Board Director

Empowered Kids Ontario is writing the next chapter in its almost 50-year history.

Our strategic plan is the foundation for the current and next generation of EKO members whose delivery of developmental healthcare means kids with disabilities and developmental needs and their families live their best lives.

Through advocacy and representation, thought leadership, knowledge exchange, and innovation EKO advances developmental healthcare and provides value to our growing membership of publicly supported, community-based health agencies that provide clinical care and programs to more than 200,000 kids with disabilities and developmental needs every year.

We are a founding member of the Children’s Health Coalition, a collective of Ontario’s eight leading children’s health organizations representing the province’s expertise in pediatric health care and research; together we deliver every kind of care a child could need, and we see how the elements of care work together to support kids and families no matter what challenges they are facing.

EKO is a federally incorporated registered charitable member organization.

Follow us: @EmpoweredKidsON facebook.com/ @EmpoweredKidsON Instagram.com/empoweredkids LinkedIn.empoweredkidsontario

The Opportunity
Empowered Kids Ontario is seeking dedicated leaders to join our Board of Directors. We’re on a mission to transform children’s health in Ontario by expanding access to the developmental healthcare that is foundational to lifelong health. EKO seeks to leverage the association’s remarkable assets to accelerate progress and maximize impact for our members. Our aspirations are ambitious and our board is pivotal to our goal to significantly influence the way Ontarians understand, value, and invest in developmental healthcare.

Desired Skills & Expertise

We are looking for diverse leaders with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Legal & Regulatory Matters
• Government & Government Relations
• Healthcare Leadership

A culture of respect and inclusivity is a cornerstone of our operations. Variety of thought and perspective is essential to achieving our goals. We actively recruit volunteers and staff who represent the diversity of living experiences of the communities our members serve. As a provincial association, EKO is interested in candidate representation across Ontario.

Board Member Responsibilities

• Mission & Strategy: Advance EKO’s mission, and strategic direction
• Fiduciary Duty: Ensure sound financial management and legal compliance
• Advocacy: Act as an ambassador for the association
• Term & Time Commitment:
  • Term: New directors serve a three-year term beginning in the fall and may serve one subsequent term
  • Commitment: Directors attend six board meetings per year including at least one meeting that is in-person, may serve on one committee, and consult on matters related to their area of expertise.

Why Join Us?

• Make an impact for the one in six Ontario kids and families across the province who benefit from the community-based clinical care and programs provided by EKO members that can change the trajectory of a child’s life
• Build your leadership skills and professional network
• Collaborate with a diverse group of passionate professionals
• Network with other influential leaders

How to Apply

With accessibility and inclusivity top of mind, we welcome your expressions of interest via your preferred format e.g., email, telephone, audio recording, or video recording. If you need assistance or have any questions, please contact Caroline Davidson at cdavidson@empoweredkidsontario.ca

Please submit your expression of interest along with a cv, to cdavidson@empoweredkidsontario.ca and include “Board application” in the subject line. Interested candidates are also asked to complete the skills matrix survey.

The deadline for applications is Friday June 12, 2026, 5 pm.

We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for an interview will be contacted. The Board Nominating & Governance Committee will recommend a slate to the full Board for approval, and to the EKO membership at the virtual Annual Meeting in November.