Announcing Sarah McCarthy as Chief Executive Officer

TORONTO, ON (November 8, 2024) – RGC is pleased to announce that Sarah McCarthy has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer and will be starting on January 6, 2025. Sarah is a collaborative executive leader with fifteen (15) years of experience in leading teams to build and deliver social impact through the development of innovative solutions to complex challenges.

In her most recent role as Vice President, Strategic Initiatives at Rick Hansen Foundation, Sarah’s responsibilities encompassed strategic and operational planning, program implementation, and the stewardship of impactful business development strategies. She led a robust team across four key departments, Accessibility Certification, Accessibility Advisory Services social enterprise, School Program and Marketing/Communications, significantly advancing the Foundation’s mission of accessibility and inclusion. Under her leadership, the organization successfully launched and implemented the RHF Accessibility Certification, an innovative program that has rated almost 2,000 buildings and trained over 2,600 professionals, promoting inclusivity across various sectors. Sarah’s strategic direction facilitated the development of Accessibility Advisory Services, a social enterprise that advises on accessibility improvements, reflecting her commitment to building inclusive communities. Additionally, Sarah led the expansion of the RHF School Program, which has reached over 270,000 children since 2016, educating young people about diversity and accessibility. Her ability to lead her team in securing and executing on over $20 million in government funding for Accessibility Certification exemplifies her prowess in forging substantial government and corporate partnerships, further enhancing outreach and impact.

Prior to her role at the Rick Hansen Foundation, Sarah was the Executive Director at the International Society for Nurses in Cancer Care and other notable non-profits, where she drove significant advancements in policy and governance on an international scale. Her efforts in these roles were pivotal in influencing policy development and setting global standards.

Sarah is a Member of the Strategy Committee for the Accelerating Accessibility Coalition at Urban Land Institute Toronto, and was previously a Member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. She was also a Member of the Accessibility Roadmap Research Project Advisory Panel at the Canadian Standards Association, and was a Member of the National Advisory Committee, Future of Public Education at People for Education.

Sarah holds a Master of Business Administration, Strategic Management from the University of British Columbia, Master of Science, Pharmacology and Therapeutics from the University of British Columbia and Bachelor of Science, Behavior, Cognition and Neuroscience from the University of Windsor.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Sarah in her new role. We look forward to her contributions and leadership in achieving our strategic objectives and furthering our mission.

As Sarah McCarthy steps into her new role as CEO, we pause to honor and express our profound gratitude to Shelley White for her distinguished tenure at the Responsible Gambling Council. Shelley’s leadership has been transformative, steering the RGC through significant initiatives that have expanded our reach and deepened our impact. Her strategic foresight was instrumental in launching groundbreaking programs that have set industry standards in responsible gambling. Her passion for advocacy and her commitment to our cause have not only enriched our organization but also the broader community we serve. As Shelley embarks on her well-earned retirement, RGC reflects on her legacy of innovation and leadership, and we extend our heartfelt thanks for her years of dedicated service.

About the Responsible Gambling Council 

The Responsible Gambling Council is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to problem gambling prevention. RGC has been a leader in youth gambling prevention in Ontario for over 20 years, developing evidence-based educational programs that reach students, parents, and educators across the province. Through research, community partnerships, and innovative prevention strategies, RGC works to ensure that young people understand gambling risks and know how to access support. Learn more at responsiblegambling.org. 

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