The Senators Community Foundation have announced that decorated philanthropist and Ottawa native Jacqueline Belsito has been named the organization’s new president.
Relaunched in September, the Senators Community Foundation is committed to enriching the lives of youth, to help them achieve their physical, emotional and intellectual potential. The foundation will also support marginalized and underrepresented community groups and individuals, working to make our community a safer, more accessible, diverse and inclusive place for all.
Focused upon the five key pillars of Education, Mental Health, Physical Wellness, Growing the Game and Social Impact, Belsito will drive the strategy to support the Senators Community Foundation’s goal of improving the lives of youth in eastern Ontario and western Quebec through community investments and programs that establish the foundation for future success.
Born and raised in Ottawa, Belsito brings more than 28 years of fundraising and marketing experience to the foundation. After graduating from Algonquin College, Jacqueline began her career in the high-tech sector with marquee companies such as Corel, Cognos and Mitel. A career shift into philanthropy saw her provide leadership for hospitals, universities and social organizations for more than 17 years.
In her most recent position as vice-president of philanthropy at the CHEO Foundation, Jacqueline has had tremendous success supporting the most vulnerable members of the local community, our children and youth. Belsito will begin her transition to the Senators Community Foundation this month, with the anticipation that she will begin her role in late November.
“We are really pleased to welcome Jacqueline to our team to help grow and shape the future of the Senators Community Foundation,” said president of business operations Anthony LeBlanc. “Jacqueline’s vision, along with her mix of experience, leadership and enthusiasm makes her a perfect fit to drive the foundation to become one of the most impactful philanthropic organizations in our region.”
The success of the Senators Community Foundation and will rely on a strong and consistent community presence, with the plan to use signature major events along with the 50/50 raffle to raise funding which will used to invest back into the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
