The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital Announces New CEO

The Board of Directors of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Julie Byczynski as the Foundation’s next CEO. Julie will succeed Suzanne Bone, who retires on April 22 after leading the Foundation for more than 30 years.

Julie was appointed after a comprehensive selection process which was anchored in principles of equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all candidates.

“Julie brings tremendous energy, expertise and experience to her new role as our CEO,” says Alicia Robertson, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Her experience spearheading large campaigns for veterinary health sciences, teamed with a passion for making a difference to cause and community, makes her the right fit for FGGH’s progressive, donor-focused, team-driven culture.”

Since graduating from the University of Guelph with Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees, Julie has had a 22-year career as a fundraising professional in various sectors and countries. She joins FGGH following a five-year tenure as the Director of Advancement with the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph. OVC operates an emergency and tertiary care hospital, inspires donations through its compassionate service to patients,  benefits from dedicated volunteers, and works collaboratively with extraordinary clinicians and staff in fundraising. During her time at OVC, Julie expanded and developed a high-performing team that has substantially grown fundraising results, surpassing their goal of raising $10M annually on a sustained basis.

Prior to her work at OVC, Julie led the major gifts, sponsorship and special events team at the National Arts Centre Foundation in Ottawa and has led major campaigns for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.

Julie and her husband moved back to Guelph in 2017 for her job at the University, and they have both been active in the community since, with Julie serving on the Board of the Guelph Jazz Festival and involved in several other community activities. As a student and early career professional, Julie also served on the Board of the Guelph & District Multicultural Centre and was a volunteer organizer with the community’s much-loved Multicultural Festival.

Julie joins the Foundation at an exciting time with the completion of the Together, We Care campaign insight and the focus clearly on how donor support can continue to save lives and improve health.

In anticipation of this new role, Julie says, “It’s an honour to be chosen as the next CEO for The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital. Guelph is home to me, and it will be a privilege to work alongside the dedicated staff, hospital leaders, generous donors and volunteers to advance one of the most critical institutions in our growing city.  The pandemic has shown us the importance of having a strong and vibrant hospital to support the healthcare needs of our community today, and in the decades to come.” She adds, “I echo the FGGH Board’s gratitude for Suzanne Bone’s tremendous leadership over the past 31 years, and I’m committed to building on that success as we relentlessly pursue our mission to save lives and improve health.”

Julie’s first day will be April 25.