KGH Foundation CEO Allison Young Announces Retirement After a Decade of Transformational Leadership
Young will conclude her 22-year career in the non-profit sector on February 1, 2027, leaving the Foundation well positioned for its next chapter
KELOWNA, BC, July 16, 2026 – The KGH Foundation today announced that Allison (Allie) Young will retire from the non-profit sector and step down as Chief Executive Officer on February 1, 2027, following 10 years of service to the organization, including five years as CEO.
Young’s tenure has been marked by significant growth, ambitious community partnerships, and record-setting fundraising results in support of health care across British Columbia’s Southern Interior. She will continue to lead the Foundation through the coming months while its Board of Directors undertakes a comprehensive search for her successor.
“Allie has been an extraordinary leader for the KGH Foundation and a passionate champion for patients and families throughout the Interior,” said Roberta Fidalgo, Chair of the KGH Foundation Board of Directors. “Her ability to bring people together around bold ideas has strengthened this organization and expanded what our community believes is possible. While we will miss her leadership deeply, we celebrate everything she has accomplished and are grateful that she is leaving the Foundation strong, focused and ready for continued success.”
Young joined the KGH Foundation in 2016 and was appointed CEO in January 2022 following a nationwide search. Under her leadership, the Foundation launched the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its history just over a year later. The campaign is raising $40 million to advance health care across a number of local priorities including cancer care, diagnostics, surgical excellence and most recently, Emergency Department upgrades. It is expected to be completed this fall.
Young also led the launch of the campaign to expand JoeAnna’s House, the Foundation-operated home away from home for families travelling to Kelowna for specialized medical care. The expansion will add 10 family rooms, significantly increasing the House’s ability to support families from communities throughout the Interior. Her leadership was also a driving force in securing a transformational $5 million gift from the Jim Pattison Foundation in late 2023 that would establish the Jim Pattison Centre for Health Systems Learning and Innovation at KGH. The Centre opened in June 2025.
“It has been the greatest privilege of my career to serve this community, this organization and the people who make its work possible,” said Young. “Together, we dreamed big, embraced change and showed what can happen when a community comes together around a shared purpose. I am immensely proud of our team, grateful to our Board and inspired by the generosity of our donors, volunteers and partners. I know the Foundation’s best days are still ahead.”
During Young’s tenure as CEO, the KGH Foundation achieved Imagine Canada Standards Accreditation, one of the country’s most respected marks of excellence in nonprofit management. The Foundation also received national recognition from the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy as a High Performer, reflecting its strong fundraising results and commitment to operational excellence. In 2024, Young was named Business Leader of the Year by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce in recognition of her leadership and contributions to the region. She was also named Kelowna Women in Business’s Woman of the Year in 2022.
Young holds a Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership from Carleton University and has served in a national leadership capacity as Vice Chair of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy’s Canadian Council. Her career in the non-profit sector spans 22 years.
“Leadership transitions are defining moments for any organization, and Allie has approached this decision with the same care, integrity and thoughtfulness that have characterized her leadership,” Fidalgo added. “The Board will conduct a thorough search for the Foundation’s next CEO. With an exceptional team, a clear strategic direction and the continued support of our community, we are confident about the future.”
Young will work closely with the Board, leadership team and eventual successor to support a thoughtful and seamless transition. Following her departure, she plans to establish a small business inspired by her love of coffee, flowers and art, with a focus on creating community through everyday connections.
Further information regarding the CEO recruitment process will be shared as it becomes available.
Since 1978, the KGH Foundation has worked with a generous community to raise funds to support world-class healthcare close to home for a growing and diverse population in the interior of B.C. Today, the KGH Foundation is the lead fundraising organization for Kelowna General Hospital, JoeAnna’s House, and Central Okanagan Hospice House, while also fundraising for vital community health care programs
Media Contact:
Shauna Nyrose
VP Brand & Communications
KGH Foundation
T | 250-801-0886
E | shauna.nyrose@interiorhealth.ca
