A man who has taken the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation to “remarkable new heights” is being recognized for his accomplishments.
The foundation has announced that its president and CEO, Jeff Norris, has been honoured with a Business in Vancouver CEO of the Year award for non-profit organizations. In a news release, the RCHF said this accolade celebrates Norris’s transformative leadership and unwavering dedication to advancing health-care philanthropy in British Columbia.
“Jeff’s leadership has been pivotal in transforming our organization and enhancing the health-care landscape,” Cameron Belsher, RCHF board chair, said in the news release. “His ability to build consensus and drive collaboration among stakeholders has been instrumental in realizing our ambitious goals.”
The foundation said Norris has elevated it to “remarkable new heights” since taking the helm.
“Under his leadership, RCHF's donations have seen substantial growth, directly fuelling critical advancements in health-care services at Royal Columbian Hospital,” said the news release.
According to the foundation, Norris’s visionary approach has expanded RCHF’s role beyond traditional fundraising.
“The foundation now addresses complex health-care challenges, contributing to quality improvement, cutting-edge technology, innovation and research, caregiver wellness, and extending support to Queen’s Park Care Centre,” said the news release. “For instance, the new cardiac multipurpose suite supported by RCHF has increased on-site capacity for cardiac procedures, improves patient wait times, expands the ability to perform a variety of procedures using the latest technology, and provides flexibility in procedure types.”
Dr. Ken Atkinson, site medical director at Royal Columbian Hospital, praised Norris’s contributions. He said Norris’s leadership has led to unprecedented achievements and improvements in patient care.
“His ability to mobilize resources for crucial projects, such as the interventional radiology suite at RCH, is commendable,” Atkinson said. “Recognizing the urgent need to modernize this essential facility, Jeff swiftly committed to securing the necessary funds for the upgrade. The refurbished suite is now operational, directly saving lives and restoring health. The transformation of patients from potential neurological deficits to complete recovery is a testament to Jeff's exceptional leadership.”
Added Atkinson: “His dedication to both immediate care and cutting-edge research exemplifies his forward-thinking approach. Jeff’s humility and focus on collective success make him an exceptional leader deserving of this recognition.”
Business in Vancouver will recognize the achievements and business leadership of five chief executive officers (including Norris) and two chief financial officers at its 2024 C-Suite Awards in October. BIV said the recipients’ efforts have not only led to the growth and success of their respective organizations, but have helped improve the lives of individuals, have supported other businesses and have contributed to the sustainability and strength of B.C. communities.
In September 2014, the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation announced Norris would lead the foundation through one of the largest hospital redevelopment projects in Canada.
Prior to working for the hospital foundation, he worked at Kwantlen Polytechnic University – where he helped KPU increase its fundraising activities more than tenfold. In 2013, he was a recipient of Business in Vancouver’s list of Forty Under 40 awards.
“Looking ahead, RCHF is poised for continued growth and innovation. Plans for the next five years include doubling financial impact on an annual basis to maximize impact for RCH through caregiver-directed funds, providing top-tier care with advanced equipment, technology, and renovations, ensuring research and innovation are integral to healthcare, and caring for our caregivers,” said the RCHF news release. “These goals reflect Jeff’s ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare for all British Columbians.”
