Michael Burns has been named President & CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
Michael, who was most recently CEO of the Invictus Games Toronto 2017, will take over the position effective Jan. 2, 2018, succeeding Paul Alofs, who has been at the helm for 14 years.
"We are thrilled Michael Burns will join the Foundation and lead its next period of growth," Glenn Ives, Chair of the Board of the Foundation, said in making the announcement today.
"This is the culmination of an extensive search process. We are delighted to have found an individual with the background, skills and passion of giving to the community to lead the Foundation to new levels of fundraising success, brand building and donor engagement."
Michael brings more than 20 years of experience in marketing, financial services, technology and entrepreneurship to his new role at TPMCF, including the Invictus Games, which are the largest international adaptive sport competition in the world featuring ill and injured soldiers and veterans.
Michael led the execution of the Games, including building the organization from the ground up, which took more than two years. Under his leadership, the Games, which occurred in September, secured support from all three levels of government and more than 100 corporate and community partners and recruited more than 1,800 volunteers.
The Invictus Games in Toronto were completely sold-out and generated the highest national and worldwide viewing audience in the history of the event.
"I'm honoured to be joining this world-class foundation and I look forward to working with our stakeholders to help conquer cancer in our lifetime," Michael said.
Michael is co-founder of the True Patriot Love Foundation, which supports Canada's military, veterans and their families by funding programs for mental health, physical rehabilitation, career transition and family services.
He is also Past Chair of the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation Board (formerly the Toronto East General Hospital Board Foundation). He successfully led the team that secured the Garrons' $50-million donation. He is also on the Board of the Canadian Institute for Military & Veteran Health Research and is a member of the Board of Directors of two world-class entertainment venues in Toronto: Roy Thomson Hall and Massey Hall.
Earlier this month, Michael received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Dalhousie University. In 2016, Canada's Governor-General, on behalf of the Queen, awarded him
The Meritorious Service Cross for his work with military families.
In 2012, he was awarded the
Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service, the military's highest honour for a civilian. That year, he was also awarded a
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal honouring significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. In 2010, he was named one of Canada's
Top 40 Under 40.
Glenn Ives, on behalf of the Board of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, would like to recognize and thank Paul Alofs for his outstanding work in successfully leading the Foundation for the past 14 years.
