The SickKids Foundation has announced that the hospital is appointing Jennifer Bernard as its new chief executive officer, effective April 2023.

The news comes after former CEO Ted Garrard announced his retirement last year. Bernard will work with the SickKids Foundation’s senior management teams and its board of directors to implement its five-year strategic plan.

“I’m thrilled to take on the role of CEO of SickKids Foundation and lead an organization that is tied to our national identity as leaders in healthcare and philanthropy,” Jennifer Bernard said in a statement. “There is no greater calling than supporting the health of children. I look forward to working with the staff, board, hospital colleagues and the incredible community of SickKids supporters to realize our vision of ‘Healthier Children. A Better World.’”

Bernard joined the SickKids Foundation from the Women’s College Hospital Foundation in 2018. She has held leadership roles in provincial and national organizations supporting teams that have raised more than $450 million, according to a statement.

“We are pleased to welcome such a talented and experienced leader like Jennifer to the Foundation,” Sonia Baxendale, chair of the SickKids Foundation’s board of directors, said in a statement. “Her depth of fundraising capability, passion for the cause and deep commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion position her well to take the organization forward. On behalf of the Board, I would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to Ted Garrard for more than 13 years of exceptional leadership and dedication. His countless contributions will continue to make a marked impact on children’s health for generations to come.”

The organizations include The Ontario Science Centre, the Royal Conservatory of Music, Trillium Health Partners Foundation, and McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation — Ontario’s second-largest children’s hospital.

A graduate of the University of Toronto, she is currently president of the Toronto Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the largest of 240 chapters worldwide supporting the global fundraising community. She also serves on the board of the BlackNorth Initiative and the Telus Friendly Future Foundation Board for the Greater Toronto Region.

In 2020, she was honoured as one of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada and presented with the Inclusion Vanguard award by the Women’s Executive Network, according to a statement.

Toronto unveils honorary plaque for the city’s Black doctors

Heritage Toronto unveiled two plaques to tribute Toronto’s first Black doctors on Feb. 9.

The first plaque honours Dr. Alexander Augusta, an American-born physician who became Canada's first Black doctor.

Despite being turned down by American medical schools, he was admitted to Toronto's Trinity College in 1853, where he later received his licence in 1860. Augusta was one of the first to run a drugstore on Yonge St.; his wife, Mary, also owned and ran a business.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anderson Abbott is the feature of the second plaque. He became the first licensed Black doctor to be born in Canada, a report from Now Toronto reads.

His parents, who had fled racial strife in Alabama in 1834, gave birth to him in Toronto. His father campaigned for city council in Toronto and backed political concerns affecting Black people.

Both doctors served as medics in the U.S. Civil War and used their voices to combat racism and oppression.

The plaques will open on display for the viewing public in May.

"Next Level" spotlights prominent Black Canadians who have been promoted, elevated, or honoured with a prestigious position, award, or monument. You can check out Part 1 and 2 here and here.