PRESS RELEASE — Leading Canadian Health Policy Researcher Named President and CEO of The Change Foundation

Media room

TORONTO, Oct. 2 /CNW/ - Cathy Fooks, one of Canada's top health policy researchers, has been named President and CEO of The Change Foundation, a leading health research foundation, Board Chair Tony Dagnone announced today.
"Cathy has a wealth of experience and a remarkable track record of leadership and accomplishment when it comes to advancing knowledge and understanding of health policy issues," said Dagnone. "We are thrilled that she will be leading The Change Foundation through the times that lie ahead as our organization charts an exciting new path into the future."
Ms. Fooks currently serves as Executive Director of the Health Council of Canada. She has served in senior policy and research positions at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and the Government of Ontario, including the Premier's Council on Health, Well-Being and Social Justice. She has also presented and been published widely on a variety of health policy issues over the past fifteen years.
"The Change Foundation is uniquely positioned to advance evidence-based change in Ontario's health system. I look forward to working with the Board and the Foundation's partners as we navigate our exciting future together," said Fooks.
The Change Foundation was incorporated by the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) in 1995 and endowed with part of the proceeds of the sale of Blue Cross in 1996 with a mandate to promote, support and improve health and health care delivery. The Board of Directors of the Foundation recently sponsored a comprehensive and exciting strategic planning exercise to identify a new, more relevant and high impact role for the Foundation over the next several years.
"The Ontario Hospital Association is very excited to see Cathy assume this key leadership role at The Change Foundation," said OHA President and CEO Hilary Short. "With a new strategic plan and directions for the OHA now in place, both the OHA and The Change Foundation are strongly positioned as leaders and partners in helping to truly advance health system change."
Ms. Fooks assumes her responsibilities as President and CEO of The Change Foundation in February 2007.

For further information: The Change Foundation, (416) 205-1371; Tony Dagnone, Chair, (519) 851-9886