SYDNEY, N.S. — The chair of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation says he was “very much surprised” to find out on Sunday that CEO Brad Jacobs was resigning to take a private-sector job and calls the future for the charity a scary but exciting time.
The foundation announced Tuesday that Jacobs, who held the position for seven years, will leave to become general manager of Colbourne Auto Group.
“Brad is an integral part of the team, for sure,” Stan MacDonald said. “Sadly, I accepted his resignation. His leadership and fundraising expertise led for more than 20 million bucks raised in the last seven years since he’s been here and his leadership is a great example of what we strive for in our organization.
“He put his heart and soul in there.”
In accordance with his employment contract, Jacobs provided 60 days notice.
While he said it’s sad to see Jacobs go, MacDonald said he had indicated some time ago an interest in someday moving on to the private sector. He added he wishes Jacobs well in his new position.
As for what the change in leadership will mean for the future of the hospital foundation, which recently launched a major capital campaign in support of the new Cape Breton Cancer Centre, MacDonald acknowledged it will leave a void.
“But we have excellent foundation staff and we’ll carry on and we’ll get through this,” he said, adding Jacobs' remaining two months with the foundation will ease the transition.
“He’s not leaving tomorrow, so we’re going to iron these things out.
MacDonald said he met with staff as soon as possible to inform them of Jacobs’ decision. He plans to meet with him more formally next week, followed by meetings of the foundation board and executive. They will discuss the qualities they would like to see in a new CEO and then determine a process to follow.
MacDonald said he would like to see someone with a background in the charitable sector.
“The board will figure out how we will go forward, but we’re in good shape and we will carry on,” MacDonald said.
He added foundation officials are excited about the ongoing capital campaign.
Jacobs had spent 21 years in the charitable sector.
“In the charitable sector, it’s quite typical for a CEO to transition roles or careers after around five years,” Jacobs said in a news release. “I love what our organization has accomplished and continues to accomplish, but I look forward to this new opportunity with a great local business. In order to grow personally and professionally, I’m excited to make this move.”
The foundation employs about a half-dozen people.
Jacobs oversaw projects including Operation Heart, a $1.35-million campaign for operating room equipment and cardiac care; a $1.35-million campaign for mental health services; and advocated for the building of Cape Breton’s new cancer centre.
Since 1990, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation has raised more than $50 million to purchase equipment, and fund upgrades at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
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