London, Ont. - The Board of Directors of London Health Sciences Foundation has announced the appointment of John MacFarlane as LHSF president and CEO effective April 1. MacFarlane has served as president of the foundation since Jan. 1, 2014.

Over the past 15 years, MacFarlane has held increasingly senior positions at Queen's University, Acadia University, and LHSF. Recognized as a leader in the non-profit sector, MacFarlane sits on the National Council of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) as well as the National Council of Foundation Executives (Conference Board of Canada). A lawyer by training, he has earned degrees from Acadia University (BBA), University of New Brunswick (LLB), and Queen's University (MPA).

"An experienced fundraiser at the volunteer, board, and professional levels, John is a leader with a diverse background and proven track record of success in relationship building, major campaigns and executive management," says LHSF Board Chair Susan Carlyle. "He is ideally suited to help us adapt to the rapidly changing landscape in the charity sector."

MacFarlane is already working closely with London Health Sciences Centre President and CEO Murray Glendining and his team of medical and administrative leaders to ensure that the Foundation's efforts are fully aligned with the projected fundraising needs of the hospital, now and into the future.

Former LHSF CEO Dan Ross will stay on with the foundation as Senior Advisor, Campaign and Community Partnerships until December 31. For 26 years, Ross has served the hospital in many capacities: as a board member, board chair and as leader of the foundation.

"We would like to acknowledge and thank Dan for his tremendous leadership over the past ten years as President and CEO," says Carlyle. "His passion for our hospital and health care in our city and region is evident every day, as is his commitment to our donors, volunteers, and the patients and families in whose lives we strive to make a difference."

With community support, LHSF currently raises more than $20 million annually; funding specialized equipment and technology, research, and education initiatives that enable doctors, nurses and staff to deliver enhanced patient care and to perform lifesaving research at LHSC, one of Canada's largest acute-care, teaching and research hospitals.