Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont. | Mon. Oct. 27, 2025
The Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) Foundation Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Doug Earle as its inaugural CEO.
Following an extensive and competitive national search, the Board of Directors of the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced “wren”) Foundation has selected Doug Earle as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer.
Doug joins the WRHN Foundation following his role as CEO of the West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation, which recently merged with the University Health Network (UHN) Foundation in Toronto. He brings over 30 years of experience helping charitable organizations make a positive impact in their communities to this inaugural role.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Doug as the new leader of the WRHN Foundation,” said Tobi Day-Hamilton, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Our search attracted a remarkable group of candidates, and Doug distinguished himself through his proven leadership, track record in major campaigns, and genuine passion for community engagement.”
Prior to joining West Park/UHN, Doug built a remarkable track record in major gifts and campaign fundraising, renowned for his strategic vision and ability to inspire transformational philanthropy. He has led several record-setting campaigns and personally secured individual gifts exceeding $100 million, a testament to his deep relationships, donor-centred approach, and exceptional leadership in the charitable sector. His previous roles include CEO of Fighting Blindness Canada; Senior Vice-President at the CAMH Foundation; Campaign Director for the landmark Brain Campaign at the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation (now UHN Foundation); and Executive Director of Development at Brock University.
“I am very excited about the innovative plans that WRHN has for healthcare in Waterloo Region,” says Doug. “It is such an honour and privilege to be appointed as the inaugural CEO of the WRHN Foundation, and to have the opportunity to work with the Foundation and WRHN teams, and our dedicated and passionate volunteers, to engage the community to raise the money to make the new hospital a reality.”
Doug is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, holding degrees in Political Science and Communications Studies. Throughout his career, he has had responsibility for fundraising and community engagement in Waterloo Region.
“Doug brings deep expertise in healthcare philanthropy and a strong commitment to improving local care,” says Ron Gagnon, President & CEO of WRHN. “Donations made by our generous community through WRHN Foundation are vital in supporting the advancement of innovative, state-of-the-art care at WRHN. As the first CEO of the WRHN Foundation, he will play a key role in helping us deliver outstanding care today and build a healthier tomorrow.”
Doug holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) accreditation and is a frequent speaker at national conferences, where he shares insights on philanthropy, major gift fundraising, and the integration of mental and physical health in patient care. He will begin his role as the inaugural CEO of the WRHN Foundation on October 29, 2025.
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont. | Mon. Oct. 27, 2025
The Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) Foundation Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Doug Earle as its inaugural CEO.
Following an extensive and competitive national search, the Board of Directors of the Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced “wren”) Foundation has selected Doug Earle as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer.
Doug joins the WRHN Foundation following his role as CEO of the West Park Healthcare Centre Foundation, which recently merged with the University Health Network (UHN) Foundation in Toronto. He brings over 30 years of experience helping charitable organizations make a positive impact in their communities to this inaugural role.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Doug as the new leader of the WRHN Foundation,” said Tobi Day-Hamilton, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Our search attracted a remarkable group of candidates, and Doug distinguished himself through his proven leadership, track record in major campaigns, and genuine passion for community engagement.”
Prior to joining West Park/UHN, Doug built a remarkable track record in major gifts and campaign fundraising, renowned for his strategic vision and ability to inspire transformational philanthropy. He has led several record-setting campaigns and personally secured individual gifts exceeding $100 million, a testament to his deep relationships, donor-centred approach, and exceptional leadership in the charitable sector. His previous roles include CEO of Fighting Blindness Canada; Senior Vice-President at the CAMH Foundation; Campaign Director for the landmark Brain Campaign at the Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation (now UHN Foundation); and Executive Director of Development at Brock University.
“I am very excited about the innovative plans that WRHN has for healthcare in Waterloo Region,” says Doug. “It is such an honour and privilege to be appointed as the inaugural CEO of the WRHN Foundation, and to have the opportunity to work with the Foundation and WRHN teams, and our dedicated and passionate volunteers, to engage the community to raise the money to make the new hospital a reality.”
Doug is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, holding degrees in Political Science and Communications Studies. Throughout his career, he has had responsibility for fundraising and community engagement in Waterloo Region.
“Doug brings deep expertise in healthcare philanthropy and a strong commitment to improving local care,” says Ron Gagnon, President & CEO of WRHN. “Donations made by our generous community through WRHN Foundation are vital in supporting the advancement of innovative, state-of-the-art care at WRHN. As the first CEO of the WRHN Foundation, he will play a key role in helping us deliver outstanding care today and build a healthier tomorrow.”
Doug holds the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) accreditation and is a frequent speaker at national conferences, where he shares insights on philanthropy, major gift fundraising, and the integration of mental and physical health in patient care. He will begin his role as the inaugural CEO of the WRHN Foundation on October 29, 2025.
WRHN Foundation media contacts:
About Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) Foundation raises funds to support life-saving care at Waterloo Regional Health Network. WRHN Foundation works in partnership with our community to help elevate the healthcare experience of WRHN patients and staff.
Thanks to generous support from donors, we raise funds for vital equipment, programs and resources at WRHN that are not covered by the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Learn more at WRHNF.ca
About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of two Hospitals into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Built on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities.
Learn more at wrhn.ca
WRHN Foundation media contacts:
About Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) Foundation raises funds to support life-saving care at Waterloo Regional Health Network. WRHN Foundation works in partnership with our community to help elevate the healthcare experience of WRHN patients and staff.
Thanks to generous support from donors, we raise funds for vital equipment, programs and resources at WRHN that are not covered by the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Learn more at WRHNF.ca
About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of two Hospitals into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Built on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities.
Learn more at wrhn.ca
