hospitals and healthcare was a key part of that decision," said Aldred. "The opportunity to work with donors and volunteers who care about healthcare is really exciting to me. Clearly, I need to do a lot of work to make sure I really understand the role of the hospital and health care for Northern Health because clearly that's what's attracting donors."
Aldred took over as CEO from Don Gowan, who left in June to take on a position with Finning Canada.
"Don did an excellent job putting the foundation on the mark in the marketplace and what Jessica is able to bring is to take it to that next level," said Spirit of the North treasurer Trevor Lutes.
"She has the background in philanthropy and what she's done in the charity sector is going to bring a lot of fresh ideas to the foundation and we're excited to have her on board."
Aldred is now on the hunt for a replacement for fund development co-ordinator Debbie Hamilton, who also left the foundation in June.
Aldred and her husband, Stuart, who bought the two McDonald's franchises in Quesnel, will split their time living in both cities with their two dogs. Stuart, an Australian native, served as general manager at Cypress Mountain ski resort for VANOC during the 2010 Olympics. Both are avid outdoors enthusiasts and are looking forward to living in snow country this winter.
