After an extensive and competitive executive search, Louise Smith has been appointed by the Board of Directors as the next Chief Executive Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities Toronto. Louise will commence her role on April 1, 2025.  

“Louise’s authenticity, warmth, and caring nature stood out immediately. And then we saw the extensive depth of her operational experience, her empowering leadership style, and her strong listening and communication skills,” commented Aric Bhargava, Chair of RMHC Toronto’s Board of Directors. “We are delighted and fortunate to have recruited a leader of Louise’s experience and calibre to join our essential mission in service of families.”

Louise brings nearly 25 years of leadership experience within the non-profit sector, serving in a variety of impactful roles in service of vulnerable children, youth, and families. Since 2019, Louise has worked at Eva’s Initiatives for Homeless Youth, where she is Executive Director. Under her leadership, the organization navigated challenging times, including the uncertainty of COVID-19, ensuring that young people continued to receive the support they needed. Together with the board and staff she led the development of a new strategic plan that reaffirmed Eva’s commitment to youth, and redefined the vision, mission, and values – grounding them in the legacy of Eva Smith and centring Black youth, while ensuring that every young person who walks through Eva’s doors knows they belong.

Previously, Louise worked at Covenant House Toronto, leading government and community relations. Earlier in her career, Louise spent 18 years working with the YMCA of Greater Toronto in progressively senior roles focused on Youth Outreach & Intervention.    

Louise Smith

“I’m delighted to join RMHC Toronto, an organization I’ve long admired for their unwavering commitment to serving families with sick children.” said Louise, adding, “I am excited about the opportunities ahead, working together with RMHC Toronto staff, volunteers and the Board, to deepen our support of families when they need it most.”

A committed and active volunteer, Louise has served on several not-for-profit boards including Toronto’s East End Community Health Centre, the Toronto Shelter Network, and Read Up Reading Clubs which supports literacy for children. Louise has also served as Co-Chair of the Toronto Youth Interagency Shelter Network, and Co-Chair of A Way Home Toronto, as well as being a Leadership Committee member of the National Learning Community for Shelters.

In Canada, two out of three families live outside a city with a children’s hospital and must travel for treatment if their child is seriously ill or injured. The impact of RMHC across Canada is far reaching as today, 1 in 4 Canadians have either stayed with RMHC or know someone who has. More than a place to stay, RMHC Toronto gives families the support and resources they need so they can focus on what matters most – caring for their child. 

Ronald McDonald House Charities® Toronto, the first of its kind in Canada, provides families with holistic support and services such as accommodations, nutritious meals, a K-12 private school and wellness programming, while the seven Ronald McDonald Family Rooms® provide a comfortable place for families to rest, recharge and refuel without having to leave the hospital. In 2024, RMHC Toronto proudly served more than 4,300 families across all programs. 

For more information:

Aric Bhargava 
Board Chair, RMHC Toronto 
bhargava.aric@gmail.com

Allison Urowitz 
Vice President, Development & Marketing, RMHC Toronto 
(416)-977-0458