Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation’s Jeff Norris Named CEO of the Year for Non-Profits

Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation (RCHF) is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Jeff Norris, has been honoured with the Business in Vancouver CEO of the Year award for non-profit organizations. This accolade celebrates Jeff’s transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing healthcare philanthropy in British Columbia.

Since joining RCHF in 2014, Jeff has elevated the Foundation to remarkable new heights. Under his leadership, RCHF's donations have seen substantial growth, directly fueling critical advancements in healthcare services at Royal Columbian Hospital.

Jeff’s visionary approach has expanded RCHF’s role beyond traditional fundraising. The Foundation now addresses complex healthcare challenges, contributing to quality improvement, cutting edge technology, innovation and research, caregiver wellness, and extending support to Queen’s Park Care Centre. For instance, the new Cardiac Multipurpose Suite supported by RCHF has increased on-site capacity for cardiac procedures, improves patient wait times, expands the ability to perform a variety of procedures using the latest technology, and provides flexibility in procedure types.

“Jeff’s leadership has been pivotal in transforming our organization and enhancing the healthcare landscape,” said Cameron Belsher, Board Chair of RCHF. “His ability to build consensus and drive collaboration among stakeholders has been instrumental in realizing our ambitious goals.”

Dr. Ken Atkinson, Site Medical Director at Royal Columbian Hospital, praised Jeff’s remarkable contributions: “Jeff’s leadership has led to unprecedented achievements and improvements in patient care. His ability to mobilize resources for crucial projects, such as the Interventional Radiology Suite at RCH, is commendable. Recognizing the urgent need to modernize this essential facility, Jeff swiftly committed to securing the necessary funds for the upgrade. The refurbished suite is now operational, directly saving lives and restoring health. The transformation of patients from potential neurological deficits to complete recovery is a testament to Jeff's exceptional leadership. His dedication to both immediate care and cutting-edge research exemplifies his forward-thinking approach. Jeff’s humility and focus on collective success make him an exceptional leader deserving of this recognition.”

Looking ahead, RCHF is poised for continued growth and innovation. Plans for the next five years include doubling financial impact on an annual basis to maximize impact for RCH through caregiver-directed funds, providing top-tier care with advanced equipment, technology, and renovations, ensuring research and innovation are integral to healthcare, and caring for our caregivers. These goals reflect Jeff’s ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare for all British Columbians.

The impact of the Foundation under Jeff’s leadership is the impact that donors can have which is illustrated everyday through stories like that of Rebecca L., whose life was changed thanks to RCHF’s initiatives when she was transferred to RCH with uncontrollable bleeding after a C-section. “I am alive today because I was whisked into the Interventional Suite, where the dedicated team worked to find the source of the bleed,” she shared.