BGHF Announces Executive Director Transition

Belleville, ON – 12/19/2025 — The Board of Directors of the Belleville General Hospital Foundation (BGHF) today announced that Executive Director Steve Cook will be stepping down from his role as he moves on to a new Foundation leadership opportunity in the Greater Toronto Area.

Cook has served as Executive Director since late 2018, leading fundraising efforts in support of crucial hospital equipment and priority projects that strengthen local healthcare. With experience in corporate partnerships across the sports and healthcare sectors, Steve supported the evolution of the Foundation’s fundraising approach with the aim of advancing funding for key hospital priorities.

According to Wayne Sheppard, Chair, BGHF Board of Directors, “Steve’s leadership helped position the Foundation for continued success, contributing to important investments in our hospital and helping move the Foundation in new and evolving fundraising directions.”

A key part of Steve’s legacy is a skilled, experienced, and committed Foundation team that will continue to advance the Foundation’s work during this transition. The Board is confident in the team’s ability to manage operations and fundraising activities while recruitment for a new Executive Director is underway.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside such a generous and passionate community,” said Steve Cook. “Everything we have accomplished together has been driven from generosity, and I will always be proud of what this community continues to make possible for Quinte Health Belleville General Hospital.”

The Board of Directors has begun transition planning and will share further details regarding next steps in the coming weeks.

The Board is excited about the year ahead and the opportunity to build on the strong foundation in place as they accelerate important work in 2026. The Foundation plays a vital role in supporting Belleville General Hospital to provide high-quality healthcare, and the Board looks forward to continuing this work in partnership with their dedicated donors, volunteers, and community partners.