Roberta Fidalgo Named Board Chair, KGH Foundation Welcomes New Directors
KELOWNA, BC, July 7, 2026 – The KGH Foundation has announced the appointment of Roberta Fidalgo as Chair of its Board of Directors, ushering in a new chapter in leadership at the Foundation. The volunteer position was formerly held by Janine Karlsen, who completed her full two-year term as Chair in June.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to serve alongside such passionate Board members and dedicated staff to advance the standard of care provided at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) and in our community,” says Fidalgo. “I’m honoured to step into the role and look forward to helping build upon our current momentum as we work to transform health care for our region.”
The announcement was made at the Foundation’s Annual General Meeting in June.
Fidalgo has served on the KGH Foundation Board since 2021 and brings over 25 years of expertise in Human Resources (HR) and organizational strategy. She is the owner and Principal HR Consultant of YET Human Resources and Coaching, and holds the Fellow Chartered Professional in Human Resources (FCPHR) designation.
“Roberta is a thoughtful, collaborative leader whose governance experience, keen expertise, and commitment to community have made her an invaluable member of our Board,” shares Allison Young, CEO of the KGH Foundation. “We are so grateful for her time and knowledge. Her leadership as Board Chair will help guide the Foundation through an exciting and impactful period of growth.”
Throughout her career, Fidalgo has led strategic HR and people initiatives that supported organizations through periods of significant growth, mergers, and organizational transformation. She has extensive governance experience through multiple volunteer leadership roles with non-profits and has served on numerous boards and advisory committees. Fidalgo currently serves on the Greater Westside Board of Trade, the Okanagan College Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship HR Program Advisory Committee, and the CPHR BC & Yukon Public Policy Committee. She previously chaired the Kelowna Women’s Shelter Board, demonstrating her long-standing commitment to community leadership and governance.
Five new Directors were also named to the KGH Foundation Board including Ben Smit, Senior Wealth Advisor & Portfolio Manager, National Bank Financial; Garrett Jones, Vice President, Corporate Sustainability & Finance and Strategic Lead, Delphi; Das Kandola, Community Leader and Owner, City Furniture and Appliances; Dr. Cara Wall, Executive Medical Director, Regional Integrated Services, Interior Health; and David Harrhy, Strategic Advisor, Independent Consultant and Certified Executive Coach.
The Foundation also recognized three outgoing Directors whose six-year terms have concluded: KGH Intensive Care Unit Physician, Dr. Ryan Foster; Community Leader, Professor, and Entrepreneur, Manik Dhir; and Founder and CEO of StraightUp Financial Consulting, Shauna George. Each was recognized for their unique contributions in strategic leadership, governance, and financial stewardship.
The KGH Foundation Board of Directors is comprised of 21 outstanding individuals whose role is to provide leadership to Foundation staff in service to the organization’s mission to drive strategic partnerships and fundraising for vital local health care initiatives specific to the Central Okanagan and surrounding communities. Learn more at kghfoundation.com/board.
The KGH Foundation is currently in the final leg of its $40 million fundraising campaign- Closer to Home than You Think, which launched in 2023. The comprehensive campaign is already demonstrating impact across a range of priorities at KGH and in the community including emergency care, cancer care, clinical & surgical excellence, cardiac care, brain health, mental health care, health system innovation, and women’s health. The Foundation is also currently fundraising to complete a much-needed 10 room expansion to JoeAnna’s House to address the growing waitlist for the home away from home for the families of regional KGH patients.
To learn more about the work of the KGH Foundation, visits kghfoundation.com.
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:
Jessie Billey
Media and Communications Manager
KGH Foundation
T | 250-826-4973
E | Jessie.Billey@interiorhealth.ca
