Jennifer Jones Appointed President and CEO of Fighting Blindness Canada
TORONTO, ON – The inherited retinal disease (IRD) community in Canada has a new leader at the helm of a key advocacy and research organization. Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) announced the appointment of Jennifer Jones as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 23, 2023. This leadership change is significant for patients, families, and researchers dedicated to finding treatments and cures for blinding eye diseases, as FBC is the largest charitable funder of vision research in Canada.
Jennifer Jones brings over two decades of experience in social impact, advocacy, and fundraising across various sectors. Her appointment was announced by Tara James, Chair of the Board of Directors of Fighting Blindness Canada. Prior to joining FBC, Jones served as President of the Toronto Public Library (TPL) Foundation, where she was instrumental in transforming the charity's strategic and operational plans. She also holds an MBA from The Ivey Business School at University of Western Ontario.
In a statement, Jones expressed her excitement to join FBC, highlighting the organization's rich history in research, education, and expertise for a cause she finds deeply rewarding. Tara James noted that Jones's vision, strategic mindset, and engaging leadership style are well-suited to advance FBC's mission, especially as the organization approaches its 50-year anniversary of funding critical vision research. FBC has invested over $40 million in sight-saving research over its history. The organization's mission is to accelerate world-class research and provide expert information, advocacy, and connection for everyone impacted by blinding eye disease.
For patients and families affected by IRDs, this leadership transition signals a continued commitment to advancing research and support. Fighting Blindness Canada plays a crucial role in the IRD community by funding research, providing educational events, and offering resources such as a Health Information Line. The organization also maintains an IRD Patient Registry, a secure database that connects individuals to clinical trials and research, focusing on conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, and Leber congenital amaurosis. With approximately 21,000 Canadians living with IRDs, FBC's work is vital in understanding why vision loss occurs, how it can be slowed, and how sight can be restored.
Jennifer Jones's appointment is expected to further strengthen FBC's efforts in its mission to end vision loss caused by blinding eye disease. Her leadership comes at a time when the organization aims to expand community connections, enhance fundraising, and scale for greater impact, as outlined in its