Here is a roundup based on reporting from the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
A $21 million commitment to kidney research
The biggest number in the batch comes from The Ottawa Hospital, which renamed its Kidney Research Centre the Jones Family Kidney Research Centre. The change follows an additional $10 million investment from the Jones family, bringing their total commitment to $21 million.
The Ottawa Hospital Foundation says the pledge brings the commitment from June and Russ Jones to $21 million since 2018. That means the family has been backing the work for several years, and this latest gift is on top of what they had already given.
New jobs and promotions
Glenda Boldt has moved from Lee Valley Tools, where she spent four years as vice-president of people and culture, to become director of human resources at Thomas Cavanagh Construction. The Ottawa Business Journal quotes her on the change: "There is something very fitting about moving from one organization with deep family roots to another."
In sports, Brian Morris joined Baseball Canada as senior director of operations after 18 years with Senators Sports and Entertainment.
On the arts side, Susan Crocker was appointed chair of the National Arts Centre Foundation, succeeding Susan Glass.
In commercial real estate, Kevin Houlahan was promoted to associate vice-president at Colliers. He specializes in Ottawa retail commercial leasing.
A University of Ottawa alumna takes a top job
There is also a notable appointment with an Ottawa connection farther afield. Dana McNabb, a University of Ottawa alumna, was appointed CEO of General Mills effective January 1, 2027. She will succeed Jeff Harmening, who becomes executive chair.
Milestones around town
Saunders Farm celebrated its 50th season and 35th Haunting Season, with new attractions. For anyone planning an autumn outing, the Haunting Season milestone is a reminder of how long the farm has been part of the fall calendar.
JCI Ottawa also had a good showing at JCI Canada's convention, earning six national awards.
What this means for Ottawa readers
None of these announcements will change your commute or your grocery bill, but they show who is steering some of the city's well-known organizations. The kidney research gift is the item with the most direct reach, since it puts a long-term, named commitment behind research at a local hospital. Details on how the new funds will be used were not part of the information published in the reports we reviewed, so we will not guess at specifics.
Similarly, the reports did not say when each new role begins, beyond the January 1, 2027 start date for the General Mills CEO. Where start dates, salaries or other particulars have not been announced, we are leaving them out rather than filling the gaps.
Sources: Ottawa Business Journal, Ottawa Hospital Foundation
