Suzanne Fougere, Executive VP, Strategy and Business Development at Events East, was recently named as the new chair for the QEII Foundation board of directors. CONTRIBUTED
A word from the QEII Foundation
Like all incorporated charitable organizations in Canada, the QEII Foundation is governed by a board of directors. The board provides strategic leadership and governance oversight, ensuring accountability and effectiveness in the Foundation’s mission to advance health care through the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
The QEII Foundation’s volunteer board is composed of business and community leaders with diverse professional and personal backgrounds, all of whom are committed to supporting health care in our province — at and through the QEII Health Sciences Centre. They are passionate advocates for health care and in their roles as board directors, they help shape the strategic direction of the Foundation. They are also donors to the Foundation and as such, they understand the power of philanthropy to create impact for patients and their families.
I’m pleased to introduce the new chair of our board of directors, Suzanne Fougere. Suzanne is the Executive VP, Strategy and Business Development, at Events East. Her professional expertise spans business and revenue development, external and shareholder relations, and strategic planning. Suzanne is a recognized leader in the community and is an experienced member of the QEII Foundation’s board of directors. Suzanne has served on the executive committee, as chair of the government and external relations committee, and most recently, as board vice chair.
I recently sat down with Suzanne to chat about her new role.
SM: Suzanne, you’ve been on our board of directors since 2020, what excites you most about your new role as chair?
SF: The QEII Foundation is a leading organization in our community, advancing transformation in healthcare through innovation and philanthropy. It’s a privilege to take on this role as chair of the board as we continue the momentum of our We Are Campaign and chart the course for the future. This is an amazing team and board who are passionate about driving change and impact in our region.
SM: What vision do you have for the QEII Foundation over the next two years? What are the priorities of the organization?
SF: We have seen so much transformation and innovation in our healthcare system over the past several years and that momentum is continuing. We will begin the development of our new, long-term strategic plan later this year, which creates a unique opportunity to assess our vision and values, evaluating where we can make the biggest impact in the future. This is an exciting time to lean into the needs of our community, collaborate with our amazing donors and find unique solutions to improving patient care.
SM: Health care is a hot topic in Nova Scotia and across the country. How is the QEII Foundation contributing to healthcare solutions through the $100-million We Are campaign?
SF: With Sherry Porter at the helm as campaign chair, together with the leadership of the QEII Foundation team, the We Are campaign is a testament to the generosity of Atlantic Canadians. Investments from this campaign span all facets of the healthcare system. Community donations are critical to bringing the latest medical technology, leading-edge research and training to the region. The campaign is focused on projects and investments that will change the way care is delivered in areas such as surgical innovation, cancer care and mental health, to name a few. As of summer 2025, the campaign has raised more than $79 million, completing 28 life-changing priorities for patients and families. Reducing wait times. Increasing access to care. Introducing new technology. Offering more personalized treatments. Finding ways to innovate.
Working with our partners at Nova Scotia Health, we continue to identify and support projects that provide solutions for our province during a national healthcare crisis. Through donor support, we’re working to transform health care for Nova Scotians from every corner of the province.
SM: Do you have any special messages to our community and to QEII Foundation donors?
SF: As a member of the board since 2020, I’m truly inspired by the QEII healthcare professionals and our generous community of donors. With thousands of donors giving to the QEII Foundation every year, they share a common goal — to make a difference. We are grateful for each and every gift received; our collective impact is strong. Our donors are unlocking access to innovative care for Nova Scotians and in many cases, Atlantic Canadians. In turn, donors are supporting the recruitment and retention of world-leading talent, drawn to the QEII to work with the latest technology and to be mentored by world-renowned healthcare leaders. Equally important are the donors who are directly impacting patients and their families by supporting our granting programs, such as Comfort & Care grants and QEII Patient Essentials. Because in some moments, the small things are actually the big things. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to advancing health care in our region.
