Introducing the New Executive Team of the Canmore Hospital Foundation Board of Directors
The Canmore Hospital Foundation (CHF) is proud to introduce the Executive Committee of our Board of Directors. Each of these individuals brings a wealth of professional experience, personal passion, and a deep commitment to improving health care in the Bow Valley.
Some are stepping into leadership roles for the first time. Others have served CHF for years. All are united by a shared belief in the value of community, the power of giving back, and the importance of strengthening the hospital that serves us all.
We are honoured to introduce: Claire McKinnon as Chair, Tracy Ritchie as Vice Chair, Jon Olthuis as Treasurer, and Pierre Doyon as Secretary.
Claire McKinnon – Chair
Claire McKinnon joined the Foundation’s Board in October 2023 and now steps into the role of Chair. From her legal career with the Department of Justice, the National Energy Board, and as an adjudicator with the Alberta Energy Regulator, Claire brings both leadership experience and a strong sense of public service.
“I have always been involved in volunteer activities,” she says. “And once I retired, I had more time to give back to the community. The Hospital Foundation approached me to gauge my interest and when I met the people and heard of the great work the Foundation does, I was excited to join the Board and make a contribution.”
Claire moved full-time to Canmore in 2021, after spending time here part-time beginning in 2015. She and her husband Brian have three sons and two grandsons. They have embraced everything about Bow Valley life, from hiking and snowshoeing to pickleball, reading, and summer trips to Ontario.
She joined the Board at a pivotal moment. “I joined the Board just as the work in renovating the Emergency Department was getting underway. It has been amazing to see the transformation in the hospital and to realize the incredible impact our fundraising efforts can have on the hospital and health care in the entire Bow Valley.”
For Claire, the people make all the difference. “We live in a beautiful part of the country that offers an amazing lifestyle,” she says. “But it is the people of Canmore that make it such a special place to live. The community is filled with kind and caring people who are committed to Canmore, enjoy healthy living, and who are always ready to support others.”
“The hospital is the heart of the community, a precious resource and vital to the wellbeing of the Valley. Everyone I know who has been in the hospital for one reason or another mentions how incredible the staff is. It is the staff that make the hospital a special place.”
“The Foundation Board and staff are so devoted to our mission. They inspire me every day. It is wonderful to be part of such a great organization.”
Tracy Ritchie – Vice Chair
Vice Chair Tracy Ritchie joined the CHF’s Board in November 2021. Originally from Scotland, Tracy worked for 36 years as a Registered Physiotherapist in both the UK and Canada.
“I was born in and lived in Scotland until 2005 when I immigrated to Canada with my family,” she explains. “We lived initially in the High River area and I worked at High River Hospital, a similar rural hospital to Canmore General Hospital. Then we moved to Canmore in 2019 as empty nesters. We chose Canmore as we liked its small-town charm and also the world-class outdoor opportunities.”
She is the proud mom of three adult children. When she’s not volunteering, she loves hiking, golfing, yoga, cooking, and eating out.
Tracy was inspired to get involved early on. “Living in the High River area I was aware of the good work of their foundation and soon after moving to Canmore I saw an advert in the RMO looking for board members. I applied and was duly hired.”
Her time with CHF has been, in her words, fantastic. “Working with our amazing Executive Director Kristen Pauch-Nolin, a highly motivated and hardworking board, and outstanding hospital staff has been a highlight of my moving to the Bow Valley.”
A particularly meaningful moment for Tracy was the staff appreciation event held at Canmore Brewing Company. “It showcased some amazing local bands and felt quite poignant as one of the first public events post-COVID when we were able to celebrate our hardworking hospital staff for the first time.”
For those unfamiliar with the CHF, she offers this summary. “I would tell them that we were formed in 2003 as a lifeline to Canmore General Hospital, funding essential programs and equipment and that since inception we have raised and received donations of approximately 8 million dollars. Our most recent project was a complete revamp of the emergency department, a 2.2 million dollar endeavour for the Foundation which was achieved by overwhelming community support.”
She believes deeply in Canmore’s character. “I believe that Canmore’s strong history and identity as a mining community has made it what it is today. It’s a town of hardworking and driven go-getters who want to make a difference. Despite it being a world-class destination and its rapid growth in recent years and looking to the future, it retains a strong community feel.”
Jon Olthuis – Treasurer
Jon Olthuis has been serving as the CHF’s Treasurer since March 2018. A Chartered Professional Accountant and partner at a local accounting firm, Jon brings financial leadership and a strong belief in supporting the community.
“I have been born and raised in small-town Alberta,” he shares. “Father of two. We love Canmore and raising kids here. I enjoy biking, golf, hockey.”
“I wanted to be part of something that provides benefit to the community. We all need health care at some point, and what a treat if it can be enhanced.”
He has found the Board experience both meaningful and motivating. “I enjoy the group we have and their commitment to the task. I learn from each board member. I really enjoy seeing the tangible impacts of our generous donors to the hospital and its patients and staff.”
For Jon, it comes down to mission. “Like our mission says, we enhance the level of care available by stewarding resources from generous donors.”
He is especially proud of how donor contributions have directly improved the hospital. “The donors have upgraded so many key equipment, facilities, programs and tried to make staff’s experiences better so they can focus on their job and provide better care from these supported items.”
“I appreciate the genuine care of the board, staff and donors. It motivates us to be a great organization and steward.”
Pierre Doyon – Secretary
Pierre Doyon has lived in Canmore for 24 years and joined the CHF Board in 2018. With a professional background that includes executive leadership in agriculture, consumer products, and residential development, plus time as CEO of Chariot Carriers and as a mentor in tech startups, Pierre brings a strategic lens to his role as Secretary.
“My wife Sylvie and I have two daughters and one granddaughter,” he shares. “I am active in outdoor sports, mountain and road cycling, and train with Banff Ski Runners in the masters cross-country ski program.”
His connection to the hospital is personal. “My daughter and I have received excellent care caused by sports-related injuries. My granddaughter was born in Canmore. CHF is a great cause providing great health care in the Bow Valley. I want to help in ensuring we keep and assist the Canmore Hospital in its superior delivery of health care services.”
It is the real-world results that keep him inspired. “It’s been a rewarding experience from seeing the support provided by the community and the actual use of funds raised by CHF. It is exciting to see the impact CHF has had on the redevelopment of Golden Eagle, the Emergency Department, and the Delivery Rooms. Also, seeing the addition or replacement of state-of-the-art medical equipment that enables staff to deliver excellent health care in the Valley.”
For those unfamiliar with the CHF’s work, Pierre offers a simple summary. “Inspiring and rewarding. An opportunity to give back in support of a local gem, Canmore Hospital and staff. Having and supporting concrete impact in our own community from early to late stage of life of Bow Valley residents, the impact is real and transformative.”
He adds that the local hospital has “dedicated staff committed to delivering superior health care services. They are competent, responsive, courteous and committed individuals who care about people.”
We are grateful for the leadership and passion Claire, Tracy, Jon, and Pierre bring to the Canmore Hospital Foundation and to the broader community. In the weeks ahead, we will be welcoming new board members and sharing our thanks to those who have recently completed their terms.
Thank you for supporting the Canmore Hospital Foundation. Together, we are making a difference today and shaping a stronger future for health care in the Bow Valley.