Barbara McConnell receives 2026 Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award

Barbara McConnell (fourth from left), recipient of the 2026 Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award, is joined by family, friends, and foundation supporters following the presentation. Pictured from left, are: Leo Finnegan, Foundation Past Chair and namesake of the award; Monica Alyea, former Foundation Chair and award nominator; Jennifer Weaver; Nancy Parks, Chair of the Back the Build Campaign Cabinet and award nominator; Mike McConnell; Susan Howson; Shannon Coull, Executive Director of the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation; and additional family and friends.

Barbara McConnell has been named recipient of the 2026 Leo Finnegan Distinguished Service Award (LFDSA) presented by the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital (PECMH) Foundation.

She was honoured during the foundation’s annual meeting June 25, held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Wellington. The award was presented by former board chairperson, Leo Finnegan and foundation executive director Shannon Coull.

Named in honour of its inaugural recipient, Leo Finnegan, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to philanthropy, volunteerism, donor stewardship, and community leadership in support of PECMH Foundation’s mission.

Barbara McConnell

McConnell’s involvement with the foundation spans more than a decade. What began as volunteer support with communications and speech writing evolved into a leadership journey that included serving as a strategic advisor, board director, vice-hair, chairperson, donor, and champion for local healthcare.

A communications professional and founder of McConnell Weaver Strategic Communications, Barbara has an extensive background in strategic planning and implementation. For example, she was instrumental in rolling out and advancing the successful blue box and electronics recycling programs in Ontario and across Canada.

Here, she was honoured for bringing a thoughtful and collaborative approach to governance, strategic planning, and community engagement to the foundation. Her leadership helped guide the foundation through a period of significant change, including healthcare system restructuring, the approval and planning of the new Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Barbara’s contributions to the foundation extend far beyond any title she has held,” said Coull. “She brought wisdom, strategic insight, and an unwavering commitment to our community. Her leadership helped strengthen our foundation during some of the most important years in our history, and her impact will continue to be felt for generations through the new hospital project she helped advance.”

Colleagues describe her as a thoughtful leader who consistently brought people together around a shared vision for healthcare in Prince Edward County.

“Barbara has a remarkable ability to help people find common ground and move important work forward,” said Peggy Payne, chairperson of the PECMH Foundation Board of Directors. “She led with integrity, generosity, and optimism, always keeping the needs of our hospital and community at the centre of every conversation. We are honoured to recognize her contributions with this award.”

Beyond her work with the foundation, McConnell has been an active community volunteer. She served as volunteer editor of the South Marysburgh Mirror, helping preserve a local publication and strengthen community connections. She has also been recognized with both the South Marysburgh Citizenship Medal and the Murray Clapp Citizenship Award for her volunteer service.

“Barbara’s leadership and advocacy played an important role in helping move the vision of a new hospital forward,” said Finnegan. “She brought passion, experience, and a deep belief in the importance of local healthcare. Prince Edward County is stronger because of her contributions.”

“I am both moved and honoured to be presented with this award. It was Leo who first got me involved in the work of the hospital foundation, and for that I am grateful,” McConnell said. “Having the opportunity to make a contribution to advancing health care in our community through the Foundation’s work and the building of this new, great hospital is indeed a hallmark for me.”

The Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation raises funds to advance health care for the people of Prince Edward County, including the construction and equipment of a new hospital. For more information or to lend your support, visit www.pecmhf.ca