Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada names Bobbe Wood as new CEO

OTTAWA, Oct. 24 /CNW/ - The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (HSFC) is pleased to announce it has named Bobbe Wood as its new chief executive officer.

Since 1999, Ms. Wood has served as president and CEO of Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon, where she championed the Foundation's vision "generations free of heart disease and stroke" by advancing innovative cardiovascular research, advocacy and public awareness initiatives.

In 2007 Ms. Wood helped launch The Heart Truth™ campaign, the Heart and Stroke Foundation's national health education campaign to raise awareness about the risk of heart disease and stroke for women.  Her longstanding commitment to the issue of women and heart disease drove her interest in bringing and adapting this program for Canada.

"Bobbe is an exceptionally dedicated leader and mentor to both staff and volunteers," says HSFC chair Irfhan Rawji.  "She continually looks at ways to strengthen our federation. Her experience and expertise will be instrumental in advancing our mission."

In 2008, Ms. Wood received the Heart and Stroke Foundation's Chair's Award in recognition of her commitment and outstanding contribution to the federation and the health of Canadians.

"I'm thrilled to be part of this wonderful organization and look forward to working with volunteers and staff to lead us through the next chapter in our crucial work," says Bobbe Wood.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Ms. Wood was the president and CEO of Interlock Employee and Family Assistance Corporation of Canada for five years, a company that provided organizational development and full-scope counselling services to over 350 Canadian companies and organizations. 

A psychologist by training, she spent many years in practice working as a senior psychologist and clinical team leader. 

Sally Brown, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation since 2001 stepped down on October 1, 2010 after completing her tenure. "Sally has made a tremendous contribution to the Heart and Stroke Foundation," says Rawji. "We are extremely grateful for her leadership in advancing the work of the Foundation. The board and staff of HSFC wish Sally the very best."

The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke and reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living and advocacy. For more information, visit www.heartandstroke.ca.

For further information:

Eileen Melnick McCarthy
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
613.569.4361 ext. 318
[email protected]

During the Canadian Cadriovascular Congress:
October 22 to 27, 2010
514-789-3407