GBGH Foundation welcomes new executive director

January 28, 2019 – The Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation has hired Nicole Kraftscik as its new executive director (ED). Kraftscik, who brings more than 10 years of philanthropy experience, will begin working part-time for the Foundation in February, transitioning to full-time in early April.

“I am thrilled to work for my hometown hospital, where my husband Martin and I have raised our family of three children – Haley, Taylor and Riley – and plan to stay for years to come,” says Kraftscik. “I really look forward to bringing new ideas and experience to GBGH, as well as building relationships both in the community and with the Board of Directors, staff, credentialed staff and volunteers who play an integral role in great patient care here at GBGH.”

Kraftscik comes to GBGH with an extensive background in the field of fundraising leadership in Simcoe County. This includes her most recent role as Senior Development Officer at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) Foundation. As part of that team, Kraftscik was jointly responsible for raising $2.4 million in major gift revenue in the last fiscal year – well exceeding the $1.3 million target.

“I attribute this success to an ability to build strong relationships with donors, volunteers, staff, credentialed staff and corporate partners who are committed to improving patient care, close to home,” says Kraftscik. “I’m grateful for my experience at OSMH, and the strong relationships I have built within the Orillia and area community.”

As a leadership member in the OSMH Foundation, Kraftscik has experience in the strategic and campaign planning process for a medium-sized hospital foundation, major gifts and legacy giving. Additionally, she has held roles in annual giving, organizing signature events and direct mail, and is also an Executive Member on the Planned Giving Council of Simcoe County and Rotary. Kraftscik also holds memberships with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and Association of Health Care Philanthropy (AHP).

“We are very pleased to have Nicole join us to lead our Foundation,” says David Turner, chair, GBGH Foundation Board of Directors. “We are certain her experience and relationship-focused approach will greatly assist the hospital in its mission to improve the health of the communities we serve.”