Rotel Foundation Inc. Board Members

Click Here: 2026 Rotel Board Recruitment Brief FINAL.pdf

OVERVIEW OF ROTEL
At Rotel, we believe no one should have to worry about where they will sleep while seeking medical care, or while supporting a loved one who is hospitalized.

For nearly 40 years, Rotel Foundation Inc. (Rotel) has provided safe, affordable, and compassionate accommodation for patients and their families who must travel to Ottawa for treatment.
Located near both The Ottawa Hospital and Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), Rotel offers more than a place to stay, it offers comfort and peace of mind during some of life’s most difficult moments.

When families are facing illness, long-distance travel, and uncertainty, even basic needs like housing can become overwhelming. Rotel is a registered Canadian charity that exists to remove that burden, ensuring that patients and caregivers can focus on healing, recovery, and being together.

Since opening its doors in 1986, Rotel has welcomed families from across Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec, Nunavut, and beyond. With more than 186,000 room nights provided and an estimated $23 million saved in accommodation costs, Rotel has become an essential part of the region’s healthcare support system.

As a charitable, community-supported organization founded by the Rotary Club of Ottawa South, Rotel receives no core government funding for its affordable services. Its impact is made possible through donor generosity, room revenue, fundraising, volunteers, and strong community partnerships.

Rotel’s work is grounded in a simple belief: access to health care should not depend on geography, finances, or circumstance.

By keeping families close to care, Rotel helps ensure that healing happens with dignity, support, and hope.


GOVERNANCE
Rotel Foundation Inc. (Rotel) is governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors that provides strategic leadership, fiduciary oversight, and stewardship of the organization’s mission and resources.

The Board is responsible for overseeing the affairs of Rotel by establishing policies, ensuring financial accountability, supporting long-term sustainability, and helping to guide the strategic direction of the organization. Directors ensure that Rotel operates in accordance with its bylaws, charitable obligations,
and the highest standards of governance and ethical conduct.

The Commitment of Board Members:

The continued success of Rotel depends on the personal commitment and active involvement of its volunteer Board of Directors. Board service is both a leadership responsibility and an opportunity to help ensure that patients and families can remain close to care when they need it most.

The Board consists of directors serving one-year terms, with annual reappointment through the Annual General Meeting. Directors are eligible for reappointment and often serve multiple consecutive terms, providing both continuity and fresh perspective to Board leadership.

An effective Board depends on each director having a clear understanding of how to contribute and how success is measured. Board members are expected to attend regular Board meetings, with a minimum of six meetings held annually, primarily on weekdays at noon EST. Directors are also asked to
attend the Annual General Meeting and participate actively in strategic discussions, governance oversight, and long-term planning.

As part of Board service, all directors serve on at least one Board committee. Committees provide more focused oversight and support in key areas and currently include Building & Infrastructure, Governance, Finance, Human Resources, Fundraising and Outreach. Board members are not remunerated for their service, but reasonable expenses related to approved
Board responsibilities may be reimbursed in accordance with policy.

Desired Skills and Competencies:
The Governance Committee is seeking two or three new directors for the 2026–2027 term. Preferred candidates will bring strategic perspective, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to community service. They will be able to contribute thoughtfully across a range of governance and business matters while helping to foster a constructive and collaborative boardroom culture.

Candidates should offer one or more of the following priority skills and competencies:

• Accounting/ Finance
• Healthcare Administration or Social Services Experience
• Legal Expertise

Rotel values diverse lived experience, community leadership, and perspectives that strengthen the Board’s ability to reflect and serve the patients, families, and communities connected to its mission.

NOMINATIONS PROCESS

Candidates for Rotel's Board of Directors may be nominated by a current Board Member. Individuals may also apply through self-nomination.

Nominations from a current member of Rotel's Board of Directors should include a letter of nomination as well as a CV of the nominee including their contact information.

Individual self-nominations should provide a cover letter expressing their interest as well as their CV including contact information.

To be considered for election in 2026, nominations must be received by end of business on Tuesday, June 30 2026. Please send you expression of interest to:

Scott Vetter
President and Chair, Rotel Foundation Inc.
scott.vetter@rotel.ca

The Governance Committee will review all nominations. Select candidates will be interviewed in July/August and be welcomed to the board in September, 2026.

LEARN MORE
We invite you to learn more at www.rotel.ca