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About Us

We are the only charitable foundation in BC actively fundraising for public health initiatives, with and in support of our partners throughout the province. We are an independent, non-governmental organization.

A father embraces his son who has down syndrome

What We Do

We are a leader in public health philanthropy, engaging and investing in innovative, collaborative, and evidence-based initiatives that improve population health.

Since we formed, our Foundation has closely aligned with the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC). But as the health landscape in BC changes, so too does our work. As such, over the past ten years we’ve also built partnerships across all areas of public health, ensuring that we continue to make a difference in communities where, how, and when they need it the most.

As BC’s provincial public health service, BCCDC remains as strong a partner as ever and critical to our work, as are our relationships with other partners throughout the province.

Active Engagement

We fund and facilitate public health research, implement programs, and support evidence to drive policies which inform immediate and measurable health impacts in communities across BC.

Health Equity

Advancing equity and social justice for all.

Community Resiliency

Providing solutions to help communities thrive.

Population Health

Achieving measurable population health improvements.

Our Guiding Principles

We ground our work in advancing equity.

We promote social justice, anti-racism, and Truth and Reconciliation.

We are solutions-focused and forward-thinking.

We are a purpose-driven organization championing public health as a cause. 

We foster meaningful relationships and partnerships.

Our Vision

Our vision is our passion.

A healthier, safer, and more equitable future for all.

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Meaningful Collaboration

We foster and convene meaningful relationships with partners in every corner of BC. We know that strong partnerships create more reach and greater change.

Our Partners

Meet Our Team

Our team puts healthy people at the centre of all we do. We believe in a future where everyone has access to fair opportunities to achieve positive health outcomes.

Matthew Wright

Acting CEO
He/Him

Matthew Wright is the Director of Operations and Acting CEO of the Pacific Public Health Foundation, where he is responsible for the operational leadership of programs and projects that meet the overall strategic goals of the organization. He oversees areas of finance, legal, human resources, and general administration while working closely with the Fund Development and Marketing and Communications teams to ensure the Foundation continues to successfully grow its reputation, influence, and impact as a public health charity. Matthew holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Integrated Management Studies, as well as a Private Pilot’s License. He brings over 14 years of experience in operational planning and project management within the non-profit sector, which includes leading initiatives benefitting BC Cancer Foundation and contributing as a member of the Leadership team at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Matthew has a passion for healthcare and community engagement, which he has fostered throughout his career in the non-profit sector. He believes in organizations that value equity and compassion, not only for their people but also in the work they undertake. Matthew joined the Foundation because he recognizes the importance of public health in creating a positive impact on our way of life, work, and interactions with one another both as individuals and as a community. He takes pride in being part of a movement dedicated to enhancing the lives of all British Columbians.

Nadine Nickull

Associate Director of Development
She/Her

Nadine Nickull is the Associate Director of Development for the Pacific Public Health Foundation, and is responsible for diversifying and growing the fundraising portfolio to meet program needs while ensuring the Foundation continues to grow its reputation, influence, and impact as a public health charity. She provides oversight and direction for the Fund Development team, including strategic and operational leadership, working collaboratively with the Chief Executive Officer and all team members to build programs and resources that will enhance BC’s public health capacity, and create strong, meaningful relationships with donors, partners, and community.

Nadine has cultivated a passion for working with organizations that focus on the care and health of people and communities. Throughout her life and career, she has embraced ideas and initiatives that drive positive and compassionate change, improve lives, and honour lived experiences. She is proud to work in an organization that strives to create a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for people across British Columbia.

Stacey Sellars

Associate Director of Marketing & Communications
She/Her

Stacey Sellars is the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications at the Pacific Public Health Foundation. Responsible for the development and execution of a marketing and communication strategy that supports public engagement and awareness of public health in our communities. Stacey oversees the creation of accessible and approachable content showcasing the impact of public health research and care, supporting fundraising opportunities and Foundation priorities.
 
Stacey is passionate about advocacy and social justice and sees incredible opportunity to connect people to the importance and impact of public health initiatives. Excited to bring her experience in healthcare philanthropy to the Pacific Public Health Foundation, Stacey looks forward to advancing the vision of the organization and sharing stories that engage British Columbians in the important work of public health with a focus on representation and advocacy, health equity, and community care.
 

Lisa Young

Operations Manager
She/Her

Lisa Young is the Operations Manager for the Pacific Public Health Foundation. She is responsible for daily operations and business functions, finance, employee engagement and professional development, as well as project management and support for the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors. Lisa brings a wealth of experience from the research, academic, and non-profit sectors, having supported researchers at Dalhousie University and working with various non-profit organizations across Canada. She has earned the Non-Profit Management Certificate from Simon Fraser University, holds a CAP-OM designation from the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), and has held leadership positions within that organization.

Lisa chose to join the Pacific Public Health Foundation because she believes in the work the Foundation is doing to build a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for the residents of BC. She is proud to work for an organization with values that align with her personal values, as well as knowing that her work is making a difference. 

Tracy Penner

Senior Development Officer
She/Her

Tracy Penner is the Senior Development Officer at the Pacific Public Health Foundation, where she supports and executes fundraising activities to raise the profile, reputation, and reach of the Foundation. As a result of 9/11, Tracy was driven by a profound desire to make a positive impact and a tangible difference, ultimately leading her to make a career change to the non-profit sector. Her extensive fundraising experience includes meaningful roles and volunteer engagements within healthcare, humanitarian, animal welfare, and the arts and culture sectors, in Vancouver, Dubai, Amman, and Johannesburg.

Having lived in and traveled to a number of countries that experience social inequities and human rights challenges, Tracy has a genuine passion for the important work that the Foundation does and is proud to work for an organization that grounds its work in advancing equity, preventing disease, prolonging and improving lives, and promoting health through proactive, upstream interventions. She loves connecting with individuals and organizations who share the Foundation’s vision of a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for all.

Deanne Coupal

Marketing & Communications Officer
She/Her

Deanne Coupal is the Marketing and Communications Officer at the Pacific Public Health Foundation.  She creates marketing and communications products that raise the profile, reputation and reach of the foundation. She graduated from Carleton University with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications. Her career has been spent primarily in the public sector at various federal government departments, where she communicated to Canadians about the programs and projects that impact our lives.

Deanne joined our small but mighty team after moving to Vancouver from Ottawa and seeing firsthand the various public health challenges faced by communities across the province. She loves her new home in BC and is passionate about communicating how our foundation makes immediate and measurable change to public health.

Maddie Mackenzie

Senior Marketing & Communications Coordinator
She/Her

Maddie Mackenzie is the Senior Marketing & Communications Coordinator at the Pacific Public Health Foundation, where she works with the Marketing & Communications team to advance the health and well-being of our communities across BC. With a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Environmental Studies and Anthropology, along with a Master’s degree in Intercultural and International Communication, Maddie’s professional background spans diverse sectors, including government and social enterprise. However, her passion lies in within the non-profit sector, drawing on her experience in international development.

Maddie joined the Pacific Public Health Foundation because she is passionate about communicating and advocating for meaningful causes that create a positive impact on both people and the planet. She is excited to be a part of a like-minded team dedicated to health promotion, equity, and shared values, and remains inspired by their determination to make a difference in the field of public health.
 

Emily Booth

Program Coordinator
She/Her

Emily Booth is the Program Coordinator at the Pacific Public Health Foundation. She supports the Operations team with implementing the strategic plan to increase the growth and awareness of the Foundation, and successfully grow their impact as a public health charity. Emily supports the organization in day-to-day functions and business operations, including finances, the Board of Directors, systems, and team engagement/administration, and programming, such as public engagement, reporting, and project support.

Emily joined the Pacific Public Health Foundation with the intent to promote public health through policy and evidence-based initiatives, with the overall goal of advancing equity and social justice for all. With a Bachelor of Social Work and experience in the non-profit and community development sector, Emily understands the barriers and challenges faced by the community and wishes to address these issues with the Pacific Public Health Foundation.

Governance

We are responsibly and ethically governed by our volunteer Board of Directors.

Meet the Board & View Our Strategic Plan

Careers

Join us in supporting healthier, safer communities for all.

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