Board of Directors

About us

Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation: Board of Directors 2023 – 2024

The Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation is governed by our dedicated volunteer Board of Directors. Our Board is responsible for the governance and oversight of financials, operations, and fundraising activities of the corporation to ensure the fulfillment of new equipment and other needs of Stevenson Memorial Hospital as it continues to provide quality health care to our community.

The SMHF Board of Directors sets strategic direction, Board effectiveness, ensures financial and organizational viability and manages and builds relationships with community members.

David Green / Chair

Dave is a retired, environmental educator and community development facilitator who has lived in the greater Alliston area for 15 years. He is an active member of the Rotary Club of Alliston and volunteers with S.H.I.F.T. in Alliston.

Dave believes that a local hospital is a cornerstone of the community and we must all work together to ensure the ongoing success of Stevenson Memorial Hospital.

Vacancy / Vice Chair

 

Lealand Sibbick / Treasurer

Lealand is a CPA-CGA and has been involved in municipal finance for over 20 years. The majority of that time has been in a Treasurer role currently with the County of Simcoe. The responsibilities include development of annual budgets and long-term financial plans, with significant project reporting.

Lealand’s previous volunteer work was as the Treasurer for the International Plowing Match held in the fall of 2014 in Essa Township. This involved a budget in excess of $3M with planning and accounting for the event occurring over a 4-year period.

Lealand became a member of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation Board in June 2015 and has previously been a member on the finance committee. Lealand is currently Chair of the Foundation’s Audit Committee.

Darlene Blendick / Director

Now retired, Darlene worked for 43 years in the prevention of occupational health and safety injuries, latterly as Vice President, Corporate Services.  In this role, she was responsible for finance, human resources, communications and information technology.  Married for 35+ years, Darlene has resided in Adjala-Tosorontio with her husband Bill since 2001 and is actively engaged in the community.

Darlene sat on the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Board and currently participates as a Board Director for the Foundation, contributing to various committees with her knowledge and passion for fundraising. Darlene is excited to be part of the redevelopment of the local hospital and the Because of you, we can campaign. 

Vacancy / Director

Fayaaz Kala / Director

Fayaaz is currently working as a Sales Manager with RBC Insurance.  Fayaaz has an extensive career in the financial service industry, as prior to RBC Fayaaz spent 11 years with TD Bank Financial Group.  During this time Fayaaz received his yellow belt training in lean six sigma methodologies.  Fayaaz’s experience and expertise fall within Operational Efficiency, Leadership, Sales Management and Change Management.

Fayaaz has always been passionate about giving back and prior to joining Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation, Fayaaz worked with various charity events, mainly with the United Way. When Fayaaz moved to Alliston in 2018 with his wife Kayla and two daughters Iyla and Rayna. Fayaaz had set a goal for himself to find a way to give back to the community in which he was residing, New Tecumseth. Giving back has always been at the core of Fayaaz and his family.

Fayaaz joined the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation board in July of 2020 and has also been working with the Major Gifts Committee since March of 2020.  Fayaaz is looking forward to being a part of the Because of you, we can Campaign and be part of the redevelopment of the hospital within our community.”

Joseph Madsen / Director 

Joseph was born at Stevenson Memorial and raised in Alliston. He has an appreciation for hard work after earning his Heavy Equipment Technician Certification. He transitioned to Real Estate with Faris Team in 2016 and has enjoyed building strong relationships with community members. He’s also managed several major renovation projects and a residential build from planning to completion so prioritizing and communicating are important skills for Joseph.

Darlene Mcleod / Director

Darlene is currently working as a Mortgage Broker with Dominion Lending Centers, Clear Trust Mortgages. She has had an extensive career in the financial services industry including accreditation as a financial planner while employed as a regional manager with National Bank.

Prior to moving to Alliston, Darlene was a volunteer with the Markham-Stouffville Hospital, working on many fundraising committees and hospital events. She remains a member of the Markham Sunrise Rotary Club and continues to be involved in the Markham Ribfest Event, managed by Rotary.

Darlene joined the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation Board in November 2018 because she believes in supporting her local community. Darlene is currently a member of the Because of you, we can Campaign Cabinet where her strong fundraising skills have led her to be Co-Chair of the Community Gifts Committee.

Boris Pavlin / Director

Boris is Corporate Director and retired National Accounting Partner with Ernst & Young. His past experience has been an asset to the Foundation Board. While at Ernst & Young, Boris acted as a consultant to clients and partners of his firm on difficult accounting issues related to innovative financing techniques, securitization, leasing, financial instruments derivatives, rate-regulated accounts, and Canadian and US regulatory matters.

Gary Sim / Director 

Now semi-retired, Gary has had a successful career leading a number of charitable foundations after beginning his career in marketing with some of Canada’s leading packaged goods corporations. Over the past 25 years, Gary has raised and managed in excess of $250 million in charitable donations through both annual campaigns as well as major capital campaigns.

Most recently Gary served as President of the L’Arche Canada Foundation, building that organization into a major national fundraising organization, serving individuals with intellectual disabilities. Prior to that, Gary also ran the fundraising for The Toronto Public Library Foundation, Havergal College, North York General Hospital Foundation, and The Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care Foundation. 

Gary is passionate about improving the human condition and looks forward to playing a role in the success of the Because of You, We Can campaign.

Ted Vandevis / Director 

Ted was raised on a veal farm in Tecumseth Township and graduated from Civil Engineering in 1977. After graduation, he worked eleven years for Barrie Public Utilities Commission as a Water Plant Operator. 

In 1988 he joined the Electrical & Utilities Safety Association (E&USA) as a field consultant and provided health and safety consultative services to water and electrical utilities around the Province.  From 1998 to 2009 Ted was their President & CEO.  He has presented numerous seminars and workshops, has been invited to speak at many industry functions throughout the globe, and takes a keen interest in strategic planning and organizational culture.  He has written dozens of journal and newsletter articles and columns.

In 1996 he graduated from the University of Western Ontario, Ivey School of Business with a Masters in Business Administration, and in 2008 was awarded a Ph.D. from Capella University in Organization and Management.

He is/was a member and Chair of numerous local and international Boards and committees, most notably Chair of the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Board from 2007 to 2011. He presently lives with his wife Janet in Barrie, ON.

Patrick Whitten / Director

Patrick Whitten is a community-focused leader.

Patrick previously served as Student Trustee for the Simcoe County District School Board, as the voice for over 50,000 students.

Patrick studied at the Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology and while serving in leadership positions as the Board Chair for the Sault College Students Union and later as the college’s Student Governor.

While studying in college, Patrick worked part-time for the Canadian Mental Health Association as a Peer Worker, supporting individuals suffering from mental illness.

Upon graduation, Patrick continued his education and obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Northern British Columbia.

Since 2015, Patrick has volunteered with the organization Motivate Canada, helping Indigenous Youth develop leadership skills to make a difference in their community.

Patrick has a strong passion for the environment and previously served as the youngest Assistant Park Superintendent in the province of Ontario

Currently, Patrick is employed by the Ministry of Transportation as the Director of Issues Management.

Patrick’s vision for Stevenson Memorial is a modern hospital that continues to provide the best medical care for our local community. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS