Fort St. John Hospital Foundation says staff additions reflect focus on community

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation has welcomed a number of new staff members.

The Fort St. John Hospital Foundation announced it has brought in three new staff members, along with two members in “advisory and communications capacities.”

The foundation said these additions reflect a renewed focus on community connection and storytelling, as well as donor engagement and sustainable growth, as it continues to support equipment, programs, and initiatives that enhance care for patients at the Fort St. John Hospital and Peace Villa. 

“In June, Megan Rader stepped into the role of Executive Director,” the foundation said. 

According to the foundation, Rader has a background in nonprofit communication, community engagement, and relationship-building. 

“With more than four years of experience at the YWCA Niagara Region, Megan worked closely with women, children and families experiencing homelessness, helping foster meaningful community connections and translating support into tangible outcomes,” the foundation said.

Rader said the way the Fort St. John community shows up and takes care of its community is “unlike any other community that I’ve witnessed.”

“The care shown for loved ones and neighbours alike is the kind of generosity that has a truly meaningful impact on the patient care here at the hospital,” Rader said. 

According to Rader, supporting initiatives which enhance care and improve experiences while ensuring the hospital continues to meet the needs of the “remarkable” community is a privilege and inspiration. 

The foundation also welcomed Tatjana Eggie as operations coordinator, who has over 15 years of experience serving non-profit organizations and the communities they support.

“She began her career working in assisted living and community care settings, helping seniors and vulnerable individuals maintain dignity, independence and quality of life,” the foundation said.

Eggie’s role with the foundation will involve supporting donor stewardship and foundation operations, as well as ongoing fundraising initiatives, while building strong relationships with donors, partners and community members.

Another addition to the foundation is Patricia Budgell as Community Coordinator. 

Budgell will help strengthen relationships with support, volunteers, event partners, and community members. 

The foundation has also brought on two members in advisory and communications capacities. Colleen Stewart will be joining the team as Foundation Leadership Advisor, while Vanessa Asmus will be serving as Marketing and Media Relations.

“While not foundation employees, Stewart and Asmsus will provide strategic leadership support, communications guidance, media relations and marketing direction as the Foundation continues evolving its community presence and donor engagement initiatives,” the foundation said. 

Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Board Chair Desirae Jeannotte says it is an exciting time for the foundation.

“Over the past several months, we’ve had the opportunity to welcome some incredible people to our team,” she said.

Jeannotte said each member brings their own skills, experiences and passion for community, and she is “genuinely excited” to see the impact they will have.

“One of the things I love most about Fort St. John is how quickly people step up when their community needs them,” Jeannotte said. “We see it every day through our donors, volunteers, healthcare staff and community partners.” 

The Foundation said that in the coming months, it will continue to share updates, campaign announcements, and community initiatives as the new team steps into its roles.