KBRS is pleased to have assisted Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) in the appointment of their new CEO, effective December 2, 2019. Read DMRF’s official announcement below.
An abundance of fundraising experience, strong business insight, a passion for the Atlantic Region, and a demonstrated knowledge of health research make Joanne Bath an outstanding choice to lead Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) into its future. With long-term plans to increase DMRF's position as the leading health research entity in our region, the Foundation needed an inspired individual who cares deeply about advancing health research outcomes, while exhibiting strategic thinking and a commitment to making that vision a reality. Allan Shaw, on behalf of the Board and team at DMRF, is pleased to welcome Joanne to her new role as CEO.
Joanne has already shown herself to be an asset to DMRF and the community. She joined DMRF over seven years ago as Director of Philanthropy, implementing the organization’s first major gifts program and expanding the Foundation’s integrated fundraising efforts. With over 17 years of experience in the philanthropic sector, Joanne has built and led high-performing teams, raising millions of dollars for social change through entrepreneurial thinking, meticulous vision, fundraising acumen, and thoughtful leadership. She has vigorously mobilized these skills over the last 14 years in Halifax, supporting the growth of the IWK Foundation (2005 – 2011) and DMRF (2011 – present), with an enthusiasm for seeing the region prosper.
Hailing from a small community in La Scie, Newfoundland, Joanne obtained a Bachelor of Social Work from Memorial University. While working for a time in the social work field, Joanne was serendipitously introduced to fundraising, where she discovered a penchant for development relationship-building and ultimately, helping others. After making Halifax, Nova Scotia her home in 2005, she honed her philanthropic and leadership skills by working diligently in the non-profit industry, partaking in extensive training courses, and by volunteering on several boards including the Association of Fundraising Professionals of Nova Scotia, Canadian Progress Club Halifax Citadel, and Chisholm Services for Children.
DMRF was formed in 1979 by a group of determined and community-minded business leaders who believed this region could and should be a leader in health research. Forty years later, the initial dedication and tenacity of these individuals has seen DMRF raise tens of millions of dollars for health research. DMRF is committed to continuing on this aggressive growth trajectory. Joanne’s strong work ethic, strategic vision, dedication and demonstrated can-do attitude matches the characteristics of our founding members, making her the ideal person to take DMRF into the future.
