Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (Soldiers’) Foundation is thrilled to announce that Perry Esler will assume the role of President and CEO.
With over 25 years of experience in the charitable sector, Perry Esler is a seasoned fundraiser and non-profit leader. Throughout his career, he has helped raise over one hundred million dollars for local, national, and international charities.
Dr. Nancy Harris, Chair of the Soldiers’ Foundation’s Board of Directors, confirmed that Esler will be joining the Foundation’s dynamic team on June 15.
“Perry’s experience working successfully with hospital Foundations, rare disease research funding groups, and patient advocacy groups will be a great benefit for our hospital and the Orillia region,” said Harris.
Esler will be transitioning from his current position as CEO of Defeat Duchenne Canada, a patient advocacy organization based in London, Ontario. As CEO, he helped to grow the organization from a grassroots charity into a federally recognized organization granting more than $1M annually to Duchenne MD research.
Prior to this, he spent 16 years leading fundraising programs for 170 children’s hospitals across Canada and the US as Vice President with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH).
Esler’s leadership, strategic planning, and fundraising skills will be an asset to the Soldiers’ Foundation as it continues to fundraise and advocate for Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH). In partnership with OSMH, the Soldiers’ Foundation supports the health and wellbeing of our community through crucial upgrades to equipment and services.
“I’m excited by the opportunity to help Soldiers’ medical experts, health care providers and hospital team achieve their loftiest goals to ensure excellent quality care for patients and families in the Orillia region”, Esler said. “I look forward to bringing [Soldiers’] vision to life through the impact of philanthropy.”