The Foundation

Growing Together

The Strathcona Community Hospital Foundation was established in 2008. From the very beginning, we have been dedicated to the Hospital and the improvement of healthcare delivery within our community. We monitor the needs of patients and their families, staff, and the hospital. As those needs change and grow, we advocate for the resources needed to meet them, and fundraise so the Hospital can provide care above and beyond what would be possible with their standard funding.

Growing Together

The Strathcona Community Hospital Foundation was established in 2008. From the very beginning, we have been dedicated to the Hospital and the improvement of healthcare delivery within our community. We monitor the needs of patients and their families, staff, and the hospital. As those needs change and grow, we advocate for the resources needed to meet them, and fundraise so the Hospital can provide care above and beyond what would be possible with their standard funding.

Making An Impact

Our foundation is committed to supporting the Strathcona Community Hospital and supplementing their regular healthcare funding. Contributions from our campaigns, programs, and initiatives are strategically invested to significantly improve the quality of care patients receive and the facilities in which staff operate. 

Relationships

Everyone wants to make a difference, and everyone does it in their own way. We strive to partner with businesses and individuals to turn their investments of all kinds into meaningful improvements in how healthcare is delivered. Our goal is to build strong ongoing relationships with private donors, ensuring their contributions are recognized in a way that speaks to their values, and providing corporations and businesses an outlet to engage with their employees, stakeholders, and customers through their philanthropy.

Our Community

We work, live, and play in Strathcona County. Our foundation is made up of active and dedicated members from local business and other areas. We strive to inspire support in the hospital which serves us and insure it is and remains a strong pillar in our community. Our many events serve not only as fundraisers, but a chance for residents to come together in common purpose and feel engaged with the healthcare facilities they help to improve.

Working For The Community

I am privileged to be a part of Strathcona Community Hospital Foundation’s (STCHF) committed and experienced volunteer Board of Directors.  With a diverse mix of skills, knowledge, gender and age, this Board brings tremendous perspective, experience and passion to STCHF. 

Through the dedication and commitment of our volunteer Board of Directors, in 2021, STCHF successfully funded over $187,000 in equipment, staff wellness initiatives, and educational opportunities to Strathcona Community Hospital.  We have seen tremendous growth in the organization over the past few years with the support of the community of Strathcona County. 

It is through the coming together of the community that we have successfully and strategically worked to accelerate healthcare in Strathcona County.   

I would like to express my gratitude to the many individuals who volunteer their time through participation in the STCHF Committee’s, the Board of Directors, and our events to elevate the capacity of the Foundation.  I would also like to express my gratitude for our Alberta Health Services partners and Strathcona Community Hospital frontline and support staff for their continued loyalty to providing exceptional care to the families of Strathcona County.  

Thank you for your continued support of Strathcona Community Hospital Foundation and the Strathcona Community Hospital. 

With Gratitude,
Ken Lesniak
STCHF Board of Directors Chairperson
2020 to Present

Board of Directors

Our Vision

Supporting the hospital to provide and accelerate optimal health care and services for our community.

Our Mission

We encourage giving to enhance care offered by the Strathcona Community Hospital through:

  • Community engagement,
  • Corporate partnerships, and
  • Recognizing our contributors and their contributions

Donate Today​

Support healthcare right here in our community with a direct donation to the Strathcona Community Hospital Foundation. This year we have focused our attention or raising $75,000 for TWO new GLIDESCOPES.

These are high-tech “video periscopes’ used when a patient can’t breathe on their own… sometimes Doctors have only seconds to place a life-saving breathing tube. When every second counts, the Glidescope can reduce intubation time by HALF! Traditional tools require a ‘straight-line’ view of the throat, the GlideScope changes the game by using a tiny, integrated camera and digital monitor to ‘see around the corner’… giving Doctors a clear HD view of the airway. This ensures life-saving tubes are placed perfectly, which is even more critical when the patient is just a child.

Donate Here
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Full Sound

Sue Timanson

Executive Director

Sue is an accomplished executive leader with over three decades of experience in media, non-profit, and governance driven organisations.

As Executive Director, Sue works closely with the volunteer Board of Directors and is known for making sure things run smoothly. Whether it’s managing budgets, keeping the Foundation on track with policies, or building strong relationships with partners and donors, she’s passionate about clear communication and making sure everyone’s voice is heard.

Outside of work, through her life-long love of sport and volunteer leadership, Sue is dedicated to building community, always encouraging teamwork and community spirit. Her hands-on approach helps create a positive, accountable culture in life and at the Foundation.

And when not in the boardroom or on the soccer field, she can be found in her gardens spending time with husband, kids, a very special grandson, and her dog Luke.

Adele Rowein

Executive Assistant

Adele is a seasoned administrative professional with over two decades of experience in office management and financial administration. Appreciated for her meticulous attention to detail, she expertly manages complex accounting and maintains seamless office workflows.

Her background includes preparing financial reports, overseeing payroll, and ensuring regulatory compliance, which makes her adept at supporting executive leadership and Board activities.

Adele’s reliability and integrity fosters trust which, along with proactive communication and organisational skills, mean she’s an indispensable asset to the Strathcona Community Hospital Foundation. Her pup thinks she’s pretty indispensable too.

Susan Chesney

Site Director and Board, Health System Representative

Susan has provided strategic and operational leadership since the Hospital opened in 2014, playing a pivotal role in establishing one of Alberta’s most innovative community hospital models.

With extensive leadership experience across Alberta Health Services in the Edmonton Zone, she has championed integrated, patient-centred care, quality improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Throughout her career, Susan has been recognized for fostering high-performing teams, advancing innovative healthcare delivery, and strengthening connections between hospital services and the communities they serve.

As the Health System Representative on the Board, she brings valuable health system expertise and operational insight, supporting the Foundation’s commitment to the staff, patients, and families served by the Strathcona Community Hospital.

Elton Davidge

Board Trustee

Elton is a seasoned Financial Advisor with over 17 years of experience in wealth management and financial planning.

Throughout his career, Elton has provided comprehensive financial strategies to affluent clients, demonstrating expertise in investment management, retirement planning, insurance & tax planning, charitable giving and estate planning.

Beyond his professional achievements, Elton has demonstrated a strong commitment to community leadership through his service as President of the Sherwood Park Minor Hockey Association, VP of the Edmonton Federation Hockey League, a member of both Strathcona County’s Economic Development Advisory Committee and the local Chamber of Commerce, and a longtime volunteer coach.

His blend of financial expertise, governance experience, and dedication to community service brings thoughtful stewardship and a collaborative perspective to the Board.

George Key

Board Trustee

With more than 50 years of leadership experience in business, marketing, and community service, George brings extensive governance, strategic planning, and organizational management expertise to the Board.

As Owner and President of Blue Ribbon Marketing Inc. since 1992, George led business growth through innovative marketing, customer engagement, and supplier partnerships. Earlier leadership roles included branch management, merchandising, marketing, and successful implementation of retail and distribution initiatives. He also holds certificates in Administrative Justice and Conflict Leadership, strengthening skills in governance, decision-making, and mediation.

A dedicated community volunteer, George has served for decades in leadership roles with Kiwanis, Camp HE-HO-HA, the Associated Canadian Travelers, and other charitable organizations, reflecting his longstanding commitment to serving the community.

Dr. Norman Yanitski

Board Trustee

Norman brings decades of distinguished leadership in education, governance, and organizational development to the Board of Directors.

A respected executive and consultant, he has led complex organizations, guided executive recruitment, and championed strategic planning and leadership development across Alberta.

His career spans senior roles including Superintendent/CEO, University Senate member, education administrator, and leadership mentor. Recognized provincially for excellence in public service and organizational leadership, Dr. Yanitski is known for building collaborative relationships, fostering strong governance, and translating research into practical outcomes.

His extensive board and governance experience, combined with a longstanding commitment to serving communities, provides valuable insight and strategic thoughtfulness in advancing the Foundation’s mission.

Todd Banks

Board Trustee

Todd is a dedicated community leader with a strong record in volunteerism and policy development.

In addition to being the Executive Director of the Sherwood Park and district Chamber of Commerce, he has chaired and served on numerous community boards and committees, including the Strathcona County Community Safety Well-being Committee, Red Tape Reduction Committee, Finance Committee, and RCMP Advisory Committee.

Todd has led policy committees, moderated political forums, and introduced new financial and reporting systems for community organisations. His volunteer work spans economic development, youth programs, fundraising, and event leadership earning him honors such as the Pride of Strathcona Award and Rotary family of the Year.

Todd’s collaborative approach, policy expertise, and commitment to our community make him exceptionally qualified to serve as a valued Board member of the Foundation.

Dr. Kirsten Baxter

Board Trustee

Kirsten is a chiropractor, healthcare leader, and community advocate with extensive experience in patient care, clinical governance, and health system collaboration.

As Partner at Baseline Chiropractic Centre, she provides evidence-based care while working closely with patients and multidisciplinary healthcare professionals. Her earlier roles at the University of Alberta Hospital and continuing care strengthened her understanding of rehabilitation and senior care.

Beyond clinical practice, Kirsten has held governance positions with Alberta’s chiropractic regulator and association, including serving as Vice President of Council.

A dedicated volunteer in many, many health and community initiatives, she brings a strong commitment to quality care, effective governance, and community engagement in support of the Hospital Foundation’s mission to advance local healthcare excellence.

Stan Fisher

Board Trustee

Stan brings decades of executive leadership in health care, recreation, education, and community development to the Hospital Foundation Board. Holding degrees in Physical Education/Recreation and Education, his career has spanned leadership roles with the YMCA, the University of Regina, Strathcona County, the Government of Alberta, Chrysalis Society for Citizens with Disabilities, and St. Michael’s Health Group, where he retired as Chief Executive Officer.

Throughout his career, Stan has championed healthy communities, accessible care, and collaborative leadership. He has served on numerous provincial, national, and international boards supporting continuing care, seniors’ housing, volunteerism, along with a lifelong passion for the sport of Handball at the provincial and national level.

His broad perspective and commitment to community service strengthen the Foundation’s mission to enhance healthy communities for the region.

Ken Lesniak

Past Chair and Board Trustee

Ken is a respected community leader, educator, and public servant with more than 40 years of executive and governance experience.

His career highlights include facilitating the establishment of the Elk Island Catholic School Division, then holding roles as Trustee and Chair for many years. He followed those roles with two terms as a Strathcona County Councillor. Ken has also served as a Board member and Chair on other numerous boards and commissions, including with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Green Municipal Fund Board where he oversaw major strategic and financial initiatives.

With a passion for family, and as a lifelong community volunteer, he brings a wealth of governance expertise, public policy insight, and a deep commitment to strengthening community health and well-being through his service on the Hospital Foundation Board.

Donna Dosman

Secretary

Donna is an accomplished public sector executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership, governance, program management, and policy development.

Holding a PhD in Natural Resource Economics, she has led national programs at Statistics Canada overseeing large multidisciplinary teams, multimillion-dollar budgets, and complex partnerships with governments, universities, and research organizations. She was a senior advisor with the Public Health Agency of Canada. Her expertise includes strategic planning, organizational modernization, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based decision-making.

Donna has also made significant contributions to community boards including the Assessment Review Board, the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, and several Family and Social Community grant committees. She also held several leadership roles at her local curling club.

Her governance experience and commitment to public service make her an integral member of the Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

Kathryn Luedtke

Vice-Chair

Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Education, but professionally, she enjoys experiencing the variety that life has to offer. Her career included travel agent, Assistant Registrar, personal chef, volunteer coordinator, and a final stint in HR & Culture!

Retirement has elevated her favourite pastimes, especially travelling and experiencing the local culture and food. Topping the list of activities is sharing her cooking and baking skills with family & friends; while church, playing games, Pickleball, reading, volunteering and walking, round out her life.

Kathryn joined STCHF’s Board of Directors as she appreciates the opportunity to serve her community and give back to our hospital which has provided great help and healthcare to her, her family and friends.

Gene Syvenky

Chair

Gene (B.Sc., MBA) is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning the retail, manufacturing, construction, consumer products, and not-for-profit sectors.

He has served as President and CEO of several major organizations, leading strategic growth, financial stewardship, governance, and organizational transformation. Gene brings extensive expertise in corporate strategy, public policy, advocacy, risk management, and board governance, including service on finance, governance, and pension boards.

His longstanding commitment to community service includes leadership roles with Northlands, the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, A Safe Place, and the Cross Cancer Institute.

Gene’s strategic insight, financial acumen, and passion for community well-being make him a valuable member of the Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

Gene Syvenky

Chair

Gene (B.Sc., MBA) is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning the retail, manufacturing, construction, consumer products, and not-for-profit sectors.

He has served as President and CEO of several major organizations, leading strategic growth, financial stewardship, governance, and organizational transformation. Gene brings extensive expertise in corporate strategy, public policy, advocacy, risk management, and board governance, including service on finance, governance, and pension boards.

His longstanding commitment to community service includes leadership roles with Northlands, the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, A Safe Place, and the Cross Cancer Institute.

Gene’s strategic insight, financial acumen, and passion for community well-being make him a valuable member of the Hospital Foundation Board of Directors.

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