Rolinski stepping down as Hospital Foundation Executive Director

Penny Rolinski

Penny Rolinski is stepping down from her position as executive director at the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation.

But Rolinski, at the helm for the past two and a half years, will not be leaving the foundation entirely.

“I started this job planning to stay until the new hospital was built, but life gets in the way sometimes. This change just means I’ll be involved in other ways – including as a volunteer and as a monthly donor to the new hospital campaign,” she said.

Foundation chair Monica Alyea credits Rolinski with increasing the foundation’s profile in the community, strengthening relationships and with broadening donor giving options.

“She has committed to continuing in a capacity that allows the foundation to benefit from her wealth of experience, knowledge and energy,” said Alyea. “Penny’s skills and concentrated engagement on behalf of the foundation have expanded our community profile.”

“If ever there was a good time to step down, this is it,” said Rolinski. “The Hospital Foundation is financially strong and plans for the new hospital campaign are coming together exactly as I could have hoped. The Hospital Foundation is in a really good place.”

Rolinski has put in place many of the big-picture planning pieces required to raise the community’s $12.7 million share of the new hospital cost.

“This is a family decision, based on the changing needs of my family over the next few years to enable my daughter’s continuing education at a new school, in the wake of a school closing. I know many PEC families are facing similar challenges.”

Rolinski is stepping down as executive director, effective the end of June.

Alyea said that together with Communication Coordinator, Briar Boyce and Campaign Manager, Marthe Robertson, the foundation will be well represented in the community.

“Penny has brought the board to a better understanding of charitable fundraising and related data management. She has strengthened our working relationship with Quinte Health Care through her participation at the various planning forums for new equipment and toward building a new hospital,” said Alyea. “And, she has put in motion the Capital Campaign Planning process that led to hiring Ms. Robertson as our campaign manager.”

Alyea said the foundation is a much stronger organization as a result of Rolinski’s guidance and management.

“We regret that she can no longer lead our organization as executive director, but we are delighted that she will continue to work with us toward the goal of building a new hospital in the County.”

Rolinski’s four-month notice allows the foundation time to launch a search for a replacement. Advertising for the full-time position will be published toward the end of March.