On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Healthier Communities, I invite you to share with us in issuing an enthusiastic welcome to our new Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Hobbs. As we head into a new season of transformation and change, with pandemic recovery and health systems transformation on the immediate horizon, we are delighted to entrust the executive leadership of our Alliance to a thoughtful, committed and trusted colleague and friend with many years of experience in our sector.
Sarah has worked in community health for over twenty years, holding several key roles. Most recently she was the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Toronto, a Community Health Centre for youth. She is a strong advocate for the Alliance for Healthier Communities and was on the Board of Directors from 2012 – 2018. During her tenure, she was the Board Chair for two years, led the development of the strategic plan and led the rebranding process. Sarah is committed to working from an anti-oppressive and anti-racist framework and over the course of her career has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to health equity and the models of health and wellbeing.
Sarah has Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University, a Master’s Certificate in Healthcare Management from the Schulich School of Business and a Certificate in Advanced Health Systems Leadership from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. After many years of commuting from Rockwood and Georgetown, she is excited to be moving to Toronto in September with her 13 year old daughter Faith and her dog Lucy.
The Alliance has benefited greatly from Sarah’s leading presence over the years, including her collegial work alongside our retiring CEO Adrianna Tetley on our board and on the Executive Leaders’ Strategy Group. We can’t welcome Sarah without thanking Adrianna for her years of brilliant service, which we will celebrate at our Annual General Meeting on November 10.
Sarah has indicated that she is thrilled to continue working with the Alliance in this new capacity. Her appointment begins on the first day of this year’s Community Health and Wellbeing Week – October 5. We look forward to celebrating together. Welcome Sarah!
Liben GebremikaelBoard Chair, Alliance for Healthier Communities