Danial Dale, Chair of the STEGH Foundation Board of Directors, is delighted to announce the appointment of Mary Lou Crowley as its Executive Director, effective July 24, 2023. This appointment follows a thorough local and national search, filling this critical position that has been vacant for several months.

“Mary Lou is a dynamic and visionary leader and we are thrilled to welcome her to the STEGH family,” said Danial. “The Foundation is embarking on an $8 million Transforming Tomorrow Diagnostic Imaging Campaign. Mary Lou will work closely with Jeff Yurek, Campaign Chair, to support new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology coming to STEGH, as well as enhancements to the Diagnostic Imaging Department.”

Mary Lou Crowley joins the STEGH Foundation from the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation, where she has served as President & CEO since 2017. For over 30 years, Mary Lou has held leadership roles in hospital foundations leading and supporting teams that have raised millions of dollars for excellence in local healthcare.   Mary Lou was previously President and CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, leading the largest ever capital campaign for mental health in Nova Scotia at the time. Mary Lou has also held leadership roles at Hotel Dieu Foundation in Kingston, Ontario and London Health Sciences Foundation. 

During her tenure at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation, Mary Lou exceeded the Diagnostic Imaging Campaign goal, elevated the brand of the Foundation to new levels in the community and, working with volunteer boards, successfully merged three hospital foundations. Mary Lou raised record amounts for the Foundation through signature events and, in 2019, implemented one of the first charitable online 50/50 fundraisers in southwestern Ontario, raising over $1,000,000 since its inception.

Mary Lou is widely acknowledged for her leadership and vision in healthcare philanthropy. Crowley is an active member of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy and the Association of Fundraising Professionals and has been invited to share her experience and knowledge as a guest panelist at numerous fundraising engagements.

Mary Lou Crowley has a passion for helping individuals and communities thrive. Mary Lou has extensive skills and experience in fundraising, developing strategic partnerships and relationships, and non-profit governance.  

“I’m thrilled to take on the role of Executive Director of the STEGH Foundation and lead an organization that is so important to the community and hospital,” said Mary Lou. “There is no greater calling than supporting local healthcare. I look forward to working with the staff, Board, Hospital colleagues and the incredible community of St. Thomas and Elgin County.”

When Mary Lou joins the STEGH Foundation in July, she will work with the staff and Board of Directors, in collaboration with senior leadership at STEGH, to raise critical funds in support of our local hospital.

Mary Lou is looking forward to meeting the many donors, volunteers, and community partners over the coming months as she settles into her new role with the STEGH Foundation.

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