“Anissa brings strong leadership and fundraising experience, as well as strategic business acumen. Her experience will help to ensure that the Foundation continues to thrive as we move forward into the future.”
The Board of Directors of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation (HHSF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Anissa Hilborn as the Foundation’s next CEO. Anissa was appointed after a comprehensive search and selection process which was anchored in the principles of equity and inclusion to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all candidates.
Anissa will assume the role on February 5, 2024, succeeding Pearl Veenema who retires in January after leading the Foundation for more than 16 years.
“It was important to the Board that we find a new leader who will continue to strengthen relationships with donors and partners in our community, and at the same time be an exceptional leader for the Foundation team and volunteers,” comments Vice Chair of the Board, Holly Simmons. “We found that with Anissa’s extensive experience in our region she understands and knows the communities that are served by Hamilton Health Sciences.”
Anissa brings more than 25 years’ experience in leadership roles with a focus on operational excellence and a donor-centred approach to fundraising. For the past 12 years, Anissa has served as President & CEO of the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation in Burlington. During this time, Anissa led the team to significantly increase annual revenue and exceed a $60M capital campaign goal, the largest campaign in the history of the Foundation and the community.
Previously, she served as Vice President at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Foundation, where she led a $100M campaign in support of a multi-site redevelopment, increasing annual program revenue five-fold.
“I am excited to join the HHSF team and continue its legacy of success,” said Anissa. “This is an outstanding opportunity to build on my experience and passion for health care, and continue to play a leadership role in ensuring the best health care is available in my community.” Anissa joins HHSF at an exciting time as the Foundation looks ahead with the development of a new strategic plan and preparing for a major capital campaign to support the innovative and high-quality care provided by Hamilton Health Sciences.
“We are delighted to have recruited a professional of Anissa’s calibre,” says Reg Swamy, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “Anissa brings strong leadership and fundraising experience, as well as strategic business acumen. Her experience will help to ensure that the Foundation continues to thrive as we move forward into the future.”
An active volunteer in the community, Anissa has served on the boards of the Oakville Distress Centre, ComKids (previously Merry Go Round Children’s Foundation), and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Golden Horseshoe Chapter. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Foundation of Executives of the Community Hospitals (FETCH) in Ontario.
Anissa holds a degree from Western University and has achieved the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation since 2001. In 2015, she was recognized as the Outstanding Fundraising Professional by the AFP Golden Horseshoe Chapter.
